“I love running in places I’ve never been to before”, says Spanish ultrarunner Nύria Picas

This interview first appeared in Ultrarunning.com the days previous to the Ultra-Trail Mt Fuji race in Japan. Since Núria Picas actually won the race, we want to show her profile in this intimate interview about her.

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By Verena Levy

If there was one thing I knew about Nύria Picas, it was that between her job as a firefighter, her family and her training is the fact that she clearly has very little time to attend media interviews. In order to make this easier for her, I did not hesitate for a moment in getting myself to Berga, a small town in Catalonia where she lives. On arrival, I telephoned Nύria to agree on a time for our meeting. She was of course in the middle of a training session; she answered breathlessly “I’ll call you back when I’m done”.

We agreed to meet at the outstanding fitness center where she trains. Lluís Soler would be taking some photographs to accompany the article. Nύria moments later appeared relaxed and smiling, with her partner and along with her children; a pair of lovely twins aged three who were ready for their swimming lesson and lots of running around!   

(Photo: Lluís Soler)

At this time the weather was awful outside; gray and rainy definitely not the best day for an outside photo-shoot. We then decide to go straight to a cozy bar in town to talk. Just to break the ice, I ask her about “La Patum”, the town’s festivity listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.  As she goes on about it, she smiles widely and says:  “La Patum is the time when Nύria Picas the ultrarunner disappears completely.  I enjoy partying; I like traditional celebrations, popular festivals and drinking beer”.  With that stated, there was no doubt about what to order at the bar...

However, I remember seeing pictures of her while racing, looking so serious and meticulous.  That person is totally unrelated to the Nύria in front of me, twiddling childishly with a curl coming out of her ponytail.  During our chat, I realize that there’s this particular Nύria and then a very different one when competing. She explains “I try to have all things under control, mentally set to feed my body properly and being careful to avoid tripping over”.

Just to give you an idea of this prolific athlete; she’s currently considered the equal to ‘Kilian Jornet’ and second to none on the ladies side. Born and raised as a Catalonian, Nύria is also an advocate and proud one.  Now that she is in the spotlight, she still gets to have fun at races but she also misses the peace and silence she enjoyed when nobody was watching.  “After all, I ran my first marathon in the past century.  Some people are just unaware that I’ve been running with a number for the past 20 years!” she says, while waving hello to some people in the bar.  Every local knows who Nύria Picas is, even if it is only been four years since she decided to move to Berga, in order to be closer to the mountains.  She describes this spot as “a luxury outdoor gym”.


“How did you get into this sport?” this question is indeed a pertinent one.

NP:  My parents are both mountaineers and they used to take me hiking and climbing.  Actually, my father took part in a Mt. Makalu, the 5th highest mountain, in the Himalayas expedition in the 70’s.  I was born in this environment.

VL:  That’s not surprising.  A chip off the old block.

NP:  Well, I’m not so sure, because my older brother is not into sports at all.  He prefers the finance world and reading in his office.

VL:  But have you ever been rebellious, by any chance?

NP:  Oh yes.  When I was 15, I just wanted to ride my motorcycle, go to the movies, play table soccer and drink beer with my friends.

VL: No, really?

NP: Oh, yes!  I had my first binge at that age.  Later, when I was 17, I went back to sports and I gave up that entire scene to do potholing, mountain bike and more and more mountain climbing.

This interdisciplinary background throughout her career makes a huge difference, according to Nύria.  “I’m very much a mountaineer.  I run as part of an alpine sport culture, not track and field”, she remarks emphatically.

By the time this is published, Nύria will be in Japan with Anton Krupicka and Joe Grant, her fellow runners at the Buff sponsored team.  They want to survey the course and to acclimate themselves before the Mt. Fuji Ultra Trail (UTMF), on April 25th.

After coming 1st female in Transgrancanaria run last month, Nύria is in good position to win in Japan.  And she is well aware of that.  Nevertheless, when asked about her goal, she is cautious and answers:  “As usual:  slowly, steadily and cold blooded”.

(Photo: Carlos Días-Recio)

Her strong point is her speed when running the ridges downhill.  This woman knows how to run super-fast!  She can also be very tactical, assessing her contenders and planning her strategy whether she is in the lead or a chaser.

VL:  After UTMF you have Transvulcania, Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) and Ultrapirineu, nothing more or nothing less.  The above mentioned are one of the most celebrated ultra-events in Europe, with world-class ultrarunners taking part.

“Well, we’ll see...  I’ll only race Transvulcania if I have a good recovery from Mt. Fuji.  They’re only 15 days apart and it’s a little bit rushed.  Ultra races are very demanding and there’s the UTMB at the end of August.  This is definitely my biggest challenge for 2014 and it makes me very excited.  This is the one race that any ultrarunner would like to pull once in a lifetime”, she confesses with shining blue eyes.  In case you have forgotten, Nύria placed 2nd female at 2013 UTMB.

VL:  And what about the US?  When do you plan running across the pond?

