8 Best UTMB 2014 Videos

My Top 8 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) 2014 videos are:

8. Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc - UTMB by niilosmc

 


 7. 2014 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc by DuctTape.TV

 
2014 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc from DuctTape.TV on Vimeo.


6. WAA Team - Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc 2014 by WAA UltraEquipment

 


5. UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc 2014) by Fabrice Lefeuvre

 


 4. Anton (Tony) Krupicka UTMB® 2014 - BUFF® PRO TEAM by Sportify

 


3. Jason Schlarb - Trail Minded #4: UTMB® race report by Julbo

 


 2. The North Face: Curiosity by The North Face

 


1. The Ingenuous Choice - Mountain Running with Anton Krupicka by Outdoor Live

 
The Ingenuous Choice - Mountain Running with Anton Krupicka from Outdoor Live on Vimeo.

Split Training for Ultra Trail Running

I read recently an interesting article The Split Long Run by Mario Fraioli. The benefits of splitting up your longest run into shorter segments could be for instance:

• reduced injury and overtraining risk
• higher intensity and energy levels during exercise
• more convenient to schedule around your busy daily life
• easier to manage gear, nutrition and logistics 
• possibly better motivation and more fun.

The idea of an self-supported solo 50-hour/50-kilometer event occurred to me. Without further ado, I decided to try it this week in Helsinki Central Park. The weather was sunny and extremely nice.

I started my first run on Monday 2pm. It was an easy slow 13km trail run.

That was followed by a brisk 15km fartlek early Tuesday morning.

In the afternoon I added a 7K tempo run. And another one around midnight under starry skies.

I used La Sportiva Bushidos for these two runs. Then on Wednesday I changed back to my trusty Hoka One One Stinsons.

I ran a 7K in the morning with a heavy-ish backpack. Finally I ran a rocky and hilly 6K in the afternoon, finishing at 4pm - exactly 50 hours after the start.

My total distance was 53.6km according to Movescount. Strava generously gave me one km more.

50h/50K felt like a fun concept. I'll probably do it again. Or maybe 100h/100K? Or 100 miles in 100 hours. The possibilities are endless. :)

UTMB 2014 Race Report

Stormtroopers and Stolen Poles

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is the super-über-bomb in the exploding world of mountain ultra trail running. This year's course around the highest peak in the Alps was 168.7km (105 miles) with +9,796m (32,139ft) of elevation gain.

UTMB. What an adventure. Coming up for me. (Photo: Merja&Tomi)

Here's the race report from UTMB 2014, my first 100-miler.

No, this is not me. It's French superman Jacky Deconihout, V3H (M60) UTMB winner 2012-14.

It's midnight at busy La Balme aid station. 38 km of UTMB done, 130 to go. I'm wet and muddy all over. The rain that poured since 17:30 start in Chamonix has finally stopped. I had a great start just behind the elites with some advice from French superman Jacky Deconihout, who regularly wins M60-category of any ultra-trail race he cares to enter.

Contemplation, anticipation, precipitation: ingredients of a great UTMB start.

In Les Contamines (31K) I saw my friend Micke and tried to tell him a bad joke about all this mud. The noise was so loud that we could hardly hear each other. I didn't see the other four members of our Finnish Team UTMB at all during the race: Noora, Pekka, Tomi and Tommi.

Here we go! UTMB 2014 start on Friday 29 August 17:30. 

Now I'm standing all alone by the fire outside dumbfounded. Staring at the flames, I still can't believe it. Taking inventory, I noticed that my cap is not under the elastic strings of my backpack anymore. But now there's a much more serious issue. My poles have been taken. This was not a joke anymore.

At the Centre Sportif to pick up my bib. (Photo: a 7-time UTMB finisher)

Six weeks ago in Eiger Ultra Trail I had twisted my lower back. The trail had been blocked by some tourists oblivious to the race. I was going full speed downhill and to avoid collision took a sidetrack. My Hokas slipped and in a comical series of uncontrolled movements I somehow regained my balance without falling. Since then my back has troubled me a bit.

Beautiful morning at Lac Combal, Italy, 64km done, 1970m altitude.

