2T2M – A Big Loop in the Forest with Aurel

 Last Sunday, I ran the 2T2M – a race I hadn’t heard of until recently, but one I’ll definitely remember.

80 km, 3,500 meters of elevation gain, all in a single big loop through the Montmorency forest. It’s a proper trail, full of short, steep climbs and technical descents, and somehow it’s just 30 minutes from Paris. Still can’t quite believe that.

The day started at 3:45 am, when I rolled out of bed at Aurélien’s place (he lives nearby – smart move). By 5:00 we were at the start line, headlamps on, shivering in the dark. I actually love these early starts – quiet, focused, no one talking too much. Just that shared feeling of “ok, here we go.”

The course was… relentless. Constant ups and downs, rarely flat, with a lot more elevation than I expected. If I ever do it again (which I probably will), I’m bringing poles. My legs are still reminding me.

That said, the race itself was awesome. Super friendly organization, well-stocked checkpoints (solid cheese game), and clear markings all the way through. It had a great local vibe – the kind of event that feels like it’s built by trail runners, for trail runners.

Best part: I got to run most of it with Aurélien. He’s officially a trail addict now, and it was great to spend almost 10 hours side by side, joking, pushing through the tough bits, just enjoying the rhythm of it. He had to walk the last 10k due to an injury, but he didn’t complain once – super solid.

I finished feeling tired but satisfied. Nothing dramatic. Just that quiet, good feeling you get when you’ve pushed yourself, eaten well, and spent a day moving through a beautiful place with good people.

Already thinking about what’s next.