Fanny, Laurent, Sophie and Guillaume all share a common point. They train with RunMotion Coach and took part in one of the most legendary trail events in the world: UTMB® Mont-Blanc 2022. Story.
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Fanny – 19th on the MCC (40km / 2300m D+)
Fanny, how did your race go?
“Having never taken part 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 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 outings during the week, strength training, and home trainer. Then from March, I resumed outdoor cycling in the South, then returned to more intense running outings (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 hear about the RunMotion Coach app?
“I discovered RunMotion on social media. It’s really good for beginners and experienced people who want to go further with personalized support based on individual goals.”
Laurent – Finisher on the CCC® (100km/ 6100m D+)
Laurent, how did your race go?
“The best race I’ve ever done! I felt very good almost the entire 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 Saturday morning around 9:30 a.m., surrounded by my wife and 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 elevation challenge!”
How did you manage your preparation for the CCC®?
“I learned from 2021, where I pushed my prep sessions too far, injuring myself several times (sprained ankle, tendonitis…). I followed a training plan with RunMotion for about 4 months, averaging 4 runs a week. I knew that the pace would be difficult to maintain in July/August, with family vacations. So I focused on working on elevation and long runs at low speeds.”
What motivates you to run?
“So far, I was very focused on self-improvement, progressing, and beating my PRs, seeking performance. Gradually, I seek more enjoyment in outings and races. I have a very modest level, I will never go for Top 10 or top 50 in Trails and Ultras, so I might as well enjoy it to the fullest without focusing on the clock! We evolve over time.”
How did you hear about the RunMotion Coach app?
“I love 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 it very motivating. The latest version of the app is very sleek, designed, and allows us to clearly visualize our preparation, in view of our next goal!”
What do you prefer in the application?
“I really like the new design of the application. It’s clear, the navigation is simple, we quickly and clearly see the next sessions to complete.
Choosing the coach allows us to adapt our interactions with him, according to our character and needs.
Finally, personalizing our training is enjoyable: favorite days for running, type of terrain available, heart rate zones.”
Sophie – “Finisher” on the MCC (40km / 2300m ascent)
Sophie, how did your race go?
“This trail race was full of emotions! I was amazed by the atmosphere, the landscapes, and the organization. The sensations were great, but sometimes it was tough, 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 sunny 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 did between 5 and 7 workouts per week for 5 months.”
What motivates you to run?
“I have been doing competitive sports since I was 10 years old. And I would be lying if I said I only run for pleasure. I like to push myself, achieve goals, and all of it gives me pleasure!”
How did you hear about the RunMotion Coach app?
“One of my colleagues told me about the app, so I downloaded it. I immediately liked it! Easy to use, and no need to look for training plans and enter them manually into my watch! Pure happiness!”
What do you prefer in the application?
“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 / 10000m D+)
Guillaume, how did your race go?
“Running the UTMB® was a dream for me! I was ahead of my goal by 26 hours, but around km 60, I felt a pain in my knee on the descent, and I decided to walk to save it as much as possible. At Courmayeur at km 80, I decided to wait for my brother Romain and to 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. Leaving him behind was heartbreaking! At Vallorcine, I slept for about 4 hours to finish the race at the first light of day. Before leaving, I saw a friend, Matthieu, with whom I would finish the race! I crossed the finish line in 39h56, far from the initial goal, but thrilled with 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 mid-July, a course reconnaissance over 3 days. 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 the objectives in a season.”