My poles were the key gear to keep on climbing. I had written my name on them vertically in big golden letters. When nature called, I hid them in the aid station tent. When I came back, they were gone. I investigated this mystery like Columbo, but no clue. The cut-off time closed on me. I had no choice but to continue into the starry night without sticks.

A random TDS finisher arriving in Chamonix with festive atmosphere.

I remember reading about this crazy run around Mont Blanc about a decade ago. I laughed it off as an ridiculous idea. I'd never participate for sure! But then Marco Olmo changed everything by winning in 2006-7. If this 60-year-old Italian grandpa could kick everyone's ass, certainly I should at least try finishing it.

Micke, Tomi and Moi after passing the tests for bibs. (Photo: Merja&Tomi)

I decided to go for UTMB. Unfortunately, so did everyone else. The popularity of ultra trail running skyrocketed overnight. A number of points from previous races were required to participate in UTMB lottery. In 2012 I finally got in CCC and finished the shortened course in challenging weather. In 2013 I lost in UTMB lottery, and decided not to take the offer for TDS. This year I got lucky with two names in the hat. Finally I'm in UTMB. Now all I have to do is actually run around Mont Blanc.

Mont Blanc the day before UTMB.

I kept plodding on slowly through the night: up Croix du Bonhomme, down to Les Chapieux (thank you Petzl for headlamp batteries), and up Col de la Seigne. Voila, dawn and Italy! Magnificent mountains.

Lac Combal, Valle d'Aosta, Italy on Saturday morning.

What a beautiful Saturday it was at Lac Combal, sunny with a few clouds. I chatted about getting new poles with anyone who would listen. It seemed my best bet would be trying to get them in Courmayeur. It was just one more easy climb away, Mont Favre ridge, and then the endless downhill.

At Mont Favre ridge with Mont Blanc Massif in the background. (Photo: a runner from Hong Kong)

I arrived at Courmayeur Sports Centre at 10:39am, after over 17 hours and 77km of racing. I picked up my yellow Drop Bag, applied anti-blister creme to my feet, and changed into new clothes and another pair of Hoka Stinsons.

I had no crew, so the Drop Bag in Courmayeur was essential. Wish there were more DB's - we need one in Champex and maybe one in Vallorcine too! (Photo: Merja&Tomi)

As I headed upstairs to grab lunch, there was a lady volunteer standing at the stairway. She gave me a used pair of poles, not the exact ones I lost, but the same model and size. Life was smiling at me again. I felt very grateful for the organisers. I guess anything is possible if you keep going and don't give up. Chamonix, here we come!

In Italy they have these emergency shelters in strategic locations.

The sunny and hot journey to Champex was on a familiar trail, as it was on the same is CCC 2012. Refuges Bertoni and Bonatti, Arnuva (94K) and then Grand Col Ferret - the highest point of the course at 99km point. My favorite way to travel from Italy to Switzerland!

Courmayeur, a fantastic little town in Italy.

In La Fouly (108K) I met again Liliane Keller, who has seen me run through many an aid station in various races in this area. Her husband Matti was not there at this time, but I sent him my best wishes. I appreciate so much all the valuable work these volunteers do for the us. I spent about half an hour at the tent, chatting with her while trying to eat a little bit of everything on offer. The problem with these mountain races is getting enough calories in, although you never feel really hungry.

Grand Col Ferret, the highest point of UTMB 2525m.

By the time I reached Champex (122K) it was almost midnight again. I was extremely tired and tried to sleep in the dormitory tent. It was way too noisy and I just rested on my back, without any actual sleep at all. After a while I got frustrated and got up, drank some more coffee and forced myself out. It was Sunday, and I was determined to arrive in Chamonix by 15:30.

I love climbing steep uphills. My favorite way to travel from Italy to Switzerland!

The new La Giète trail to Trient seemed quite different from the Bovine I knew from CCC. It felt steeper, longer and more technical, but I guess they always do when you are exhausted.  And boy, was I exhausted. There was a mountain house up there with bright lights, loud music and a smoky fire outside, but I didn't feel like partying or dancing. It took me about five hours to reach Trient (139K).

Col des Montets / La Tête aux Vents.

