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20th edition of the Ultra-trail du Mont Blanc just wrapped
up, and fans are still reeling from the epic achievements
and courage of the runners in Chamonix. Whether they finished
or not, lining up for a 170-kilometre trek with 10,000
metres of elevation gain, often over two entire days and
nights, is a very brave endeavour in itself (and, without
a doubt, a massive privilege).
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Regardless of whether you ever plan on tackling an ultra,
there are a few beautiful lessons we can all learn from
UTMB. We may never be able to join the crowds in Chamonix,
but we can learn from the magic that happens there and
carry it over into our own running careers (even if the
5,000 metres is more your jam). Here are a few things
UTMB shows us every year.
Sometimes you need to try a few times to get it right
While American ultrarunning great Jim Walmsley has made
some massive accomplishments look easy, he took a few
years to get UTMB right. Not only did the runner have
to return to UTMB five times seeking a win to conquer
that podium, but he also had (and was lucky enough to
be able to) to uproot his life in the U.S. and move to
France to fully learn and embrace the European running
lifestyle. Walmsley did that for one year, missed the
podium altogether in 2022, and decided to stay in France
to try again. Most of us aren’t
aiming for a podium finish anywhere, let alone at UTMB.
Whether it’s a PB in your distance of choice or
qualifying for a goal race (or even conquering that learn-to-run
program) if you’re a runner, you probably have a
goal or two. It’s not only more than OK if you experience
setbacks and disappointments and have to start over–it’s
normal.
Finish-line tears are always justified
Whether you are first or last (and no matter your distance)
the men and women of UTMB demonstrated the emotional aspect
of running, over and over. From moments connecting with
loved ones in aid stations to the finish-line feels from
the first finisher (here’s looking at you, Jim and
Courtney) to the last, races are exciting. No matter if
you’ve smashed your goals or left unfinished business
out on the course, running has probably pulled at your
heartstrings and left you feeling a bit raw and vulnerable.
If you watched any of this year’s UTMB you will
have noticed that no one held back–tears of joy
and suffering alike flowed freely from both athletes and
fans. Let it out. Emotion and running are both beautiful,
very human things to be savoured and enjoyed. Shout with
enthusiasm over your own finish, give out high-fives with
reckless abandon, and accept those big, comforting hugs
when you’re in need.
It takes a village (accepting help is important)
Many people running around Mont Blanc have a whole group
of supporters with them at the race, or sending messages
of love and support from afar. They may have trained with
running clubs, coaches or friends to log the miles necessary
for an up-to-48-hour race. And not all of us are lucky
enough to have family and friends who can afford to come
with us to races, or maybe it’s just not their jam–and
that’s where the volunteers (and random fans!) come
in. If you have ever participated
in a race of any type you’ve probably noticed (and
appreciated) the volunteers at water stations and all
over the race course. At ultras, these helpers play a
particularly integral role. They are often as likely to
help you tie your shoelaces, listen to your fatigue-laden
rant or encourage you to get back on course as they are
to refill a water bottle. It’s
OK to want and need help, even if your event of choice
is much shorter than an ultra. That help can come in a
multitude of forms, from the guidance of a coach to the
cheers of a stranger. Soak it in, and don’t be afraid
to ask for more. Chances are, you’ll be pleasantly
surprised by how eagerly others step forward to give you
what you need, and you’ll most definitely have the
opportunity to pay it forward.
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