NP:  I have been to New York City, but I’ve never ran in America so far.  I can’t wait to go to the States!  Maybe I have the chance to race Speedgoat or The Rut this year, but I’m not sure.  I would say 2015 will be a good time for me to attempt one of the more emblematic races over there.  I’m thinking about Hardrock 100, Western States or Leadville.

VL:  Do you intend to go and smash it?

NP:  As my life and sports is all one, what I want above all is to travel the world, get to know different countries, meet new people and to improve my English.  From then, running and giving everything I have becomes second goal.  Winning depends sometimes on how a race unfolds.

Nύria is 37 years-old, though she is in her finest form at this moment but being as relentless as she is, I think it will be not long before we see her attempting more and more alpine sports, at higher altitudes, very likely using ice axes and crampons.  I picture her being always in good company, whether it is some other adventure with friends or teaching her kids just as her parents taught her.

Before wrapping up our conversation, Nύria takes a last sip of beer and adds: “If I run a good race at UTMB, I might take a vacation” she says with an enigmatic smile.  As we leave the bar, her cell phone rings and she answers in Catalan, her mother tongue.  It is one of the girls she is meeting next.

“Old friends I presume”, I dare to ask.

She answers right away:  “Oh, yes!  They’re the same bunch of people I used to party with when I was 15!”. Nύria laughs naughtily…

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Núria Picas’ track record:

Verena Levy and Núria Picas

1st female at 2014 Transgrancanaria
2nd female at 2013 UTMB
1st female at 2012 Skyseries Ultra Trail World Champion
1st female at 2012 Cavalls del Vent and broke her own race record
1st female at 2012 SkyMarathon, SkyDuathlon and SkyBike World Championship
1st female at 2011 Cavalls del Vent and set female race record
1st female at 2010 Mount Kinabalu Internationa Climbathon

The top 5 meals at Gusi’s

Gusi’s eatery and bar is nearly an institution amongst mountain sports people in Catalonia.  Casual atmosphere, Gusi serves unpretentious and absolutely authentic home cooking.  It also displays top athletes posters and trail running paraphernalia all over the place. 

David Torrecilla is the soul behind Gusi’s since he had the vision to transform it into a trail running-themed eating spot in the Pyrenees.  When not outdoors, he enjoys chatting and making customers smile.  And keeping updated his social media accounts, too!  Apart from the good food and lovely staff, we get the feeling that Gusi is a place to see and to be seen...  It is almost as if every time someone thrusts the door open, it could be a poster hero taking action in the real world.

Run and Tour was invited into the kitchen and we could learn the small things that make their food so great.  We’ve collected 5 classic Gusi’s dishes that you can make at home in 3 steps.  Are you ready?
 
Nº 1.  The humble ham and cheese toast, with a Catalan touch

• Grill on both sides some slices of rustic bread pan and rub a ripe tomato cut in half.
• Drizzle generously with olive oil.
• Top with slices of ham and cheese to completely cover the toast.

It’s pretty basic, but once you do the tomato-rub, you won’t be going back!

Nº 2.  Toast with Catalan sausage

• Cut the sausage lengthwise but be careful to not cut the casing all the way through.  Slap the blade of the knife to smash the sausage.
• Place the open sausage on a griddle, with the casing side facing up to avoid the skin from bursting. When the bottom is golden, flip the sausage and drizzle with olive oil.  No need to salt. 
• Serve immediately on a toast rubbed with ripe tomato.

 

A trick:  while the sausage is on the griddle, you can drizzle it, if you like, with a tiny bit of red wine.

Gusi’s secret:  Made especially for Gusi, these one-foot sausages are never older than 24 hours when they are cooked.  They are additive and preservative free, too.  Do not miss it.  Gusi can prepare up to 100 of these in a busy day.



Nº 3. Thick and delicious steak served with sauted beans and salad

• Heat oil in a large skillet and quickly stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic.  Add cooked white beans and move them around gently being careful not to break them.
• Meanwhile, preheat the griddle as hot as you can get it.  Sprinkle salt on the steak and add it to the griddle to sear it off.  Flip the meat often until done the way you like it. 
• Serve with a side salad.

Gusi’s secret:  Steaks typically weighing in around 10 ounces, the diner only uses wet-aged beef.  This aging method only takes a few days , and it makes the meat more tender and flavorful.  You will be dreaming about this dish for days.

There are more versions for this:  lamb chops instead of steak, and crispy fries instead of white beans. 

Nº 4. Indulgent bread with hazelnut chocolate spread

This is Kilian Jornet’s favorite snack.

• Cut half a baguette lenghtwise.
• Spread generously each side with Nutella.
• Eat immediately and forget the calories for a day.

Nº 5. Cap i pota

This dish is a lot more elaborate and its ingredients may be hard to find in some countries.  Instead of a 3-step recipe, we’re only sharing a couple of photos just to give you an idea.

Cap i pota is the most successful meal at Gusi’s.  It consist of  chunks of calf’s snout and trotters in the form of a thick stew.  Too adventurous for you?  People come here especially to order this dish.

