How did your EcoTrail go?

My EcoTrail went really well. I delivered the performance I was hoping for and the feeling was incredibly positive! A little story, we were still a long way from the finish when we started to spot the Eiffel Tower. The Iron Lady seemed to be winking at us. For my first EcoTrail, my motivation was at an all-time high, especially thanks to RunMotion Coach. I was never stressed because I knew I was well prepared.

How did you manage your EcoTrail preparation?

I started preparing for this goal when I discovered you, so 15 weeks ago. I trained four times a week, even though it can be difficult to find time around my work.

What motivates you to run?

What motivates me to run? Pushing my limits, but above all, enjoying myself!

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?

Because I run on my own and am not part of a club, I did not really know how to prepare for my race goals. While searching online, I found you on YouTube

What encouraged you to download and try the app?

The explanatory videos, your training plans and your highly responsive customer support!

What do you like most about the app?

The outstanding personalization, having my own coach and integration with other apps (Strava, Suunto, etc.).

After the EcoTrail, what is your next sporting challenge?

After the EcoTrail, I would like to run the 2024 Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris

Well done, Nelson, on your performance! We are proud of you

L’article EcoTrail Success: Nelson’s Trail Running Journey est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

Vincent has always been sporty, but it was only a year ago that he seriously returned to trail running. He was starting from scratch, and running 2 kilometres once seemed impossible. One year later, his challenge was to take on the Marathon des Sables. He successfully completed this 120-kilometre, self-supported race across the Sahara, carrying all his food, thanks to RunMotion Coach !

How did your Marathon des Sables challenge go?

“It is a 120-kilometre event split across three stages, completed in food self-sufficiency. Meals, as well as a sleeping bag, mat and clothing, are carried in a backpack weighing around 8 kg. The first day is a 30-kilometre stage, followed by 60 kilometres, then a final 30 kilometres.

I finished 5th overall, after a literal desert crossing that took me on a real emotional rollercoaster. Tears of joy followed tears of despair. In the wadis, temperatures reached as high as 47°C during the long stage…

My Marathon des Sables training plan, created with the RunMotion Coach app, enabled me to successfully complete every stage. My physical fitness was on point, and so was my mental strength, thanks to the long runs prescribed by the coach.”

How did you manage your Marathon des Sables training?

“I started using RunMotion Coach in June. I trained five times a week and completed two preparatory trail races, one 24 km race and one 36 km race. I really enjoyed the variety of workouts suggested by the coach. I could feel my fitness getting stronger and my performance improving.”

What motivates you to run?

“My motivation for running is being able to push myself beyond my limits. It is amazing to see what the human body is capable of.”

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?

“I discovered RunMotion Coach through a Facebook ad.”

What made you want to download and try the app?

“I really liked the weekly training overview and the ability to adapt workouts to fit my schedule.”

What do you like most about the RunMotion Coach app?

“What I like most about the app is the level of personalisation it offers and the variety of workouts.”

What is your next sporting challenge?

“After the Marathon des Sables, I will probably take on one of the Trans-Martinique races in December 2022.”

L’article From 2K to Marathon des Sables: Vincent’s Sahara Triumph est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

Nico has always been passionate about sport, playing rugby, football and handball over the years. For him, physical activity has always meant wellbeing and balance. Through his work, running became part of his daily routine. But it was after moving to Annecy that he discovered trail running, a true revelation. Captivated by the sport, he never left the trails, finding the perfect mix of pushing his limits and connecting with nature. Today, he shares the story of his first ultra-trail experience: the 90 km du Mont-Blanc.

How did your 90 km du Mont-Blanc go?

This race was my main goal of the season. I was not chasing a specific finishing time, I simply wanted to complete this demanding challenge: 90 km with 6,300 metres of elevation gain. I felt great from the start and could not wait to get going. During the race, I met some amazing people in the field and had great conversations, all while enjoying breathtaking scenery and ideal weather.

