by Ilaria Fossati

A year later, we’re back at the “100&Lode,” a beautiful and very unique ultratrail—unknown to the general public but deeply loved by the people of Veneto…

A few kilometers north of Vicenza, in Villaverla, the start… and then up and down through the Pasubio valleys, covering a considerable elevation gain of about 4,100 meters and, of course, 100 km (with flying colors!)

Discovered by chance last year, this race has made a powerful impression on my life and memories—especially since, as the winner of the 2014 edition, the organizers were waiting for me with bib No. 1.

It was a gesture of affection and great sportsmanship toward me, and it really touched me. The reason for all that affection was obvious… just like that of so many people who have stood by me during these months of fear and have rejoiced in seeing me slowly start running again, at peace.

I think it was precisely that carefree spirit—with a touch of recklessness—that drove me to fly up and down the province of Vicenza once again.

I wasn’t expecting anything, knowing that I was still recovering and hadn’t been training much… but there are just some lucky days, and Saturday, May 2, was mine!

The Oxyburn technical garments protected me from the extremely high humidity and temperatures that weren’t exactly spring-like, without weighing me down or requiring me to layer up at high altitudes.

The TRAIL RUN 1450 compression socks were incredibly useful and, as always, perfect; the 5055 Forty Two T-shirt and the ‘5030 Shout’ pants kept my legs stable during the endless descents, allowing me to reach the finish line without any pain.

I certainly didn’t have that kind of endurance in my legs, but my heart and muscles remember… and if we give them a little help with some technology, we can finish strong. Amid the organizers’ disbelief, my own emotion, and a joyful celebration all around me, I managed once again to cross the finish line first!

A lovely fairy tale—you know, the one that goes, “…And they all lived happily ever after”?

Ilaria really did a great job: 17th overall, 12 hours, 52 minutes, 50 seconds. CONGRATULATIONS!