For her 50th birthday, France decides to treat herself to a big gift: running the Endurance Trail (106km & 4580m elevation gain). For RunMotion Coach, she looks back on this race. Story.
How did your Endurance Trail go?
Great sensations, I felt good, some joint pains admittedly but I told myself it was part of the game and I focused on the beauty of this ultra trail I was experiencing. I progressed from aid station to aid station telling myself that in so many kilometers I would see my Dadou (my husband) and my brother. From Salvage (about 75 km), it’s a bit more complicated because of more mud and a hint of stomach discomfort but everything else is fine! The climb to Cade, at night, is the only difficulty that makes me doubt, that seems endless to me but here again I am not alone.
The other ultra-trail runners who overtake me encourage me and the few I pass also suffer, so I climb and eventually reach the top. I am happy, I know I will finish, we are at the 93rd km! Initially, I wanted to register for the 80 km but it was full so I registered for the 100 km and I did the right thing! I emerge stronger and feel more serene!
How did you manage the preparation for the Endurance Trail?
I planned 4 and then 5 running sessions, 2 then one cycling session and finally 2 strength training (PPG) sessions per week that I stopped 3 weeks before the event. I adjusted the frequency according to my fatigue and I was never exhausted from my training. I would say that the only difficulty I encountered during these almost 7 months of preparation was finding the right shoes!!! I spent a fortune on that but I finally found them 1 month and a half before the event. Phew!! This was my biggest pre-race stress.
What motivates you to run?
This Endurance Trail gave me the furious desire to continue running while being well accompanied! I have immense pleasure in going out on trail hikes, I find it soothing and rediscover the beauty of nature.
How did you discover the RunMotion Coach application?
I discovered the RunMotion Coach App by registering for the Endurance Trail of the Festival des Templiers.
What encouraged you to download and test the application?
At first, a little skeptical, I tested the RunMotion Coach application without quite believing it because ready-made training plans are everywhere… on the trails too! Quickly, I found it nice to adapt my training weeks and noticed that I could preserve my family life by keeping my Sundays free, which is a very important first point.
What do you prefer in the application?
The adaptation of the training sessions according to my level of fitness and availability is really what suits me best in this application, but not only that. There are also mental preparation tips, nutrition advice, and sleep advice that are all essential to the success of any race! A big thank you to Run Motion for their support!
After the Endurance Trail, what is your next sporting challenge?
After the Endurance Trail, you will still accompany me for a few months, even a year, as my partner has just offered me the Ultra-Trail des Païens By UTMB Grand Est on May 15, 2025! I also wish to do the Infernal Trail des Vosges IT 130 in mid-September 2025. I can’t wait to resume training!
A final word?
I come back from this first ultra-trail with always this desire to run on the trails, in nature, with family or alone, it’s pure happiness…. or almost because I still don’t like hill repeats!
Congratulations France, we wish you lots of courage for your next challenges!