I came to this race with a lot of confidence and thinking i was more than fully prepared to finish it. Completed the 7-marathon in 7-day challenge✅. 80km UTDS 2000M+ ✅. Clocked in 1-2 marathons a month since Feb 2023✅.
After 70km 4000M+ i was withdrawn at Trient. From Champex-Lac my right glute started cramping and it took me 4 hours to complete a 10km distance (1000M+). This completely messed up my head and confidence. And then night fell. After 14.5 hours of run walk hike and cramp, i got to La Giete and told the officer i would like to withdraw. The officer in his very non-expressive unimpressed face said “you have to get to Trient”. That’s a further 5km🤯. A Mexican runner tried to encourage me to go on. While i sat on the bench to (not) think anymore he brought me soup; very kind. I thought i will take a nap and see how i feel. At that time i think i had 1.5 hour time advantage before the cut off time (4am) in Trient.
The honest truth is i could not convince myself to go on. I did the time calculation in my (fuzzy) head and could not collect enough gusto to get me to the finish line. I think i was broken because of the pain endured and feeling terribly sleepy.
I took a nap at La Giete (67km). When i woke a medic gave me 2 paracetamol. I took it and went on my way to Trient. I actually felt better, and thought “hey, i might wanna try and finish the race.” Alas, it took me 1.18 hr to descend (last 1.5km was super steep) and i was just 18min too late to make the cut off time.
Ouch. It hurts the ego.
After the race i reflected on this journey. From getting that one running stone in Slovenia to finishing my 52th marathon, completing the 7-day marathon challenge and 80km ultra since Feb 2023. Without the challenge, i would not have gone the distance, neither would i learn to respect the recovery process, or the ultra endurance resilience one needs.
What went well : (1) Reaching the top of Tete de la Tronche (2600M) and Grand Col Ferret (2537M) feeling strong. The path from La Fouly to Praz de Fort was one of the best moments of this race for me. The slow descent through the forest as we approach Champex Lac (54km) felt like god-send. The track was runnable. I felt strong and good. (2) Random chats with fellow runners talking ourselves out of the pain hiking up Grand Col Ferret and Champex Lac. (3) Perfect weather condition. Certain tracks were steep and if it rained would have been slippery and less safe.
What could be done better : (1) Be in Wave 1 to gain that 30 minute time advantage. I started at Wave 3. The more races you do (5+) the higher UTMB index gained and one is better conditioned in the right environment. My trainings were mainly on roads with elevation of approx 1000M+. (2) Fueling strategy. Electrolytes. Although i ate (almost) everything available at the post, i did not consume any electrolytes. I actually forgot about them. Big noob mistake. Born was the only brand i trained with. “Naak” was served at the post but i did not take it in case it upsets the stomach. The smart thing to do is to train with it to get used to it. It also lighten up your load on race day. I figured this was the main reason it cramped. Ascending and descending was excruciating. (3) Not only go the distance in training, but climb the mountains (3000+M) until the muscles are conditioned. (4) Experience an overnight run (24 hours) so you know what to expect in a major race. (5) Build up the training mileages to avoid injury. I have taken less care with the entire training process and is now laden with injury. (6) Support crew are allowed at Champex Lac, Trient and Vallorcine. Although one can finish the entire race self-supported, this is well a luxury option because as night falls, (extra) dry inner clothings come in handy. And hey one never know how much mental strength it conjures up.
Info of the next aid station and cut off time.
Gertjan encouraged me to join the race lottery, trained together, and supported me all the way. He warned how tough it will be, but gave me enough confidence to toe the start line. In moments of despair and exuberance he is always there to witness it and comfort me. “Too bad” i did not finish but remember all the many firsts because of it. We stayed at Passy and found a gem of a lake👇🏻.
I was very lucky to get the CCC slot (first trial) from doing a 34km <2000M run (for a 100km 6000M+). A double edge sword i suppose. Since then that distance is no longer made available.
I grew very curious and fond of the Alps. Who knows, i may return. A 7-8 days hike to circle the massif du Mont Blanc and then race a 50km😃. One can always dream.
Until we meet again. 🏔️🏔️🏔️
meysrunningjourney.com 