Trail Running in Patagonia: A Runner's Paradise

And my passion for trail running began living in Torres del Paine, when I used to go running on the main road, or we ventured into some more unknown trail on those quieter days of work overload, to stay in shape and distract myself. Who would have thought that a couple of years later I would run my first ultra (a race of more than 42kms) on the trails of the famous W!

Running in Patagonia requires technique, as you have to be clear that in more than a minute the wind will appear, the one that chills your bones and even takes your breath away. But then, normally the sun comes out, covering every free piece of fabric and filling it with energy. What I always find most difficult is the rain. Running in the rain, wherever I am, I don't like it. I dislike not being able to see well (although with the wind many times one is like seeing, but not really seeing as you have to huddle your head towards the shoulder, and cover yourself with it), being wet and feeling the heavy clothes. Especially because when you stop, the cold freezes you to the last hair.

For me, the ideal weather for running in Patagonia is the one that truly honors the legend that says "in Patagonia in one day you can have the four seasons of the year". And yes, running appreciates the sun, although too much tires, dehydrates and weakens. The wind is appreciated, because despite the cold, one often sweats. I almost never appreciate the rain, but a little of it can be beneficial, especially to compact the dust that is generated on the trails. What I always appreciate is that it is partially cloudy, because the clouds give a more dramatic touch to the landscape and the colors contrast more. And since I'm not one of those who runs for the podium, I take pictures and enjoy the landscape in front of me, always letting myself be amazed by the beauty that nature gives us.

I remember a few years ago at Ultra Fiord, running my second 50K (all my ultras have been 50Kms and in Patagonia), that for a good while it snowed with white wind. Luckily we had a meter of visibility, but when it stopped snowing and the wind calmed down, one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen in my life appeared. That's what trail running gives you, and especially Patagonia, since you manage to reach distances or areas that in an 8-hour hike you may not see, as you have to return. But the trail provides unique landscapes, because you cover long distances in a few hours.

The circuit of the Dientes de Navarino was my last 50K, 2 years ago. Completely untrained, clearly overweight and with little physical preparation for the race, I threw myself headfirst (because if I'm grateful for something, it's that my previous life in the mountains and years of trekking guide have given me a lot of patience and mental resistance). It was a tough race, from the beginning. I thought I wouldn't make the cut-off times, but I did. I thought I wouldn't finish it, and I did in a time that even embarrasses me to tell, but with a smile that I think I haven't taken off in years. The next day I couldn't move, but the memories of each segment of the most beautiful race I have run, until today remain intact! That's what Patagonia and running in it give you. Every time you think you've done the most beautiful race, or visited the most remote and unique place. A new one appears, and you are surprised again!

Patagonia always delivers.