So this is one of my regular training runs. You drive about 38 minutes through the mountain pass — honestly the drive alone is already pretty special — and you end up at this little village called Tizi Oussem. From there you hike up through the village to get to the actual start of the trail. Mavis is already gone by this point.
How The Day Goes:
Arriving at Tizi Oussem
40 minutes through the mountain pass and you arrive at Tizi Oussem. Then it's a hike up through the village to get to the trailhead. Good way to get the legs going before things start properly — works for Mavis and her four legs too.
Hiking the first inclines
I always hike this bit rather than run it. The incline is enough to get everything warm without going too hard too soon. Mavis never takes a wrong turn on this trail by the way. Not once. I can't really say the same.
Running to the viewpoint at the foot of the summit
Once I'm warmed up I start running properly. The trail opens up a bit here and you get into a good rhythm. I run all the way to the viewpoint at the bottom of the summit — good spot to stop, have some water and a fresh orange juice. The views over Imlil from here are really something
The final climb — it definitely gets much steeper
From the viewpoint up to the top it gets a little steeper. No running at this point — it's more of a climb and you feel it. Mavis just trotted up like it was nothing. Didn't even look bothered.
The summit — 2,660m. The reward is big.
We made it to the top and honestly the views up there are incredible. You've got mountains over 4,000m all around you — it's a lot to take in. Mavis wasn't that bothered by any of it though. She found a stick at the top and that was pretty much her highlight of the day.
Tajine lunch back in the village
Then back down to Tizi Oussem for a tajine lunch at our dear guides family home in the village. After a climb like that it genuinely tastes like one of the best things you've ever eaten. Because it kind of is!