To round off your meal, David recommends ecological red wine Collbaix 2008, de Celler El Molí. 

Run and Tour staff doing in-depth research and practical work

Side notes:

Located at the entrance of Ribes de Freser, this restaurant may look unremarkably from outside. The cog railway station is right in front.  This train takes you up just where the Núria Queral Ultra Trail starts. 

Gusi’s restaurant is well known for its beef and sausages, but there are some vegetarian offerings, too.  If they are not on the menu you can ask for a vegetarian dish.

 
We guarantee that our guests will be treated as VIP when they come to eat here during the Núria-Queralt Tour.

“Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?”

Some of you have recently asked what is the documentation needed to travel to Spain.

Hi, I’m from Boston and my friend is a U.S. permanent resident.  I’m having trouble finding information on if we would need a visa to travel to Spain and take one of your tours.  If so, where do we apply for it?  What other information should I know?  I would really appreciate if you could please help me with this.

Thanks!

A. L.

Boston, MA

First, we love when we hear that you want to travel and see new places.  It’s one of life’s most rewarding experiences.  And some research should be the first rule when you decide to travel.  But yes, some websites are pretty much like a jungle out there.  If this is your first time traveling to Spain (or Europe), here’s a quick list of the entry requirements to visit this country.

Since most of our readers are from the US and Canada, we’re going to focus our answer on these two countries.

1.  US and Canadian citizens. NO VISA REQUIRED.

You will need a valid US or Canadian passport to enter Spain as a tourist for a short stay of up to 90 days.
You must have at least 6 months of validity left on your passport to enter Spain.  Otherwise, you will need to get a new passport.
You should travel with a round trip airline ticket.
It’s advised to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad.

2.  You are a US or Canada permanent resident but your passport is foreign (i.e. not from the US or Canada).

You will need to apply for a visa if your country is listed under the paragraph “Holders of passports who require a visa to enter Spain”.

3.  You are an EU citizen, or you’re a national of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.  NO VISA REQUIRED.

You only need a valid passport or ID document.


4.  You are from any other country.

You will need to apply for a visa if your country is listed under the paragraph “Holders of passports who require a visa to enter Spain”.

Other things you may want to know before your travel:

• Typically, a visa takes anywhere from 2 days to 15 days to process in the Spain Embassy/Consulate.

•  You do not need any special vaccination to enter the country.   

• Nevertheless, if it has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus booster, it is advised to bring your immunizations up to date, especially if you’re going to be surrounded by nature.

•  If you’re traveling from the US, Canada or a country outside the EU, you cannot bring any meat, dairy or other animal products.   

• You only need to declare cash if you are carrying over 6.000 € (or the equivalent value in other currencies). 6.000 EUR is approximately 8.154 USD or 9.101 CAD.

At Run and Tour we want to make your trip more enjoyable. Please check our commitment, and if you have any more comments or questions, we’ll be happy to hear them.  

The 3 summits of my Pyrenean life

Déjame vivir (Let me live), the second film in the Summits of my life series, was released a few days ago (March 27^th, 2014), as part of Kilian Jornet’s personal project.  In this installment, we can follow Kilian running up and down Mont Blanc (broke the record), the Matterhorn (broke the record again) and Mount Elbrus attempt.  Brutal!  The film is technically superb, adventurous, inspiring, heartfelt and fun.  You won’t be disappointed!

Maybe one day I will be able to get closer to these mountains as well.  Why not?  Sky is the limit (for Kilian, that’s really true).  A complete different thing is the physical conditions, training and skills required.  But I’m working on that…  In the meantime, I release my desire to live, running around other summits that are also beautiful and mystical.

If you want to approach the highest peaks within the Pyrenees mountain range, there is one particular place, almost hidden, where you should go to:  Benasque Valley.  We mentioned it in our previous post, but today we’re aiming higher.

There are 200-some-odd peaks in the Pyrenees above 3000 m and a significant part of them are in Benasque Valley.  In addition, Europe’s southernmost glaciers are also here.

These are Pyrenees top 3 highest peaks:

Aneto (3,404 m / 11,168 ft)

Made of granite (an ice!), Aneto is king.  It gets its name for the village that stands at its foothills.  It has the largest glacier of the entire Pyrenees, but it’s unlikely the Aneto glacier will survive past 2050 due to climate change.

Posets (3,375 m / 11,073 ft)

Despite being the second highest, Posets peak is often overlooked, even by mountain specialists.  Maybe a mountain worth re-discovering?

•  Aneto is part of the views you will enjoy in the Aneto Tour   
•  Those who choose to take part in the Gran Trail will get to see Aneto and Posets as well. 
•   Both peaks are part of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. 

    Monte Perdido (3,355 m / 11,007 ft)

      If we consider the the five highest Pyrenean peaks, only Monte Perdido is out of the boundaries of what is called Benasque Valley.  Curious fact:  200 years ago this mountain was thought to be the highest one.  This comes to show once again how “hidden” and “unknown” this valley has been.