By halfway, fatigue had started to set in, but my determination remained intact. One memorable moment came with 20 km to go. Completely exhausted, I nodded off for a few minutes on a rock while climbing. The sound of another runner’s poles eventually woke me up and got me moving again. After 18 hours and 33 minutes of effort, I crossed the finish line totally spent, but incredibly proud of myself.

How did you prepare for the 90 km du Mont-Blanc?

As soon as I found out I had secured a place through the lottery, seven months before the race, I began my training plan. I trained five to seven times per week, despite a few work-related interruptions. This consistency allowed me to finish the race in good condition. I was fortunate to avoid injury and any real moments of doubt, as my body responded well to the training load.

However, if there is one thing I would improve in my ultra-trail preparation, it would be to spend more time training in high mountain terrain. A three-day training camp on the course helped me better understand what lay ahead and mentally prepare for this monumental challenge, always with a smile.

What motivates you to run?

For me, running is a genuine escape. I enjoy performance challenges, such as chasing a time or a ranking, just as much as I enjoy iconic events like the 90 km du Mont-Blanc and the Maxi Race, which push me outside my comfort zone. These experiences help me get to know myself better, both physically and mentally. This drive to push my limits is one reason I limit myself to one ultra-trail per year: every adventure is special and intense.

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?

Thanks to Matteo, RunMotion Coach’s Communications Manager.

What made you want to download and try the app?

I was curious to explore a new way of training, especially with a programme powered by an algorithm.

What do you like most about the app?

I particularly like how personalised the training is, as well as the option to add other activities such as cycling, strength training or swimming, although I do not do much of the latter.

After the 90 km du Mont-Blanc, what is your next sporting challenge?

After the 90 km du Mont-Blanc, my next goal is the SaintéSprint, a 24 km race held as part of the SaintéLyon.

Congratulations, Nico, on an outstanding performance…

L’article Nico’s First Ultra: 90 km Mont-Blanc Trail Race est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

Denis shares his experience of the 82 km SaintéLyon 2024. From his RunMotion training plan to race day, he tells us everything. Here is his story.

How did your SaintéLyon go?

I completed the SaintéLyon in 10 hours and 57 minutes. Everything went perfectly until kilometre 50, and I was genuinely enjoying myself. Then, I started to feel pain in my ankles, but it did not throw me off. After Chaponost, the final 14 km were tough, but I knew the finish line was close. I had already run the Saintexpress (45 km) twice, but this time I wanted to take on the full SaintéLyon challenge.

At 53, and with two hip replacements, which means road running is not recommended for me, I am still passionate about pushing myself and I do not let obstacles stop me. After the race, everything hurt except my hips, which was a victory in itself. The hardest part of the race? The steep climbs that break your rhythm, and the endless descents.

How did you prepare for the SaintéLyon?

Before my operations in 2017, when I was dealing with hip pain, I turned to cycling. I ride 13,000 km every year and take part in FSGT and FFC races, as well as cyclosportive events. Since my operations, I have returned to running each year from August onwards, mainly on the trails. Harvest season falls in September, and because I work as a cellar master, it does not make my race preparation any easier. With only eight weeks to train for the SaintéLyon, I chose to run four times per week, with my long runs on Fridays.

Thanks to RunMotion Coach, I had a structured training plan that helped me avoid injury, despite some initial pain in my right calf. This coaching allowed me to progress consistently and confidently, and I completed every workout except one strength and conditioning session.

For my long runs, I would head out at 5:30 in the morning before work, then go straight into my working day. It earned me a few amused looks from my colleagues, who are used to seeing me arrive by bike or take the scenic route home!

What motivates you to run?

Everything: achieving goals, pushing my limits and having fun. There is also the atmosphere, the adrenaline at the start, and the magnificent scenery. At this SaintéLyon, the weather was superb, and the stars along with the runners’ headlamps created a unique spectacle. Running also brings a lifestyle discipline that I enjoy, although I am not overly strict with my diet. I have a sweet tooth, and I produce 2.2 million bottles of wine every year! Still, throughout October and November, I did not touch a drop of wine or any chocolate spread, an achievement almost as great as finishing the SaintéLyon.

