Dutch trail runner Ragna Debats was on flying form in 2017, taking podium spots on vertical running events and scooping the title of 2017 Skyrace Extreme Series Champion. This year looks to be similarly successful, with Ragna winning the 236km multi-day The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica (setting a new course record in the process). Thankfully the race season isn’t in full swing yet and she’s managed to squeeze some time in this month to answer my questions!

Ahead of the Trail World Championship in May, I quizzed the Merrell ambassador (and mum to 3-year-old daughter, Ona) on how she prepares for ultra distance trail events. Spoiler: it’s not the long runs you might imagine.