Fanny, Laurent, Sophie and Guillaume all share one thing. They train with RunMotion Coach and took part in one of the most legendary trail events in the world: UTMB® Mont-Blanc 2022. Story.
Fanny – 19th on the MCC (40km / 2300m D+)
Fanny, how did your race go?
« Having never participated in such a distance, I preferred to start cautiously. I managed my nutrition and hydration throughout the race. I didn’t feel any fatigue or low points. I crossed the finish line in Chamonix with incredible energy. I still can’t believe the time I achieved on the MCC. I completed this race in 6h11 (19th women). Yes, 6h11! »
How did you manage your preparation for the MCC?
« I have been preparing for this goal since December 2021. I worked all winter by cross-country skiing every weekend. With some running sessions during the week, muscle strengthening, and home trainer. Then from March, I resumed outdoor cycling in the South, then returned to more intensive running sessions (road, trail, and track). »
What motivates you to run?
« Sharing with other runners and exchanging after a race. Also meeting people who share the same passion. But above all, it’s mainly for the pleasure! »
How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?
« I discovered RunMotion on social media. It’s really great for beginners as well as experienced individuals who want to go further with personalized guidance based on each person’s goals. »
Laurent – Finisher on the CCC (100km / 6100m D+)
Laurent, how did your race go?
« The best race so far! I felt very good almost throughout the race! Only the last climb to reach the Tête aux Vents and the Flégère was tough, at 4 a.m. after a day and a night of racing! I was aiming for 24 hours of racing, to cross the arch in Chamonix on Saturday morning around 9:30 a.m., surrounded by my wife and my 4 sons. I finally finished in 21h50, arriving around 7:15 a.m. under the arch, a great moment of emotion and pride to have completed this 100 km and 6000m of elevation challenge! »
How did you manage your preparation for the CCC?
« I learned from 2021, where I pushed my training sessions too far, injuring myself several times (sprained ankle, tendinitis…). Via RunMotion, I followed a training plan for about 4 months, with an average of 4 outings per week. I knew that the pace would be difficult to maintain in July/August, with family holidays. So, I focused on working on elevation gain and long, low-intensity runs. »
What motivates you to run?
« So far, I was very focused on self-improvement, progressing, and beating my PRs, seeking performance. Gradually, I am looking more for the pleasure of outings and races. I have a very modest level, I will never aim for Top10 or top50 in Trails and Ultra, so I might as well enjoy to the fullest without focusing on the clock! We evolve over time. »
How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?
« I like innovation, I constantly look at the services and products offered by young startups, especially in the sports world. That’s how I discovered RunMotion. The interactivity with our virtual coach immediately appealed to me, I find a great deal of motivation in it. The latest version of the app is very sleek, designed, and allows you to clearly envision our preparation for our next goal! »
What do you prefer in the app?
« I really like the new design of the app. It is clear, the navigation is simple, you quickly and easily see the next sessions to complete.
The choice of coach allows us to adapt our interactions with him, according to our character and needs.
Finally, customizing our training is enjoyable: favorite days for running, type of terrain available, heart rate zones. »
Sophie – « Finisher » on the MCC (40km / 2300m D+)
Sophie, how did your race go?
« This trail was full of emotions! I was amazed by the atmosphere, landscapes, and organization. My sensations were great, but sometimes it was tough, unfortunately I did not have the chance to train all the time on an alpine terrain. I slightly blew up during the ascent between Trient and the Col de Balme, it was also very hot and sunny during that climb! In summary, it is a unique race, rich in positive emotions. »
How did you manage your preparation for the MCC?
« I prepared for this race thanks to RunMotion Coach! I was doing between 5 and 7 training sessions per week for 5 months. »
What motivates you to run?
« I have been doing sports competitively since the age of 10. And I would be lying if I said I only run for pleasure. I like to push myself, achieve goals, and it all makes me enjoy it! »
How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?
« One of my colleagues told me about the app and I downloaded it. I immediately loved it! Easy to use, and no need to search for training plans and enter them manually in my watch! Pure happiness! »
What do you prefer in the app?
« What I prefer is the customization and the fact that I don’t have to manage anything! I just need to refine my preferences for the week and go ahead! »
Guillaume, co-founder of RunMotion Coach – Finisher on the UTMB (170km / 10000 m D+)
Guillaume, how did your race go?
« Running the UTMB was a dream for me! I was ahead of my 26 hours goal, but around km 60, I felt a knee pain downhill, so I decided to walk to save it as much as possible. In Courmayeur at km 80, I decided to wait for my brother Romain and to continue with him, without knowing that he also had knee pain! We decided to run together just to become finishers, but he had to stop at km 125. Starting without him was heart-wrenching! In Vallorcine, I slept for about 4 hours to finish the race at the first light of day. Before leaving, I met a friend, Matthieu, with whom I will finish the race! I finished in 39h56, far from the initial goal, but delighted with the emotions experienced during the race! »
How did you manage your preparation for the UTMB?
« I spent a total of 3 good training weeks in the mountains over the summer, including a course reconnaissance over 3 days in mid-July. So, I was ready for the UTMB! »
What motivates you to run?
« I like to set myself sports challenges to push myself and live beautiful experiences. »
What is your next sports challenge?
« If I have recovered well, it will be the RunMotion Coach Marathon in Chambéry on October 16th. I like to vary goals over a season. »