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?

I discovered it when registering for the SaintéLyon. Without that offer, I might have missed out on it.

What do you like most about the app?

Everything is well designed: the simplicity, the flexibility of the workouts and the advice. For example, I could easily move a session to fit around my busy schedule. The training intensity levels are well matched to my abilities, which allowed me to improve effectively. The advice is also very useful and a real bonus, and I really enjoy the S&C sessions too.

After the SaintéLyon, what is your next sporting challenge?

I am still thinking about it. I would like to run the Trace des Maquisards, but it could compromise my preparation for the cycling season, which starts in March.

Any final words?

Thank you to RunMotion Coach for this rewarding and effective experience. Despite the challenges linked to my age and hip replacements, I was able to achieve my dream of finishing the SaintéLyon, an adventure that will stay with me forever.

Congratulations Denis on an outstanding performance. Recover well, you have certainly earned that glass of wine

L’article SaintéLyon 2024: Denis Conquers 82 km With Two Hip Replacements est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

The Mont-Blanc 10K, the perfect distance and course for a first trail race

My latest track races had not gone the way I wanted, so I was determined to make my trail-running debut a success. Over the previous few weeks, I had found my bearings in training with three or four runs alongside my brother Romain. Every outing left me with a few sore muscles, but they helped me get to grips with uphill running and downhill technique. The distance and course of the Mont-Blanc 10K were ideal for a first trail race.

At the start line, the runners’ faces were tense as they waited for the gun. I was doing the opposite, taking in the stunning view of Mont Blanc and feeling less pressure than I had in a long time before a race. Starting in this setting, alongside my brother, what more could I ask for? I knew I was going to enjoy this 10K and its 300 metres of elevation gain.

Thrilling sensations with Mont Blanc in view

Over the first kilometre, the runners shot off like cannonballs. Romain and I waited patiently before moving to the front. I raised the intensity on the first climb at kilometre three. I pulled away, and Romain signalled for me to go. What followed was pure enjoyment on the descent, weaving through the trees while maintaining a strong effort to open up a gap.

The biggest challenge of the day came immediately afterwards. The gradients steepened and my heart rate soared. On the toughest sections, I walked for around ten metres to recover the energy I needed for the rest of the climb. At the top, there were no rivals in sight, and the rest of the race was downhill before flattening out.

I used my long stride to stretch the lead, running one kilometre in 3:07 on the gentle downhill beside the Arveyron. The finish line, set against the backdrop of Mont Blanc, came into view, and I gave everything I had left to break 39 minutes. What a joy it is to run in our mountains. My trail-running adventure is only just beginning!

Maybe one day I will want to take on other Mont-Blanc Marathon races: the 23K, 42K or 90K.

Photo credit: David Gonthier

L’article Mont-Blanc 10K Trail: A Record-Breaking Debut est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

In 2015, after meeting a friend who ran, Majida joined a running club and attended two training sessions per week. Since retiring in 2021, she has moved into a more consistent endurance training routine, running three to four times a week, and sometimes more. “I’m hooked on my training schedule, I check it every morning ”. With RunMotion Coach, of course!

How did your Marathon du Mont-Blanc go?

I’m absolutely delighted with my performance! I was in great physical shape and pleasantly surprised by how well I was able to surge uphill, which allowed me to overtake runners efficiently. I told myself to accelerate and my legs followed, it was amazing!

Despite a challenging course that becomes more technical from Le Tour onwards, around kilometre 13, I felt a little apprehensive on the descents. So I played it safe to avoid any falls. In the end, everything went well for me. And what a joy it was to discover at the finish that I had won the Marathon du Mont-Blanc in my age group, M5! What an achievement, I’m so proud of myself!

How did you manage your Marathon du Mont-Blanc preparation?

