If you love trails and running, then lace up and come to Normandy! Gaylord agrees. The 43 year old is leaving Seine-Maritime and Orne behind for Eure this summer: he runs every weekend and this is his chance to explore new playgrounds. Let’s find out more.
How trail running in Normandy enhances community and performance
Gaylord Buré is a policeman from Mont-Saint-Aignan, born and bred in Normandy. The 43 year old deputy commanding officer first began running 15 years ago. “I played football originally, but repetitive injuries left me wanting a less restrictive sport with less contact.” What did he do first? He joined a club to be part of a running community. Aside from making new friends, Gaylord really got into the sport: “you see results and your performance and progress become real challenges. It’s not necessarily about medals but more about seeing how far you can go.”
It's not a drug; it's a need or outlet. I need to do something and it gives me a focus, it's a real hobby!
With five runs a week lasting 1-1.5 hours topped up by “long” runs lasting over 2 hours, Gaylord is thriving and taking running to a new level. “I plan my session, route and duration before I set off with a map,” he says. The devoted Norman also does his bit for the running community: he’s been president of the Montville club, founded the Fontaine-le-Dun club near Dieppe and vice-president of the Doudeville club near Yvetot.
“We don’t stop at training sessions, we get together socially too; it’s a community because we share a love of running but we also plan events or go on trips to take part in marathons.” The Normandy events have enabled the proud athlete to host or take part in charity runs on several occasions.
Normandy, an amazing playground
“I currently run in Ferté-Macé in Orne: there’s a water sports centre near where I work, so that means I can train and be close by if I’m called in,” says the officer who left Seine-Maritime 2 and a half years ago. When he’s not on call, he runs in the woods every week in Bagnoles-de-L’Orne, 6km away. “There’s a trail running resort and it’s an amazing setting. I grew up in Seine-Maritime so I’m a little biased, but I must admit that Orne is a beautiful, peaceful and friendly département.” The flourishing resort is suitable for all abilities and also plays host to gravel cycling: “there are lots of very well-maintained and well-organised trails, a variety of terrains and a bit of elevation.”
The forest is also easier on the joints… plus it's such a beautiful place that it gives you a break from your standard routine and you can work on your strength!
Another of his favourite haunts is in Calvados: Roche d’Oëtre deep in Suisse Normande. “First off, it feels like you’re in the mountains instead of Normandy. The landscape is jaw-dropping with lofty views.” A transfer will see the runner explore the Louviers trails with his wife and son this summer. “I’ve already found an athletics track 500m from the unit, there’s a forest, a greenway… that’s something I always check for,” he smiles.
Marathons and events
In terms of competition, the lieutenant has had some real success stories: he came 4th in 2018/2019 at the 16km Pont de Brotonne race; he and two colleagues running for Normandy won the French Gendarmerie championships… “I did the Medhi Frère – I came 9th and was French champion in the officer category. I’ve also won some races, including the one where I lived near Montville. It was a great event and my parents were there too.”
What’s his next challenge? The Seine-Eure marathon on October 20th. Three months of training with an end goal and a schedule in the diary. “My transfer to Louviers is a golden opportunity: exploring a new area will give me a boost,” says Gaylord, who had to stop training for long runs because of the pandemic and work. What’s his record? He’s hoping to beat his PB of 2 hr 57. With Louviers happening on his birthday, “the stars are aligned for me to try it! “
(Very) useful links…
Thematics
