Fanny, Laurent, Sophie and Guillaume all have one thing in common. They train with RunMotion Coach and took part in one of the most mythical trail events in the world: the UTMB® Mont-Blanc 2022. Story.
Fanny – 19th on the MCC (40km / 2300m D+)
Fanny, how was your race?
« 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 slump or fatigue. I arrived at the finish line in Chamonix with an incredible amount of energy. I still can’t believe the time I achieved on the MCC. I indeed 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 a few running sessions during the week, muscle strengthening, and home trainer. Then from March, I resumed outdoor cycling in the South, then returned to more intense 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 application?
« I discovered RunMotion on social media. It’s really great for beginners as well as confirmed athletes who want to go further with personalized support based on each one’s goals. »
Laurent – Finisher on the CCC (100km/ 6100m D+)
Laurent, how was your race?
« The best race I’ve ever done! I felt very good almost the entire race! Only the last climb to reach Tête aux Vents and Flégère was challenging, at 4am 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, surrounded by my wife and my 4 sons. I finally finished in 21h50, arriving around 7:15 under the arch, a great moment of emotion and pride in completing this challenge of 100 km and 6000m elevation! »
How did you manage your preparation for the CCC?
« I learned from the lessons of 2021, where I pushed my training sessions too far, injuring myself several times (sprained ankle, tendonitis…). I followed a training plan via RunMotion for about 4 months, with an average of 4 sessions per week. I knew that the pace would be difficult to maintain in July and August, with family vacations. So I focused on elevation training and long low-intensity runs. »
What motivates you to run?
« Until now, I was very focused on self-improvement, progressing, and beating my PRs, seeking performance. Gradually, I seek more the pleasure of outings and races. I have a very modest level, I will never aim for Top 10 or top 50 in Trails and Ultras, so I might as well enjoy it to the fullest without being focused on time! We evolve over time. »
How did you discover the RunMotion Coach application?
« I love innovation, I constantly look at the services and products offered by young startups, especially in the sports industry. 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 application is very streamlined, designed, and allows you to clearly visualize our training, in view of our next goal! »
What do you prefer about the application?
« I really like the new design of the application. It is clear, the navigation is simple, we quickly and clearly see the next sessions to be completed.
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 running days, type of terrain available, heart rate zones. »
Sophie – « Finisher » on the MCC (40km / 2300m elevation gain)
Sophie, how was your race?
« This trail was full of emotions! I was amazed by the atmosphere, the landscapes, the organization. The sensations were great but sometimes it was challenging, unfortunately I didn’t have the chance to train all the time on an alpine terrain. I slightly exploded during the ascent between Trient and the Col de Balme, it was also very nice and hot during this climb! In summary, it’s a unique race and rich in positive emotions. »
How did you manage your preparation for the MCC?
« I prepared for this race with 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 competitive sports 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 application?
« One of my colleagues told me about the app and I downloaded it. I immediately liked it! Easy to use, and no need to search for training plans and manually enter them into my watch! Just happiness! »
What do you prefer about the application?
« What I prefer is the customization and not having to manage anything! I just need to refine my preferences for the week and let’s go! »
Guillaume, co-founder of RunMotion Coach – Finisher on the UTMB (170km/ 10000 m D+)
Guillaume, how was your race?
« Running the UTMB was a dream for me! I was ahead of my 26-hour goal, but around km 60, I felt a knee pain going downhill, and 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 continue with him, not knowing that he too would have a knee pain! We decided to race together just to become finishers, but he had to stop at km 125. Going on without him was heartbreaking! In Vallorcine, I slept for about 4 hours to finish the race in the early light of day. Before leaving, I saw a friend, Matthieu, with whom I would finish the race! I finished in 39h56, far from the initial goal, but thrilled by the emotions experienced during the race! »
How did you manage your preparation for the UTMB?
« I had 3 good weeks of training in the mountains in total over the summer, including a course recognition 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 great 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. »