After the Valencia Marathon, where I didn’t reach my four-hour target, finishing in 4:20, I learned to better manage my nutrition before and during the race. I haven’t had any injuries, and I also enjoy ski touring in winter and cycling to complement my training.

What motivates you to run?

Having fun while setting myself realistic goals.

What encouraged you to download and try the RunMotion Coach app?

It was an app that was recommended to me. I first tried it for my Geneva Half Marathon and was quickly won over, so I later upgraded to the Premium version.

What do you like most about the app?

I really like the personalised training plans and the design, although the app could be even more interactive.

What is your next sporting challenge?

My next sporting challenge will be the Trail des Mineurs, a 15km trail race with 850m of elevation gain. Once again, my goal is to win my age group and finish ahead of the first M4 runner.

Congratulations, Majida, what an achievement! You can be incredibly proud of yourself. We can’t wait to see your next results!

L’article Majida Wins Her Age Group at Marathon du Mont-Blanc est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

How did your Ultra-Marin 56K go?

The Ultra-Marin 56K was my very first trail race! I had already run several marathons and half marathons, but never a trail race. I did not really start with a time goal, even though I had 7 hours in mind, and I surprised myself by being able to keep the effort going for 7 hours 40 minutes in the end. I had a few muscle aches at the start, in my glutes and hamstring, which had appeared 10 days before the race and stressed me out a lot in the days leading up to it. They never really went away, but I learned to manage them and live with them, with just one goal in mind, crossing the finish line.

Trail running has nothing in common with a marathon. The effort is different, sometimes tougher, but less brutal. And I really experienced that on the Ultra-Marin 56K…

How did you manage your training for the Ultra-Marin 56K?

Training for race goals, especially over long distances, demands real discipline and consistency. Personally, when I commit to a race goal, I dedicate at least 3 months to it, with a minimum of 3 runs per week. At first, my training plans came from magazines I used to read, along with a plan from a coach friend. But during race prep, you need regular encouragement, reassurance, and motivation.

With the RunMotion Coach app, I found all the principles I already had in mind, but explained here in a simple and effective way, with insightful advice, videos, and above all an encouraging training schedule. You never get bored, the sessions are varied, and they really help you improve. You no longer have to wonder what kind of workout to do every time you train.

Everything transfers to your watch (Garmin), and that becomes genuinely useful for interval workouts, where the watch beeps for each rep. When it comes to pacing, I now rely more on the recommended HR zones than on the speed shown on the screen, especially for long, easy runs. On my own, I would never have had the idea, or the motivation, to stretch a workout to 4 or 5 hours. And with the app, there is no guilt if you need to move a session. You can reschedule it very easily, which is both reassuring and freeing.

What motivates you to run?

I had always done a bit of running and sports since my teenage years and beyond. From the age of 35, I put on quite a lot of weight, with plenty of ups and downs, until I hit the dreaded 100 kg mark at 180 cm, and that was when I got scared. In sport, running had become difficult and painful, and I was losing my breath just going up the stairs…

From 2019 onward, I took control and drastically changed my eating habits. As the weight came off, I got back into running. At first, the goal was simply to burn calories and support weight loss. After losing 25 kilos, I got hooked and rediscovered the benefits of the sport, the pleasure of running, and the sensations you feel before, during, and after the effort. I then became completely hooked on GPS sports watches.

I come from a scientific background, I am fairly rational, and I like evidence, but I am still sensitive and open to more “esoteric” aspects. Running can sometimes create moments of mindfulness, relaxation, and self-hypnosis, which are essential for balance. RunMotion’s videos also raise awareness of that side of endurance training.

After the 42.195 km of the marathon, and a bit too much focus on my watch, I wanted to explore new formats because I realized that time was not what mattered most. What mattered was how you move through the course and make your way to the finish.

56 years old and 56 km around the “little sea” (Morbihan means “little sea” in Breton!), that was a goal that won me over one Sunday afternoon, after finishing the 2022 La Rochelle Marathon, while browsing on my phone during the trip back home.

