From Hiking Boots to Ultra Distances: Francesco Carbone’s Journey into Trail Running

Trail running isn’t just a sport for Francesco Carbone – it’s a way of life shaped by the rugged landscapes of Italy’s Aosta Valley. In this episode of The Stride, Francesco reflects on his evolution from a casual hiker to a competitive ultra-distance trail runner, offering insights into the sport, the mental and physical challenges, and the lessons learned along the way.

Where It All Began: A Passion for Mountains

Born and raised in the Aosta Valley, Francesco grew up surrounded by towering peaks and endless trails. His early years were spent hiking, trekking, and enjoying outdoor adventures, but trail running as a competitive sport wasn’t on his radar. “When I was a kid, trail running wasn’t really a sport with races,” Francesco explains. “It was more about hiking and trekking.”

It wasn’t until his return to Aosta after studying engineering in Turin that Francesco decided to push his limits. Inspired by the competitive potential of trail running, he began racing. What started as a personal experiment soon became a passion. “The first race was a try… then a second, then a third. It was a step-by-step process.”

From Hobby to High-Stakes Racing

Transitioning from hiking to competitive trail running required structured training and a mindset shift. Francesco admits that his first year of training was unstructured, focused solely on enjoyment. But as his goals grew, so did his approach. “From the second year, I started following a plan from a coach… and I saw improvements,” he shares. Now, he alternates between working with coaches and using his experience to self-train, always seeking to refine his technique.

Francesco’s training regime is meticulous, with different phases throughout the year to build strength, endurance, and speed. This disciplined approach has prepared him for some of the most grueling ultra-distance races. His longest to date? A staggering 140 kilometers with 10,000 meters of elevation gain over 30 hours. “It’s like climbing Mount Everest, but running two and a half marathons first,” he quips.

The Mental Game of Trail Running

Physical preparation is critical, but Francesco emphasizes the importance of mental strength. “You must stay focused on your pace, eating, and drinking,” he explains. Maintaining consistent hydration and nutrition is essential to avoid energy crashes. Equally important is the belief in finishing. “If you think it’s too difficult, your body starts to feel worse, and you won’t reach the end.”

Francesco also highlights pacing as a key strategy, recalling his lessons from years on the trails: “Don’t start too fast. It’s better to keep a steady pace so you can finish strong.”

Chasing Goals and Breaking Barriers

Despite his incredible achievements, Francesco’s approach to goal-setting is refreshingly grounded. He prioritizes personal milestones over rankings. “I prefer to set goals for individual competitions, like completing the UTMB race in under 30 hours. Rankings depend on others, but my goals depend on me.”

His next big challenge? The UTMB race itself – a grueling 170 kilometers with 10,000 meters of elevation gain. Francesco sees this not as an endpoint but as part of his gradual progression in the sport.

For anyone dreaming of following in his footsteps, Francesco advises starting small and pacing your progress. “Don’t aim for a 100-kilometer race right away. Begin with what you enjoy and gradually increase your goals. Step by step, you’ll improve.”

Trail running isn’t just about competition; it’s about pushing human limits and embracing the solitude of the trails. For Francesco, it’s a deeply personal experience, but one he hopes will inspire others. “Humans are capable of amazing things with enough training and perseverance.”

To hear more about Francesco’s journey, his strategies for ultra-distance races, and his goals for the future, listen to the full podcast episode.