UTMB Nice training: long run
A two-day long run: balancing physical preparation and mental training
This week, my long run is spread over two days – an approach that allows me to gradually prepare my body for prolonged exertion without putting too much strain on it. The advantage? An effective training load that’s less taxing on the body. In practical terms, this means:
- Day 1: 1 hour 30 minutes of running with 300 metres of elevation gain,
- Day 2: nearly 5 hours of running and 1,300 metres of elevation gain…
Day 1 – Ouen Toro, a series of short climbs and descents
I chose Ouen Toro for this short but intense session. Setting off straight from home, I was able to focus on a specific task: tackling a series of short climbs and descents one after the other. A technical route, a bit of a ‘leg-burner’ – the sort of training I missed during the Cagous trail.
I feel pretty good about this session; my heart rate and thighs got a good workout and I don’t feel as though I’ve built up any fatigue. A good sign ahead of what’s to come.
Day 2 – Mon Dore, hill endurance and managing alerts
For this long run, I headed for Mon Dore, a route I’m particularly fond of. The climb to the summit is a continuous ascent for about 6 km – ideal for working on hill endurance, both going up and down.
I started the session with my usual routine: a leisurely pace, a few stops to capture the scenery, but without lingering too long. The pace was steady, interrupted only by a series of walking sections towards the end.
Just one last little push to reach the summit.
The descent was at a good pace too. I passed a few walkers and exchanged a few words with them as I went – those little chats that make outings even more enjoyable. Making the most of the length of the route, I worked on my running technique: quick, short strides to take the strain off my knees, which are often prone to problems with tendons and ligaments.
I completed the first loop in 2 hours 10 minutes without a hitch. I set off on a second loop, feeling that the pace was a little slower, but still steady. I was starting to feel the fatigue, particularly on the steps where my energy seemed to be waning. Without poles or the aid of my arms, I let my thighs work at full capacity.
When I reached the summit for the second time, I took the time to savour the view, have a drink and eat a muesli bar.
The warning from my left knee and mental resilience
The recovery went quickly… until my left knee brought me back down to earth. It was a localised pain, not constant, but one that flared up with every step or when landing at certain angles. I immediately slowed down, taking this as a warning sign. I mustn’t push myself too hard, or I’ll risk jeopardising the UTMB in Nice in September.
So I adjusted my descent: no faster than necessary, prioritising caution. I even passed the same hikers for the third time, exchanging a smile and some mutual encouragement.
In the end, I arrived before the end of my planned time, I turned back for 5–10 minutes and then headed back down. I was still 12 minutes short of completing the full session. But at that point, my mind had had enough.
I need to be mindful of my mental game; I must work on that aspect too. In September, mental strength will be just as crucial as endurance.
Still, I’m satisfied with my run.