I managed to grab one of the last bibs by motivating a friend to sign up too. Right away, I added this new goal into the RunMotion Coach app, and I stuck to it at 90% over the last 3 months, this time prioritizing my HR zones, even if my speed was lower. My resting HR also dropped by 3 beats.

How did you hear about the RunMotion Coach app?

I discovered RunMotion Coach well before my Ultra-Marin 56K. I found the app on Strava , where I was already following along, and through a friend’s recommendation.

What encouraged you to download and try the app?

The simple interface, the YouTube videos, and a friend who was already using it. After a technical issue on the app, I received a quick and personalized reply directly by email from co-founder Guillaume ADAM. That really gave me total confidence in the platform.

The Premium subscription is essential if you want to get the most out of the program.

What do you like most about the app?

Personally, after more than a year of using it, what I like most is its simplicity. It adapts to my schedule and my constraints, with those kind and comforting little messages always there. Even if I am not naive and I know they are often automated responses, it still feels good to read them…

What is your next sporting challenge after the Ultra-Marin 56K?

After the Ultra-Marin 56K, I do not have a race goal planned yet. I also love supporting, encouraging, and motivating other runners, my wife, my daughter, my nieces, my brother-in-law, friends, and more, matching their pace and helping them push beyond their limits, sometimes over a simple 5K or 10K. With the experience I have now, people are starting to take my advice into account.

Running, especially over long distances, inspires a lot of respect and supportive encouragement from the people around you. You can also feel that kindness all along the course during a race.

Personally, I am going to focus more on trail routes, a bit like the Gulf of Morbihan coastal course, and why not in the mountains too. I will definitely set that goal in RunMotion Coach. My slightly crazy dream would be to finish the Grand Raid (175 km), like the finisher I met who was entered in the M6M category. Huge respect to him!

Congratulations Jean-Philippe, we can safely say your first trail running experience was a success!

L’article First Trail Running Success at the Ultra-Marin 56K est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

During the UTMB® Mont-Blanc event, more than 300 runners used RunMotion Coach to prepare for their UTMB® Mont-Blanc goal. You chose to trust Joy, Socrate and Philippe, and they thank you for it!

Among you, Delphine achieved her goal by finishing the CCC® (Courmayeur – Champex – Chamonix, 101 km and 6,100 m of elevation gain). Here is her story.

You finished the CCC®, one of the UTMB® Mont-Blanc races. What does that mean to you?

“These days, getting a spot in one of these races and making it to the start line fit and injury-free is already an achievement. It has even become harder than finishing the race.

As for me, I waited four years for that moment. So of course, when it was time to start, the emotion was huge… Then I enjoyed every kilometer and made it to Chamonix tired but happy. Beyond the time spent racing, the finish is always magical and full of emotion. It is the reward for many months of training.”

You prepared with RunMotion Coach. How did it help you reach your goal?

“Quite simply, by building a training plan tailored to my race goal and structuring my endurance training blocks. On my own, I did not know how to go about preparing for a race like this.

The plan adapts to your current fitness and how you feel. So without feeling guilty, you can say you are tired one week and the plan adjusts.
I also loved the variety of workouts, which kept the long training build-up from becoming monotonous.”

Already thinking about the next UTMB? Here is an article you might like! How to succeed at UTMB with a personalized training plan.

What stood out to you most during this event?

“One racing lesson, if you can manage your effort on the early descents and save your quads all the way to Chamonix, it is pure joy. There is nothing like passing so many runners on the final descents. It was probably my payback after the climbs, which are always hard for me.

The atmosphere was incredible. It was such a joy to feel those race emotions again, and to live fully in the moment.”

The RunMotion Coach Team congratulates all the runners who prepared for the event. We cannot wait to see even more of you next year at UTMB® Mont-Blanc.

