UTMB Nice Training preparation

Target

March marks the end of the rest period following the Tarawera Ultra. Now it’s time to prepare for the Nice 100M.

The UTMB in Nice, in France, covers 165 km with 8,900 meters of elevation gain. The route starts in Auron in the Mercantour National Park and ends at the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.

Running route from a previous race

This time, there will be a lot more elevation gain, so I need to incorporate enough strength training. That means I’m upping my routine to eight sessions a week, hoping the training load isn’t too heavy. Of course, the first few sessions will be fairly light. The principle remains the same: training must be progressive and consistent.

As I’m more used to being at the back of the pack than at the front of the race, my goal for this Ultra is simply to finish it. First of all, this is a first for me and, just like with the Tarawera in New Zealand, I want to prepare for this trail as well as possible so that I can enjoy the race rather than just endure it.

Training plan

The weekly schedule is as follows

  • 2 strength training sessions
  • 3 basic endurance sessions
  • 2 interval training sessions
  • 1 long run

I adjust the intensity of the sessions based on how I feel that day and any potential injuries.

Similar Posts

  • UTMB Nice training : the recovery

    After two weeks of recovery following the Tarawera, I’m getting back into training. The return to training is going smoothly. Even so, the first few sessions – although low-intensity – are harder than I thought. The strength training sessions have left me with aching muscles throughout March. This surprises me all the more as I’m…

  • UTMB Nice Training: Same loop

    This weekend, I’m doing the same loop as last Sunday: Pic aux Chèvres – Les Éoliennes – Plum – La Corniche – Mont Dore. The aim for today is to complete this loop in less time. Firstly, by avoiding the same route mistakes, and secondly, by picking up the pace. This time I’ve only got…

  • UTMB Nice Training: Bloc-choc

    This weekend, an ‘Intensive Block’ session with even more distance. On the programme: – Day 1: 4 hours 35 minutes and 1,200 metres of elevation gain– Day 2: 6 hours 35 minutes and 1,600 metres of elevation gain Mont-Dore with a partner For this first session, I was joined by a friend. We’ve already done…

  • UTMB Nice Training: felt good

    From this weekend onwards, the long sessions really start to live up to their name: the intensity is ramping up. On the programme: – Day 1: 1 hr 45 mins and 440 D+ – Day 2: 4 hr 50 mins and 1,200 D+ Ouen ToroAs usual, I did this session on Ouen Toro to string…

  • UTMB Nice Training: Mont Dore, as usual

    Here we go again for a long two-day session – 5 h 30 mins and 1,400 metres of elevation gain – 7 h 20 mins and 1,850 metres of elevation gain Once again, Mont Dore – this place is particularly well-suited to training. In one and the same spot, you can vary the types of session you…

  • UTMB Nice Training: last long run

    For the final long run of my training programme, I’m sticking to the Ouen Toro route. The aim is to complete it in 3 hours 10 minutes with 900 metres of elevation gain. I’m feeling a bit tired, so I’m taking my time. As a result, I set off at midday… I start off on…

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *