Dream Big: Laura Moro’s Journey to the Lavaredo Ultra Trail
“Ultras are not only for ‘supermen’; I think everybody with the right preparation and mindset can progressively approach them. Having support from friends, family, a running club or community, and a coach can make things much easier! Unfortunately, we still see more men than women running ultras, so I want to tell all the female runners out there not to limit themselves and dream big because preparing and running an ultra is a great life experience. You can do it!”
Welcome to another inspiring story from the Arduua community! Today, we are excited to share the empowering journey of Laura Moro, a passionate trail runner who has embraced the mountains and found her calling in ultra trail running. Laura’s story is a celebration of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, encouraging everyone, especially women, to dream big and take on new challenges.
Who is Laura?
Hi! My name is Laura Moro, I’m originally from Spain, and I just turned 38. I’m a former researcher and currently work as an independent consultant in science communication. A few years ago, I decided to leave the laboratory to start my own business and move closer to nature and the mountains. I live in a village in the Italian pre-Alps, near Lake Garda and the Dolomites. It’s a paradise for outdoor sports, with trails starting just on my doorstep. It’s not always easy, but I’ve chosen a lifestyle that suits me and gives me the freedom to pursue my passions.
But I have not always been so sporty. I used to do some hikes in the mountains with my family as a small child, but as a teenager and until I was 25, I was just focused on my studies and parties. At 25, I rediscovered my love for the mountains and have never stopped since then. I’m a rock climber, alpinist, and trail runner, and I’m also a certified trail running instructor in Italy.
When and why did you start with ultra trail running?
When I lived in a city, I was just doing some casual “jogging” in the park, so I didn’t really get into trail running until I moved to the Garda area. There, I met many trail runners and started doing my first short races. I also met many ultra-runners; it seemed so natural for them to have done races such as UTMB, Tor des Geants, Lavaredo Ultra Trail, etc. I didn’t even know before moving there that it was possible to run for so many kilometers! Also, my partner started doing ultras, so it seemed like an evolution, as well as a challenge, to see if I could also increase the distances I was running.
My first ultra (although a “short” one) was Garda Trentino Trail, my “home” race, a really beautiful race of 62 km and 3800 m+ passing by three lakes, in 2022. My longest race until now was 100K around Gran Sasso, the mountains in central Italy. Last year, I decided to register for a longer ultra, Lavaredo Ultra Trail (120 km with 5800 m+), to challenge myself and also because it traverses part of the Dolomites, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges that I know. Unfortunately, four days before the race, I sprained my ankle and couldn’t participate. So I decided to try again this year because I had a “score to settle”.
What do you love about ultra-running?
An ultra is like a journey; you know when you start it, but you never know if you’re going to finish it because there are so many variables. I love having the opportunity to see so many different places in a short time! I also do short races and love running fast, but in short races, you don’t have much time to look around. In ultras, you have more time to see the surroundings and talk to people. You go through so many emotions in a single day… and when you finish, you’re physically quite destroyed, but you feel so energized! I love spending “a long day out there in the mountains,” not necessarily in a race!
How have you been training and preparing for Lavaredo Ultra Trail over the last 12 months?
Last year, I trained really hard for Lavaredo Ultra Trail, but after I sprained my ankle quite badly, I had to stop for a while and almost start from zero. I did two races of around 60 km at the end of the summer and autumn, and then I took some time off from races. After I decided to register for Lavaredo Ultra Trail again, I started training with Coach David at the end of December. I’ve been consistently training since then, following the calendar and sessions proposed by David. I run 3-4 times per week and I also do some strength and mobility training, stretching, and cross-training (bike, hiking, etc.) sessions. I also train for climbing and go climbing outdoors, so I need to find a balance between both sports. I’ve been progressively increasing my training load to get ready for Lavaredo!
Do you feel ready for the race?
Yes, I think I’m ready, and I’m looking forward to it. Unfortunately, I haven’t done any race over 50 km this year for several reasons, so I’ll have to fight with several unknowns. But I think we’ve done a good job with my training, and I have a good basis. Just keep your fingers crossed for the weather! It’s been a really rainy and snowy spring here in northern Italy, and there is still so much snow in several parts of the race.
In what ways have Arduua and Coach David helped you with your training and the race?
Training with David has been very helpful. Last year, I just trained on my own for the race, so my training was basically running as many km as possible. But just before the race, I had some pains, and when I sprained my ankle, the physio told me that some overtraining could have contributed to the injury. This year, I’ve run fewer km but I’ve trained in a smarter way. The strength and mobility training and stretching have helped me a lot; I haven’t had any injury or pain during the whole year, I’ve improved in the downhills, and I’ve had good results in all the races I’ve done. David has always been very supportive, reactive, and motivating. I can feel that we’re working as a team! Similarly, the Arduua community has been very supportive and motivating!
Do you have any dreams or goals for the future and/or plans for the end of the season or next season?
Yes, I have a lot of dreams and goals! Just after Lavaredo, I’m invited to run K42 Italy, a good sky marathon. If things go well there, I may have the opportunity to go to K42 Argentina, in Patagonia next autumn.
I received the book “Epic Runs of the World” as a gift, and I would love to tick several of them off my list! I would also love to do a stage race, and I have one in mind in the Himalayas. In addition, I have some personal projects that are more “explorative”, so I’m not thinking only of doing races.
I hope to continue doing some ultras in the next few years, and I’ll definitely continue running, enjoying the mountains, and having fun!
What is your advice to other runners who want to take on a similar challenge?
Ultras are not only for “supermen”; I think everybody with the right preparation and mindset can progressively approach them. Having support from friends, family, a running club or community, and a coach can make things much easier! Unfortunately, we still see more men than women running ultras, so I want to tell all the female runners out there not to limit themselves and dream big because preparing and running an ultra is a great life experience. You can do it!
Final words
I just want to thank Arduua for the opportunity to introduce myself and share my personal story. And for all readers and Arduua members, I hope that we have the opportunity to share some running around the world 😉 In the meantime, enjoy running, have fun, and protect our beloved nature!
Thank you, Laura, for sharing your incredible journey with us
Your story is truly inspiring and a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in trail running. Best of luck with your upcoming races, and we look forward to cheering you on at the finish line!
/Katinka Nyberg, Arduua CEO/Founder
If you have any questions regarding Arduua or our training servive please contact me for any questions katinka.nyberg@arduua.com.