L’article CCC UTMB 101K Success, Delphine’s Training Story est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

Julien, an accomplished runner, prepared for the MCC with RunMotion Coach, a 40-kilometer trail running race from Martigny, Switzerland, to Chamonix, France. This event is one of the 8 races in the UTMB® series, the global benchmark for trail running. For RunMotion Coach, Julien looks back on his MCC experience. Here is his story.

How did your MCC go?

I finished the MCC in 6 hours 14 minutes, which was right within my target range of 6 to 7 hours. My main goal was simply to finish, especially after I had to drop out of my last race over a similar distance, the Paris Marathon, because of lower back pain. So crossing the finish line was a personal victory. I placed 420th out of 1,092 runners!

I managed my race well by sticking to my plan, especially by taking my time at the aid stations to relieve my back. That allowed me to finish the event without any major issues. It was both a physical and mental challenge, but the energy from my family, the volunteers, and even the encouragement from strangers all along the course carried me all the way to the finish line.

How did you handle your MCC preparation?

I had been building toward this goal since last year, but I had to give up my entry because of an injury during training, back then, I was not yet following the plans in the app. After that, I decided to fully commit to my preparation by using RunMotion Coach training plans, first for build-up races like the Mont Saint-Michel Trail in Savoie, the Vélière Trail in Champagny-en-Vanoise, and the Maxi Race in Annecy.

Even though winter was tough, with a late-season injury that affected me during the Mont Saint-Michel Trail, I was able to recover thanks to regular physio sessions and, week after week, gradually increase my training load. That allowed me to follow the program consistently and arrive ready for my main goal of the year, the MCC.

What motivates you to run?

What motivates me is becoming a finisher in the iconic races I dream about, like the OCC and the CCC right now, and maybe one day the SaintéLyon, L’Échappée Belle, the TNR, or even the UTMB in a few years.

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?

I discovered the RunMotion Coach app while looking for a tool to calculate my training paces during my build-up for the Chambéry Half Marathon two years ago. I then had the chance to meet and chat with Romain and Guillaume at Village by Crédit Agricole, where I was working at the time.

What made you download and try the app?

I was looking for a structured training plan tailored to my goals, so I could avoid injuries and stop training in a repetitive, inefficient way. The app gave me exactly that.

What do you like most about the app?

What I like most is the personalized training. It is crucial to have a program that matches your needs and your abilities, and RunMotion Coach created a structured plan that fits me perfectly.

After the MCC, what is your next sporting challenge?

After the MCC, I will be racing the Demi-Tour du Lac du Bourget in October, and my goal for next year is to stand on the start line of the OCC, once again with the help of RunMotion Coach!

Any final words?

For years, I said loud and clear that I would never run. I always felt I needed more than just putting one foot in front of the other to enjoy this kind of activity. But in 2020, when COVID arrived and the team sports clubs I belonged to shut down, I started walking and cycling to appointments, to the shops, and to see friends. Little by little, I started jogging, then I wanted to measure my speed, and very quickly I found myself trying to go faster than the time before. Running gradually took on a bigger and bigger place in my life, to the point where it became an almost daily topic of conversation. Today, I dream of lining up for and finishing the most beautiful races. Now I run to improve, to go faster and farther, with the goal of one day competing in the most prestigious endurance events.

Well done Julien, we wish you the very best for your next sporting challenges

L’article From Injury to MCC Finisher, Julien’s UTMB Story est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

When Xuane Nguyen steps onto the start line of the Backyard Ultra des Barjots, he knows he is about to dive into something extraordinary.

What he does not know yet is that he will spend nearly three days running almost non-stop, that he will string together 66 loops of 6.706 km and cover 443 kilometres in total before finally stopping.
It is a jaw-dropping endurance performance, and it captures exactly what makes the Backyard Ultra so unique. There is no set distance. No finish line to chase. Just one question: How many times will you be able to go back out?

