Quebecer Marianne Hogan achieved a tour de force by finishing second in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, the discipline’s Super Bowl. Even if his body let go, it was his state of mind that allowed him to complete the 170 kilometer course.
Posted at 6:00 a.m.
Exactly 24 hours, 31 minutes and 22 seconds. This is the time that will have been necessary for Marianne Hogan to climb on the second step of the podium of the most legendary of long endurance races, on August 27th. This was her very first participation.
Back in Montreal, Hogan is just beginning to realize what has happened in the French Alps. “It’s a bit vague,” she said from the outset, during a videoconference interview.
A turning point in history
She is aware that her result marks a turning point in the history of Quebec athletics, but above all she is able to see, a few days later, that the challenge was monstrous. She also notes that there is an important difference between running a long distance and performing over a long distance. Something she did brilliantly, given all the imponderables that are needed in this kind of competition.
I fall a bit into robot mode throughout the race. I think about my speed, my performance. The race goes by so fast! Sometimes I wonder how I did.
Marianne Hogan
In his opinion, what makes this competition so prestigious is its degree of difficulty. On the one hand, the route is very difficult, with its 10,000 meters of drop. Then, there is no race in the world where the level of competition is so high, because the best athletes in the world are there to seek victory.
It is however important to specify that this result is not a complete surprise. In June, she finished third at the Western Trail Run in California. A result that gave him confidence in view of his participation in the Mont Blanc event. The type of course is not the same and the American route is more accessible, she finished it in 18 hours, but at least, on the starting line in Europe, she was ready. Physically and mentally. “That’s the most important thing, when you put yourself on the starting line, you have to be ready to face the challenge you have given yourself. »
More impressively, Hogan finished the race despite unbearable pain in his left hip with 40 kilometers to go. What she calls “the end of the race”, but which represents the equivalent of a marathon.
The strength of the mind
She believes that if she was able to finish the race, it was thanks to her state of mind. Even if it takes good training and certain athletic, physiological and cardiovascular qualities, what happens between the two ears is crucial.
“After a certain point, it’s just the mind and the desire to achieve something big. It has to come on your own, otherwise it’s impossible to get to the finish line,” explained the 32-year-old athlete.
The pressure is so strong that it takes time, on returning home, to reconnect with real life and his work in human resources for a computer company in Montreal.
We experience so many intense moments in an Ultra-Trail race that there is an adaptation when we return to a normal environment. It’s been a funny transition.
Marianne Hogan
Looking back, just finishing the race is something she’s proud of. To have finished in second place is a huge bonus. Especially since at a certain moment, she had difficulty believing that she was going to be able to cross the finish line. “I’m proud to have had so much motivation. Sometimes I even wonder where this motivation comes from,” she says.
She is also extremely grateful for the support she has received from her home province. The race was broadcast live on the web and many Quebecers cheered on their compatriot. “It warms my heart and it definitely adds to my level of pride not only to be an athlete, but to be a Quebec athlete. She is one of the rare representatives of the fleur-de-lys to enjoy such success in her field.
She not only has Quebec tattooed on her heart, but also on her birth certificate, she who was born on June 24th.
Hogan already has her sights set on 2023, where she plans to repeat the California-Chamonix double. This time, maybe coming home with two gold medals.