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.
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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 😉