The Backyard Ultra, where the last runner standing wins

Created by Lazarus Lake, also the mastermind behind the legendary Barkley, the Backyard Ultra is built on a simple rule: every hour on the hour, runners start a 6.706-kilometre loop. To stay in the game, you must finish the loop before the hour is up. Back at base camp, whatever time is left can be used to eat, hydrate, change clothes, or try to recover.
Then a new hour starts.
And a new loop.
Until only one runner is still able to head back out.

This format completely reshapes your approach to running: speed becomes secondary. What matters is your ability to endure, manage fatigue, and keep showing up.

“At first, it feels like it is easy”

That is one of the classic traps of the Backyard Ultra.
The early loops can feel almost harmless for a trail runner used to long distances. The pace is controlled, the aid is close, the body feels fresh.
But as Xuane explains, the real difficulty is not in the first hours. It builds gradually, often when runners start stacking fatigue, sleep deprivation, and muscle soreness.

The Backyard Ultra is the kind of endurance event where every small mistake eventually comes back to cost you, sometimes dozens of hours later.

Running 443 kilometres, above all, a lesson in pacing and management

When you hear 443 kilometres, your mind immediately goes to exceptional physical capacity.

Of course, endurance fitness matters. But Xuane’s result is driven mainly by his ability to manage effort. In a Backyard Ultra, going out too fast gives you no advantage. If anything, it is a mistake. The best runners constantly try to save energy by holding a comfortable pace, cutting out wasted effort, optimising every stop at base camp, and planning ahead for the hours to come.

Loop after loop, the race becomes a continuous exercise in self-control and smart ultra running strategy.

Sleep, the invisible opponent

After a typical sleepless night, most of us already struggle to stay focused. Now imagine running through two nights in a row…

One of the most fascinating parts of Xuane’s story is precisely his sleep management. In a Backyard Ultra, every minute is valuable. Do you grab a few minutes of sleep? Is it better to stay awake? How do you recover enough before the next start?
Little by little, these questions become more important than running pace itself. The difference is often made by who can keep moving despite the sleep deprivation.

As much a mental adventure as a physical one

As the hours pass, the Backyard Ultra reveals another truth: your legs are not always the limiting factor.

Xuane describes how the goal shifts over time. At first, you might think about a distance, then about the next night. After that, it becomes simply the next loop, then just making it to the next start. The race breaks down into smaller and smaller targets.

This ability to stay locked into the present moment is often what keeps you going when the body starts sending loud signals of fatigue.

A unique atmosphere in the trail running world

Paradoxically, the Backyard Ultra is one of the most competitive and most friendly races out there. Rivals share the same base camp, cross paths every hour, and live through the same challenges.
And the deeper the race goes, the more the remaining runners develop genuine mutual respect, because everyone knows that the other person’s performance also fuels their own adventure. To chase records or reach extraordinary distances, you need others to keep heading back out too.

That dynamic creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere many participants describe as addictive.

What Xuane’s experience teaches us

Beyond the 443 kilometres, Xuane’s story highlights a few universal lessons for endurance athletes. The first is that big performances are rarely built on constant heroics. They usually come from an accumulation of simple good decisions:

• start conservatively;
• fuel regularly;
• accept slowing down;
• stay focused on the next step.

The second lesson is about the mental game. A Backyard Ultra does not require you to believe it will be easy. It requires you to accept that tough moments will come, and to keep going anyway.

Finally, it reminds us that endurance is often less about speed and more about patience, pacing, and resilience.

Why are Backyard Ultras attracting more and more trail runners?

The growing popularity of Backyard Ultras is probably no accident. In a world obsessed with split times and rankings, this format offers a different view of performance. It is not only about running fast, it is about managing energy, sleep, emotions, and motivation, sometimes over several days.

A Backyard Ultra is not just a race, it is an exploration of your own limits. And sometimes, as Xuane proved with his breakthrough ultra endurance feat, those limits are much farther away than you think.

This article is an excerpt from the episode “Backyard Ultra: the format that pushes runners to their limits, with Xuâne Nguyen” from the podcast BPM by RunMotion Coach.

