Discussion: UTMB

I'm impressed too. The communications were very quick when I was working with them to arrange the charitable bib. Given that the lottery just happened and they had a computer system glitch, they must have been dealing with tons of e-mails but they were still super responsive.

I'm ridiculously excited too. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because there are so few things in my life anymore that I have to work toward for two years. Usually, the time from Zero to Dream is 6 months or less. Whatever happens with the race, I'm just pumped about the idea of hanging out in France, running through three countries and sharing the adventure with friends. We love Chamonix - every second building is either a patisserie or an outdoor gear store.

P.S. Rather than writing an e-mail... your package arrived today. Thanks!

Given this race has been called the Superbowl of ultras, not surprised how keen everyone is. Any idea what their live coverage is like? Wondering if they have that as dialed as the rest of the race organization.

I agree with STORM, they seem very organized even down to all details for supporting people, shuttles, local buses etc. And I love the map package. In a few cases I have had trouble understanding the English they use, but then again, I speak Swinglish so who am I to say?

And I'm by far more intimidated by this race (CCC in my case) than any other race that I have done. Mostly because I messed myself up so badly in my Ultra run last spring. But hopefully with the right build up and training, injuries can be avoided this time around. Oh, and then there is the fact that I'm really not a runner....wonder if I can bring my bike....that would help.

@BugsinTeeth, I watched live coverage last year when a friend did it and several years ago when Dee and M&M did it. It was pretty good. You can keep an eye on a runner's progress by checking split times and rankings as they arrive at some of the aid stations around the course. There are also photos and videos showing the event in general. We will also have Carbon's Offset reporting live from the field - if we can figure out a way for him to do that without paying a fortune.

@Carbon, their English translations *are* a little awkward sometimes. And maybe I'm a fool but I'm not feeling intimidated - at least not yet - and you are a better runner than I am. I'm very excited about being part of the largest trail running event in the world in a beautiful location, and I know there will be some excellent ultrarunners there. But a lot of the participants ran the same types of events I did to qualify, and I suspect I'll have lots of company way back in the "fun section" of the pack.

Wait until you see the aid stations.

Dee and Audrey are probably having so much fun listening to us goofy newbies, given that they very quietly rocked this race several years ago... :)

As in hitting the top 20 in the female category. They seriously rocked it!

Holy!

I chalk it up to good lighting and no need to sleep!

And I bet great fitness, speed, mental strength and general awesomeness!