For her 50th birthday, France decided to treat herself to a special gift: running the Endurance Trail (106km & 4580m D+). For RunMotion Coach, she looks back on this race. Story.
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How did your Endurance Trail go?
Great feelings, I was feeling good, some joint pain for sure but I told myself it was part of the game and I focused on the beauty of this ultra trail that I was experiencing. I moved from aid station to aid station, thinking 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 more mud and my stomach starts to bother me but the rest is going well! The climb to Cade, at night, is the only difficulty that makes me doubt, that seems never-ending, but again I am not alone.
The other ultra-trail runners who pass me encourage me, and the few I pass also suffer, so I climb and I eventually get there. I am happy, I know I will finish, we are at the 93rd km! At first, I wanted to register for the 80km but it was full so I registered for the 100km and I did well! I come out stronger and feel more serene!.
How did you manage the preparation for the Endurance Trail?
I planned 4 then 5 running sessions, 2 cycling sessions, and finally 2 strength training (S&C) sessions per week that I stopped 3 weeks before the target. I adapted the frequency according to my fatigue and I was never exhausted from my workouts. I would say that the only difficulty I encountered during these almost 7 months of preparation was finding the right shoes !!! I broke the bank on that side but I finally found them a month and a half before the event. Phew !! It was my biggest pre-race stress.
What motivates you to run?
This Endurance Trail gave me a fierce desire to continue running while staying well accompanied! I take immense pleasure in going on trail hikes, I find it soothing and I rediscover the beauty of nature.
How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?
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 app?
At first, a bit skeptical, I tested the RunMotion Coach app without really believing in it because ready-made training plans are everywhere… on the trails too! Quickly, I found it nice to adapt my training weeks and realized that I could preserve my family life by keeping my Sundays free, which is a very important point.
What do you prefer in the app?
The adaptation of training according to my fitness level and availability is really what suits me best in this app, but not only. There are also mental preparation, nutrition, and sleep advice that form an inseparable whole in 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 just offered me the Ultra-Trail des Païens– Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB® on May 15, 2025! I also want to do the Infernal Trail des Vosges IT 130 in mid-September 2025. I can’t wait to resume training!
A last word?
I come back from this first ultra-trail with still this desire to run on the trails, in nature, with my family or alone, it’s pure happiness… or almost because I still don’t like hill repeats!
Congratulations France, we wish you all the courage for your upcoming challenges!