L’article Backyard Ultra Explained: How Xuane Nguyen Ran 443 km in 3 Days est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

Running has been a part of his life for over 20 years. A self-taught runner, he had never followed a structured and personalized plan before. He always had big doubts about the relevance of his training. He has been focused on trail running for 10 years now. Over the years, Christian has identified what works well for him and what doesn’t, leaving a huge room for improvement that he was only able to exploit with RunMotion Coach. Last August, he finished the UTMB® Mont-Blanc with RunMotion Coach’s preparation.

How did your UTMB® finisher goal go?

“During the race, the sensations were very good. For the first time in my life, I progressed in the ranking with each ascent. The noticeable improvement in my endurance allowed me to maintain this feeling until the finish line and to have a recovery like never before.”

How did you manage the UTMB® preparation?

“I spent 7 months training for the UTMB®. I started with 4 days a week. After the first 2 months (test phase), I increased my availability on the app to 7 days a week.”

What motivates you to run?

“As a trail runner, I have in my DNA a taste for challenge and self-improvement. For me, running is a wonderful activity and having the opportunity to practice it in the mountains is a privilege.”

How did you find the RunMotion Coach app?

“I discovered the RunMotion Coach app through the UTMB® website. The availability of specific trail training and the possibility of customization are the features that motivated me to try the app.”

What do you prefer in the app?

“Like most people, the time I have available to train is very limited. The ability to plan the weeks, one by one, without missing key training sessions is extremely valuable.”

What is your next sporting challenge?

“My next major event is the Trans Vulcania, on the island of La Palma, recently postponed to May 2022 due to the volcanic eruption.”

If you have also achieved your trail goal, you can send us your testimonial through the success story. You can prepare your next trail with RunMotion Coach.

L’article Christian is a finisher of the UTMB® est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

Jérôme is a finisher of the SaintéLyon (82km distance). His initial goal was to complete the race in less than 12 hours, but several unexpected events complicated his journey. He tells us.

How did your SaintéLyon race go?

My goal was to finish the SaintéLyon in less than 12 hours, but I ultimately finished in 14h53. Naturally, there was a tinge of disappointment, but I note an improvement in my average speed of +0.5 km/h, which is satisfying. Unfortunately, my preparation was disrupted: three weeks before the race, I had to stop due to patellar/quadriceps tendonitis. This generated a lot of stress, with the feeling that each day brought a new pain.

Even at the starting pen, after warming up, an unexpected discomfort in the thigh appeared. However, it was out of the question to give up. From the 15th km onwards, cramps and quadriceps stiffness complicated the race. Thanks to regular stretching and strong mental determination, I managed to cross the finish line.

How did you manage your preparation for the SaintéLyon?

My training program for the SaintéLyon lasted 27 weeks, with 5 sessions per week:

• Monday: muscle strengthening exercises (s&c)
• Tuesday and Thursday: easy runs / cardio / hill work
• Saturday: long run in trail-hiking
• Sunday: cycling

Unfortunately, patellar tendonitis appeared in September. Despite the pain, I continued to follow my program until early November, before taking a complete break to rest my knee in preparation for the race. It was a period of intense doubt: the pain persisted, and psychosomatic symptoms appeared. Fortunately, I managed to be at the start.

What motivates you to run?

Self-improvement, running in nature, achieving goals, improving my physical condition, and maintaining my health.

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?

I discovered the RunMotion Coach app during the Asics SaintéLyon registration process.

What encouraged you to download and try the app?

I needed a personalized training program.

What do you like most about the app?

Its pleasant design, interaction with the virtual coach, and advice on nutrition as well as mental preparation.

After the SaintéLyon, what is your next sporting challenge?

The Grand Trail de Saint-Jacques by UTMB® in June: 81 km with 3400 m of Positive Elevation Gain.

Well done Jérôme! It’s just a matter of time, next time will be under 12 hours

L’article Jérôme finished the SaintéLyon race in 14 hours and 53 minutes! est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.