How to finish in the top 100. http://www.kikourou.net/recits/recit...arat_3h00.html
How to finish in the top 100. http://www.kikourou.net/recits/recit...arat_3h00.html
As long as you speak FrenchOriginally Posted by Feet in the Cowclaps
Bit of a science or personal opinion question. Any thoughts from those who've maybe done more than one of the UTMB/CCC/TDS or similar events upto higher ground (GRP, etc...) on if its worth getting there more than two days early to aclimatise a bit to the height, heat, etc....? E.g. get a bit used to being up at 1000m generally in Chamonix and pop up and down the mountains in cable cars to get used to higher heights?
I arrived last in Cham last year the evening before, so in theory should have been in town less than 24hours before UTMB started, had the start not been delayed. I certainly seemed to suffer on second climb to Col du Bonhomme; headache, a bit clumsy, suprisingly sleepy. Generally very hard work - which I expected for such a big climb, but I wondered at the time if altitude (over 2400m) was causing some of this? I've hardly ever spent any time at altitude, highest I'd been in a run/walk before was about 3000ft in Lakes and thats not often. Oddly I was fine on the next climb to Col de la Seigne - maybe already getting used to being at higher level.
I've looked into it a bit and there doesn't seem to be much to suggest altitude issues being a problem at 2000m, but some articles don't seem to rule out some effects.
I was thinking of arriving Tuesday afternoon before TDS start on Thursday morning. But, I am also considering arriving a day earlier, if this had any perceived benefit? or maybe it'll just be another day to walk around adding to nerves? I'm interested in anyones opinions on approaches they've used and how it refelected on their event.
I posted a few thoughts here on the 2011 thread:
http://forum.fellrunner.org.uk/showt...059#post390059
Having the experience of another year doing the CCC, I would say that a few days preparation in advance of race day will help. I tend to make a couple of trips by cable car up to 2,500 metres on the Wednesday and Thursday (having arrived Tuesday) to help with acclimatisation. I also do a 40/45 minute gentle run on fairly level terrain at the 2,000 metre level on the Wednesday morning just to help the process along.
When I did the Trail des Aiguilles Rouges in 2008 I definitely suffered on the climbs to over 2,500 metres having come directly from sea level in late September.
I am hoping to make a 4 day trip around the UTMB course as part of a 2 week summer break in late June/early July and hope to get some lasting benefit from that and other runs/walks over that 2 week period.
From the sound of things, if you felt fine over Col de la Seigne your problems on the Bonhomme were likely caused by things other than the altitude. You wouldn't acclimatise that quickly.
This regime seems to help me, and I'll be sticking with it.
Cheers for the information Morgan. That is similar to the approach I had in mind. I think even if it doesn't benefit me in adaption terms there will be a worthwhile placebo effect and it's certainly no hardship taking a few pre-event trips up to the heights.
I'm in the TDS. Anyone fancy sharing a lift or accommodation?
Nice quiet thread this year!
I was able to run the initial 80 km section from Chamonix to Courmayeur on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week solo, save for some company to St Gervais.
Whilst the first 30 kms or so through to Les Contamines is a little uninspiring (by comparison with much of the course), things take a turn for the spectacular from Notre Dame de la Gorge onwards. It is the first time I have been over these mountains and I was suitably impressed.
Both days were hot and the section from St Gervais through to Les Contamines, with the associated navigational duties, made me suffer somewhat. Cool and calm were restored as height was gained.
I over-nighted at the Refuge du Col du Croix de Bonhomme, which was packed with large TMB parties, but they were able to squeeze in a single with 24 hours notice.
I was off by 6.45 am the next morning; the tethered mules outside the dortoir having provided a wake up call around 5.30 am. Aside of the drag up the road to La Ville Aux Glaciers and the flat section from Refugio Elisabetta to Lac Combal, this section is a total delight and the run across from the Arete de Mont Favre with the Aiguille Noire close across the valley is truly fabulous.
Arrived in Courmayeur by lunch time rather tired, but this day was the culimination of what I can only describe as a "Kilian" week; 117 miles and 30,000 feet of height gain. So that seems fair enough.
A couple of retrospective thoughts about kit used on my 2 day jaunt referred to above.
First, shoes. All my S Lab 3s are trashed so I have had to switch to S lab 4s. These seem to have a narrower last. The 3s did a bit of damage in the later stages of UTSDT in Mallorc so I have been casting about for another option.
(Incidentally, the S Lab 5 is even narrower. I tried a pair on in Chamonix. Not for me. :-( )
After an email debate with Bryon Powell of iRunfar.com I opted to try a pair of Brooks Cascadia 7s. Review here:
http://www.irunfar.com/2011/12/brook...-7-review.html
Brilliant! The most comfortable trail shoe I have ever worn. These took me over 117 miles of alpine trails in 5 days without turning a hair. Robust construction and a traditional drop so won't suit everyone, but fantastic for me.
With an overnight stop, I had to leave my Salomon Advanced Skin 12 set in the campervan and use an OMM Adventure Light 20l sac. I know it is not a bad sac but by comparison with the 12 set it was a complete nightmare. Pockets difficut to reach, significantly less comfy, bloody straps everywhere, didn't handle the bladder well. Not comparing like with like I know but the difference in design philosophy really stands out and carrying the OMM was not enjoyable.
Read with interest Morgan, brought back memores of last year. I did the not so scenic bit overnight and in rain in the event and told my running buddy "this isn't what I was expecting", thinking it would be wilder and more mountainous. Never too far from a town/village and with no huge climbs I could have been running overnight in Calderdale. But after Notre Dame de la Gorge I was not disappointed and often amazed! Fantastic up there looking over mountainous valleys then later glaciers. My personal fave was climbing up to the top of Col de la Seigne and seeing twin monsterous jagged peaks through the clouds to my left.
Different challenge this year though, featuring an even bigger thereafter more frequent peaks. 2600+ Col de la Youlaz first up, which looks awesome and otherworldly on the DVD of last years event. Going to be amazing!
Is everyone set for the week now? I've opted to stay in Argentiere, will be a change to Chamonix and if the excitement gets too much an escape. Though for anybody going for first time there is a brilliant atmosphere in Chamonix that week, I was almost disappointed when the UTMB finished and the whole place calmed a bit and reverted to normal the next day. Still plenty to do though.
Interested in your gear reviews Morgan. Sal Adv Skin 12 set sounds good and I can see the idea that it sits and moves with you. OMM AL 20 was the pack I used last year and whilst good, like you say is just a normal backpack, but made lightweight. Though I've stuck with OMM and have an ultra 12 for the event. More minimal strapping than 20 and fully loaded sits well as long as straps are tight. Not everyones cup of tea, but fine for me. Roclite 285's for the feet, done enough training in them to believe they will aequately cushion me for 70m.
The revelation of the peaks to the left of Col de la Seigne is a fantastic moment. Even though the view of its is far away and obscured, the Aiguille Noire de Peuterey is magnetic. I couldn't stop looking at it.
The best bit is that the AN and the south side of Mont Blanc remains in view pretty much all the way to Courmayeur, which is what makes that traverese from Arete du Mont Favre so enjoyable.
Chamonix for me again, with a small group including one CCC'er and one TDS'er and 2 who are sensibly doing nothing!
I used the OMM iDrate in the 2010 CCC and it was fine; wouldn't have done for my 2 day trip though. And still not a patch on the 12 Set.
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