Andrea Huser races prolifically so it’s no surprise that she’s in Chamonix this week, where she’ll be racing UTMB for the second time in three runnings. In the following interview, Andrea talks about her previous experience running the UTMB-week races, how her season has gone, and what she’s hoping to accomplish this weekend.
For what other women are running, check out our, women’s preview. While you’re at it, take a look at our full men’s preview. Be sure to follow our live coverage on Friday and Saturday.
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Andrea Huser Pre-2016 UTMB Interview Transcript
Pre-2016 UTMB: Andrea Huser
iRunFar: Bryon Powell of iRunFar here with Andrea Huser before the UTMB 2016. How are you?
Andrea Huser: Hello. I’m good.
iRunFar: This is not your first time in Chamonix. You’ve raced here the last two years. Last year you won the TDS. The year before, fifth at UTMB?
Huser: Eighth.
iRunFar: Okay. How was your experience when you last ran UTMB?
Huser: It was my first long-distance ultra-trail. I had a very good experience there. I learned a lot about ultra-trails since two years ago.
iRunFar: Did you have any problems during your first UTMB?
Huser: Oh, yes. I had a lot of pain in my legs from the long downhills. I wasn’t experienced with long downhills. I was thinking once to give up. I didn’t. At the end, it got better and then I had a good feeling.
iRunFar: The last two years you’ve raced so many races. You have a lot more experience now. Do you think it will feel like a new race to run UTMB with all of this experience?
Huser: Yes. I think so. Yes. I have a lot of experience now. I know what to expect.
iRunFar: How was your run at TDS last year?
Huser: It was great. It was one of my best wins because it was very many people…
iRunFar: At the finish, was it an amazing feeling?
Huser: Yes, it was amazing.
iRunFar: At the finish of UTMB, it’s even more spectacular. You must be looking forward to that.
Huser: Yes.
iRunFar: You’ve been running a lot of races again this year. What have been some of the highlights of your year?
Huser: Last year?
iRunFar: This year.
Huser: Lavaredo Ultra [Trail], my first [Ultra-Trail] World Tour win. That makes me very happy.
iRunFar: Was it a close battle, or were you in control of the race the whole time?
Huser: I was in control the whole time. I didn’t expect I could win. Rory [Bosio] was on the starting line. It was a surprise for me.
iRunFar: She’s there again.
Huser: Yes.
iRunFar: You now have some wins and a lot of podium finishes. What can you expect to run here at UTMB? Do you have a goal?
Huser: Yes, here we have a high level and experienced ultra-trail runners. My goal is top five would be very good.
iRunFar: Top-five and maybe on your best day on the podium?
Huser: Yes, but that’s too difficult, I think.
iRunFar: What are you most excited about for this weekend?
Huser: I think the temperature. The heat will be a challenge. I like it when it’s hot, but I have to drink a lot, and that’s a big challenge. I just will start and see what’s going on.
iRunFar: With many races so far in your year, how do your legs feel? Do you feel rested and strong?
Huser: Now, I feel rested and strong.
iRunFar: When was your last race?
Huser: My last race was last Sunday, but it was only a half marathon uphill.
iRunFar: But you’ve recovered?
Huser: I hope.
iRunFar: Why did you race last weekend with UTMB so near?
Huser: It was a race up the Schilthorn in my area where I live and a very nice race. I could do it before work. Anyway, it’s to train.
iRunFar: You ran a half marathon and went to work. Perfect recovery.
Huser: Yes, perfect. It’s good.
iRunFar: In the races that you run, do you ever end up running with other top women? Do you spend time with them and talk at all, or are you very focused in a race?
Huser: It depends how I feel. Yeah, I think at the beginning of the race when I can run easily and hope I can run so we can talk, but I’m not a very… the one who talks all the time. It’s always nice to meet the running girls that I know now.
iRunFar: There are a lot of top women in the race this year. Do you expect to be near any of them in particular? Are there any women you end up running with more often than others?
Huser: I think I’ll run after the top women because I don’t start very fast. I can’t.
iRunFar: You’re just steady and consistent? That’s your style?
Huser: Yes. Yes, that’s my style and my body.
iRunFar: A lot of the women in this race go out very fast.
Huser: Yeah, I think so.
iRunFar: You’ll be looking for them in the second half.
Huser: Yes, I will see how it’s going all of the race.
iRunFar: Good luck. Enjoy the race.
Huser: Thank you. Thank you.
