This year, Luis Alberto Hernando has cut back on his racing and increased his focus after taking second at last year’s UTMB. In the following interview, Luis Alberto talks about why he’s raced less this season, whether being a new dad has affected his training, and why finishing second again at UTMB wouldn’t be a disappointment.
For what other men are running, check out our, men’s preview. While you’re at it, take a look at our full women’s preview. Be sure to follow our live coverage on Friday and Saturday.
[Thanks to El Gran Depa for the translation! Our apologies for the autofocus issue.]
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Luis Alberto Hernando Pre-2016 UTMB Interview Transcript
iRunFar: Bryon Powell of iRunFar here with Luis Alberto Hernando and Depa before the 2016 UTMB. How are you?
Luis Alberto Hernando: Good. I’m very well. I feel very good. I think that this is the best season he’s arrived at UTMB. I’m like new. This season, I only run three races—winner at Transvulcania, third at Zegama, and winner also at BUFF Epic Trail.
iRunFar: What made you choose to do fewer races this year?
Hernando: I think this is the best way to arrive during all the season in the best condition to run and to win because I want to win every race. I think this is very important because every year I have one more year down from the last year. Every year I can’t make the recovery as fast. I’m old.
iRunFar: You also are now a father. What is it like training while being a dad?
Hernando: I do the same type of training. I haven’t lost any hours for training because my wife helps a lot. The only thing now this season, my training workouts are with more headlights than usual.
iRunFar: Do you think you have what it takes to come across the finish line first carrying your child?
Hernando: I trained thinking I will cross the finish line first with Martin in my arms, but I don’t know if my way of training is the best way because it’s a very long race and every year my training is different. Maybe I will arrive with less kilometers than the other runners, but I don’t know what the best or correct way to train for this race.
iRunFar: No one does. You’ve run fewer races this year and maybe fewer kilometers. Have you become more fresh in the legs or the mind?
Hernando: I think that the best way to arrive here is to forget all the other races and to think only of running UTMB and no other thoughts from before is important. The focus is on this race to win and to finish.
iRunFar: The goal is to win?
Hernando: Yes, I think it’s the best race around the world. I think I want to win like every other race, but I think if I arrive in second or third position like last year, it’s very, very good result because these races are with people from all around the world who are very competitive.
iRunFar: One last question—this weekend could be warm or it could be hot. Do you think that’s an advantage for you?
Hernando: If I can choose, I’d choose a cool day but not a rainy day, of course, because I run fine also and fast in warm weather like Transvulcania, but for the best weather, I think it’s better a little cool.
iRunFar: Good luck.
Hernando: I need it.
iRunFar: [to Depa] Thank you, friend.
