Almost Go Time for CCC

Our time in Tignes is nearly over. It’s been a great training block, and honestly, the memories I’ve made this time around have far exceeded those from a few years ago when I was here. I think it’s because I’ve got to experience it this time around with my family. I don’t know, it just seems like the conditions have been better, there’s been more going on throughout the day. There’s certainly been a lot less rest time, that’s for sure. Hudson makes sure of that. Still, apart from wanting to put the legs up a bit more, I wouldn’t change too much. It’s been a lot of fun and, as I said, we’ve created some great memories from this trip.

As for the training itself, I couldn’t really ask for more. I’ve certainly ramped up from the initial period of getting out for the odd run during our holidays on the Mediterranean coast. And I’ve shared some nice miles with teammates and some new friends as well.

A guy that I’ve run into over here in Tignes, Josh Wade. He finished third in UTMB last year, and I’m very happy to have had the pleasure of meeting him. He’s one of those guys that just brings across an infectious passion for running. He puts in the hard work, and it’s been great being able to share some miles with him. A couple memorable sessions and a solid long run to round out the block.

There’s these type of people, the people that just seem to have that enthusiasm for life and for what they do that you should surround yourself with. They make the journey what it is, and it makes you realise, or not just realise but remember, that the process is important. Enjoying that process is what will bring about the fitness, the gains, the overall mental well-being, as well as what will probably pay out on race day as well.

So with these more positive experiences in training, and for sure, some very cool memories spent with the family at the lake, in the mountains, going out for hikes, family dinners, family breakfasts, we’ll leave Tignes. We will arrive in Chamonix knowing that it’s been a shorter block since Western States. But I think a highly valuable one, where I have learned to just appreciate probably the smaller things as well, and to appreciate that, again, it is a privilege to just be able to run and do this as a living.

Putting in the hard work. Yes, not every day is easy. It’s one of those clichés, but when you can just enjoy the small moments, those shared with new friends, old friends, family, it’s a way better time than trying to achieve things by ourselves. I want to embrace this mindset going into CCC. With a clear path to appreciate the good times and the team that will be cheering me on in person and those at home, hopefully I can put on a show and have a good day out there.

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