I remembered the uphill to Catogne very well from CCC. I generally love steep uphills, but this one provided some special entertainment. Over 35 hours of racing without sleep started to play tricks on my poor mind. When it began I didn't realize initially what was going on, and I was pretty annoyed for them to have installed all these new neon ads on Catogne. For crying out loud, this place looked flashier than Times Square and Piccadilly Circus combined! Every imaginable product was advertised right here in the middle of a great natural reserve. Outrageous!

Col de Montets / La Tête aux Vents.

The funniest hallucinations happened when I mistook a fellow competitor for a Stormtrooper from Star Wars. I was impressed how long the illusion lasted and and how real it appeared to be. Even when I laughed out loud and told myself that it wasn't real, I still saw it. I tried to look away, but whenever I glanced in that direction, it was still there. Eventually the sunrise dissolved these amazing images created by my brain. I have never experienced anything like this before - thanks for the free show UTMB :)

Col des Montets / La Tête aux Vents.

Soon I was having my Sunday breakfast in Vallorcine (149K), a town runners like me have visited countless times. Chamonix was now only 19km away. I felt really good and full of energy. I talked to almost everyone I met and was very happy. I think all the aid stations were great, but somehow the atmosphere in Vallorcine is always uplifting.

Col des Montets / La Tête aux Vents.

I really enjoyed the last climb to Col des Montets (153K) and La Tête aux Vents (157K). Although only 2127m, it provided an opportunity for some nice scrambling. I know we are supposed to stay on the trail, but there were so many slower competitors to be passed that I had to climb around them. No more Mr. Patience (if I ever was :)!

UTMB Finisher! (Photo: Merja)

I took the technical part of the last downhill from La Flégère (160K) really easy. I chatted with Tony Williams from Australia, who had damaged his knee the day before. He seemed to be able to finish by himself, so I flew down to Chamonix as fast as I could. I shouted like a madman to allow hikers enough time to get out of my way. Running through the streams cleaned my shoes and socks nicely for Chamonix.

Team UTMB Finland: Moi, Pekka, Noora, Tommi, Tomi & Micke. (Photo: Merja)

The last km in Chamonix was my dream come true. Everyone cheered and celebrated with me. Some even ran with me for a while. I high-fived spectators left and right before sprinting to the finish line. I had been looking forward to this moment for so many years. UTMB Finisher! Merja from our Finnish Team was kindly there to welcome and take care of my mortal remains. Thank you Merja!

Yes! I've been looking forward to this moment for so many years! (Photo: Merja)

My finish time was 42:51:10 and my overall position was 993. This makes me the second slowest Finnish UTMB finisher (the slowest ever is Emil Söderlund 45:31:37 in 2013) is In Courmayeur I had been in position 1713, so I had improved my ranking by 720 in the last half. None of this matters very much to me. I just feel really happy with finishing my first 100-miler. 1,578 of 2,434 starters (65%) finished UTMB 2014.

Now I understand what T.S. Eliot meant when he wrote: "We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." Chamonix was still the same old town, but I was a new man. 

In hindsight, UTMB is actually a tour of five countries:

• France
• Italy
• Switzerland
• La-La Land
• France-with-New-Eyes.

May the force be with you! :)

Celebrating 20 Years Mountain Running

In 2014 it's already been 20 years since I got hooked on mountain running. I've already celebrated this summer by finishing Lavaredo Ultra Trail 119km and Eiger Ultra Trail 101km.

Mountain crystal finisher award I received after Swiss Alpine Marathon 1995. 

I spent the summer 1995 in Switzerland training around Walensee, Melchsee, Davos, Saint Moritz and several other fantastic locations.

I also finished four tough and steep races that summer:

• Vilan Berglauf 13.5km +1,840m
• Frutigen-Adelboden Berglauf 19.5km +950m
• Gotschna Berglauf (Klosters) 11.5km +1,080m
• Swiss Alpine Marathon (Davos) 67km +2,700m

Those were very good times. In fact whenever you are running in the mountains, it's always a great pleasure.

But what matters is the next 20 years. There are still so many awesome races I want to finish. Starting from Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc 168km (104 miles) next weekend, my longest ultra so far.

Happy trails!

