If you’re new to Journey to Chamonix, then welcome to my monthly running update! 

Each month I track my progress to my goal of running in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), which I’m hoping to achieve in the next few years. Qualification races, lotteries and a Strava load of training to do first though. For the latest progress read on!

Since last update

Only one month away from the Surf Coast Century! It’s almost here and almost certainly not going to be postponed for a third time (fingers crossed!). With the event being pushed out to early Summer, it has given me the opportunity to get additional kilometres into my legs, get over some of the niggles that I had been experiencing earlier in the training block as well as trial some different gear. 

At this point, I’m not looking forward to it being over, but it is long overdue. There will no doubt be a sense of relief when I’ve finished it. The continual postponement due to COVID restrictions and monitoring vaccination levels have been taxing. 

Although I know I may not necessarily enjoy the event (100 kms is a long way!) but it will be an amazing experience. I look forward to the challenge, the problems I’ll have and need to solve along the way as well as the encouragement I can give to others also competing. It will be my longest running event by far. 

Throughout October, I was able to continue to build on my previous months training and increase some of the runs. I’m still not quite back to the level I was hoping to be after some niggles in the previous month but I am giving myself every chance to do well. 

After really only getting back into running a couple of years ago, this will continue to build my base running levels for what is to come in 2022, 2023 and beyond. Although the UTMB does seem a long way (and many years off) this is still important preparation on the way to running it. 

Looking Ahead

As we approach the end of the year, my thoughts are turning to next year and some of the potential races that may be on the cards for 2022. Check out my Race Schedule for 2022 here. I’m looking to get the remainder of the required UTMB qualification points (though I may be short some running stones by the time I am able to enter) as well as hit a new goal for a marathon. The Alpine Challenge, one of Australia’s toughest events, and Melbourne Marathon will likely be the target events for the year. The Great Ocean Road Marathon (or at least one of the smaller races) will be booked in as we try to head down each year with friends. 2022 will be here in no time!

Thanks for checking in on my progress and all the best with your own workouts and events you’re planning for November! 

*RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) measures workout intensity (0 easy, 10 max effort)

How have I progressed

• Booking in race schedule for 2022
• Brushing up on SCC course and race reports
• Trialling gear, nutrition and hydration in preparation for the SCC

Stats since last update

• 288.4 km along local paths and tracks