The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman Germain Grangier | Hardrock 100 Pre-Race Interview
6 snips
Jul 10, 2025 Germain Grangier, a professional runner from France, shares his exciting journey as he trains in Colorado for the Hardrock 100. He discusses the unique contrasts between life in Isola and the vibrant Silverton community during the race. Germain reflects on the challenges of altitude training, revealing his mental strategies and resilience. The laid-back vibe of Hardrock compared to European races is explored, emphasizing its intimate roots in ultra-running. Plus, he and Dylan share some playful banter about their upcoming race and pacer roles!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Prepare for Altitude
- To race well at Hardrock, the main advice is to prepare adequately for altitude.
- Getting used to the thin air is crucial to perform and endure this challenging race.
Altitude Challenge and Adaptation
- Germain experienced a tough adaptation to altitude, having hard runs and high heart rates at first in Colorado.
- He learned to be patient and restart his training, nutrition, and recovery strategies for 3-4 weeks to adjust properly.
Rebounding from Injury Setbacks
- Germain suffered late-stage muscle coordination problems in 2024 ultras causing DNFs at UTMB and Diagonal des Fous.
- He revamped nutrition, training, and mental approach aiming for a strong finish and to run after 12-13 hours at Hardrock.