UTMB 2014

Teaser Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® 2014 by UltraTrailMontBlanc

It's August. For ultra trail runners, it means only one thing: it's UTMB-time. The legendary Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is the biggest and best-organised mountain ultra trail event. With 7,273 runners participating in five ultra races (PTL, UTMB, TDS, CCC, OCC) it's the de facto World Championships. There are other races that are perhaps tougher, older and more prestigious, but they tend to be relatively small and low-key events. For example, Hardrock 100 has only 140 runners struggling to find their way on a largely unmarked course. There is only one Mont Blanc, and it's unique.

This year the list of favorites for the 168km (104 miles) UTMB looks very interesting. Having witnessed the winning performances of Anton Krupicka and Rory Bosio in 119km Lavaredo Ultra Trail 2014, my money is on them - assuming they will be healthy at the end of the month.

However it's worth noting that their competition will be extremely tough. For men the list is ultra long: Timothy Olson, Francois D'Haene, Miguel Heras, etc.

For women the list is more compact, as about 90% of participants are men. Nuria Picas is always a fierce competitor. In addition, 5-Time UTMB Champion Lizzy Hawker will be back in Chamonix!

Even Finland's Fritjof Fagerlund (who lives in Sweden) is listed. There will be 34 Finnish runners in 2014 races: 12 in TDS, 8 in OCC, 7 in UTMB, 5 in CCC and 2 in PTL. It should be noted that while officially PTL is not a race, the top teams tend to fight pretty hard for a podium finish. The Finnish team has placed 2nd, 1st and 2nd in the past three years. This year the course (which changes every year, but always goes around Mont Blanc) is the longest (306km) with more elevation gain (+28,000m) than ever. It's possible our Team Rumue will be the first in Chamonix.

I'm proud to be one of 2014 UTMB participants. I did CCC in 2012, and this year I won the jackpot - I'll be one of the 2300 UTMB starters in Chamonix at 5:30pm on Friday, August 29th. On the last Sunday of this month we will know the results. My bib is 549 - wish me luck, I probably need it!

The biggest question mark will be once again the infamously unstable Mont Blanc weather. Not only is Mont Blanc the highest peak in the Alps, it also boasts the most challenging weather. And those conditions can change faster than you can say DNF.

Even in August, statistically a nice summer holiday month, snow/hail with strong winds and intensely cold temperatures are totally possible. On the other hand, it can also be hot and sunny. Or rainy and foggy with muddy trails. As the organisers advise in the security section of their website: 'Anticipate the cold as well as extreme heat.'


Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® - Eléments by UltraTrailMontBlanc

Two years ago I experienced the full force of the elements in CCC, when we were told to wear four layers of clothing. I did as ordered and put on a technical t-shirt, a long-sleeve warm shirt, a fleece and a full rain suit with a hat and double gloves, but still managed to feel cold at the highest passes. Only the hooded plastic poncho I happened to carry in my backpack saved me - my extra fifth layer.

The list of 'obligatory material' below should be taken seriously. At least I will. The organisers will most probably check you have everything at the bib pick-up. They might also ask you to show a random item during the race. I won't risk anything: I will carry every single thing exactly as required, all the way. I don't want to be disqualified at an aid station because my Salomon Soft Cup is 125ml, and not 15cl as required. I will be a good boy and have a 150ml cup.

About the poles I'd say: yes, I'll carry them and use them most of the time. They are a huge advantage and legal, so why not? BUT: be careful not to hurt/annoy the people around you, and don't wear the hand straps in steep descents in case you lose your balance. BD Ultra Distance poles are a popular choice, but take care or they might get broken. Especially if you are at all like me.

Finally I'd like to take this opportunity to mention that I feel a deep respect for all the fabulous race volunteers. It might be a good idea to smile and thank them, although you might be feeling dead by the time. A few kind words or a bad joke (preferably attempting to say it in their language for extra fun) never hurt anyone.

It's interesting how the true nature of a competitor is revealed in how they treat the vols. Please let's try to remember that they work very hard and long hours for free - and make it possible for you to be there and enjoy feeling dead :-)

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter if you finish in 1000th place or whatever your goal is. But if you can leave a thousand volunteers along the way feeling a bit happier - now that's an achievement.


Les Bénévoles de l'Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® by UltraTrailMontBlanc

Ok that's all folks. Let's have the most beautiful adventure ever! See you at UTMB 2014!

 
Beautiful adventure by UltraTrailMontBlanc