Still really cold at night on this one!

I just hope they listen to feedback and change a few things. There's a lot of good race in the alps, but UTMB itself remains a classic. It was one of the first (if not the first) race I've ever REALLY wanted to do. So there's something sentimental to it - like my first dream as an ultra runner. The other race like that for me is Tor des Geants - which I'm actually doing this year. So I can't say I'll never do UTMB - I'm not planning for it - still zero stones despite 42x 100 milers, but if they go in the right direction, I'll reconsider (and I heard Canyon 100 was better this year, so it seems like at least they are partially listening). The crowd would probably annoy me, but if we compare to another classic - say Hardrock - maybe I prefer a crowd than having to wait 8-10 years of lottery to get in, needing to requalify over and over... The 'by UTMB' is a different story for me. Buying US races is annoying as I don't see added value (if anything, it reduces it). But I still would look at those races individually - like Kodiak. Do I want to race Kodiak? Not "do I want to race Kodiak BY UTMB". And if they keep the quality, maybe some day.

@@runningwithsimon Good luck in the Tor! I was planning to do it this year but when I finished the Swiss Peaks last year they announced the new Swiss peaks 660 for this year! so I had to sign up for that 🤪

@@trailsandbeers Wow that's awesome! I might give swiss 360 a shot the year after (I was VERY close to signing up this year - like basically 1 or 2 days from signing up when I got pulled off the waitlist for TOR) Good luck out there, sounds amazing!

You can switch some of the speed work or intervals for hill repeat. Make sure to have strength sessions 1-2 per week.

100%! I think that's the most common pattern- muscle are typically the fastest (unless injured). That's also why injuries are common there - slower to heal and build. I had seen a really neat figure once about this (although more in the context of lifting)

That’s winning!

@@runningwithsimon Indeed! And thanks for the positive attitude and great advice to new and experienced runners!!

Thanks! Haha let’s stick to chocolate ice cream if possible!

400 miles in the alps? Nice!

Thanks! But it's still you doing the hardest part - putting in the work!

Thanks for supporting the channel! Plenty more to come :)

I think the surface was a huge factor here - both zion and cocodona being more abrasive (not sure if that's the term, but basically, hard surface). Maybe also racing wear them down faster per miles because you go slower => smaller stride length => more steps per miles.

Awesome! Good luck :)

Exciting times ahead!

Thanks :) Wow you were quick on that!! Bighorn wasn't my best race - even just motivation wasn't exactly there. But Nora was pacing me the second half so that really helped :)

Je ne connais pas - c'est une companie quebecoise?

I think it's a good idea. I don't do it myself because I have no off season, so I don't want to comment on things I don't do myself. But it makes a lot of sense. We also often say more broadly to train from less specific long before the race, to very specific closer to a race (e..g, hills, same trails, etc). Applies for everything.

Thanks!

haha thanks! Glad it's helpful and slightly entertaining!

Sure thing!

Hi Rafael! I actually live at sea level, and did not do any acclimation for either this or Cocodona 250 this year. I don't know how much it affected me when we're on the plateau at ~7k after Sedona itself. Maybe it affected - actually probably - but it's not as obvious. But I certainly felt it very clearly when climbing Elden. Out/short of breath. Getting really tired at the slightest uphill. So yes it's a factor - but I think the eat on the first day is an even bigger factor, and that's easier to prepare for. The altitude is tricky because the best thing to prepare for an altitude race (and really the only thing I ever do) is to go up there at altitude ahead of the race. But this early in the season, mountains are still covered in snow and mostly not accessible. But that's what I (try) to do for a race like Leadville where altitude is a huge factor

@@runningwithsimon Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. This is very helpful.

Awesome! Congrats and good luck on the next one :)

Awesome congrats!!!

I myself started from mostly hiking. And not regular hiking - more sporadic (I'd go on a trip - hike a bunch, then not much for a while). I think first for me it was slowly but surely I was increasing mileage on my day hike. Not with the endgoal of distance or anything, but simply because I wanted to see more. Maybe a 9 miles hike seemed like a lot, but next trip there's this 11 miles that looks cool - ok I can do it. What looked like a crazy day - I remember an 18 miles in particular - would eventually not even give me a pause. And occasionally, because of time constraint (say for example I know forecast is afternoon thunderstorm and I want to be off the pass) or just opportunity (a non-technical not-steep dirt road downhill) - I'd add some jogging. Next thing you know - jogging is more regular, and that opens up possibility in terms of hike. Now a 30-35 miles day is possible - not fully running of course, especially that there's always a lot of climb, but it unlocked what would be multi-day backpacking trip which became a tough day hike. And on the rare occasion I could take a full week off from work, that'd become a trail fest. I don't have the numbers, but I would think I'd often cover 150-200 miles in 7-8 days. Anyhow - that's about when I started more officially trail and ultrarunning. And I guess the point is that it took a lot of time and just slowly ramping up. You don't necessarily notice the increase but it's there. I know a lot of people came in more from a running background, but not so much for me

@@runningwithsimon I love that, it’s interesting as I feel on a super similar early stage path to what you described. Also in socal. Anyways, ran 4.5 miles today, basically a very slow jog, basically walking speed. Kept trying to go slower like you’ve said many times and finish fresh as my goal at the end. That’s the farthest I’ve ever ran or jogged. And it wasn’t hard following your advice, finished fresh and definitely could have done more. Mind blowing to me but here we are. Thank you for your videos and helping to make my crazy ideas seem a little more achievable!

100% ! I remember when I was younger thinking poles were for old people, but now, I realize it's for smart people!

Thanks! Glad it's helful!

P.S have a great race this week!

I'd love to try them - I don't have a pair yet. I've been doing my best to harass Hoka to send me one pair. Failing that, I'll get some pairs later this summer and test them. Do you prefer them over the 5? Newer version are sometimes better, ...but sometimes worse. For me the achilles thing is the biggie - almost nothing else matters (although I'd wish they would make them wider...)

@@runningwithsimon these are way better than the 5. I was really pleasantly surprised. They have such good support at the back (I hadn’t noticed this until you mentioned it in your video). They cup the back of your foot so nicely. They were a bit stiffer to put on at first and I worried that they wouldn’t have enough cushion… But once you’re in them and wearing them, the cushion is so nice… I actually couldn’t wear the fives because I found them a bit too tight they have a lot more room and are wider. The cushioning is actually better… It’s stiffer when you first put it on but then once you run in it, it’s totally different… I love these shoes a lot and will be wearing them more now… Have you tried the Hoka Stinson? They are really nice for the hundred mile race as they are so soft… You don’t feel a thing… The only problem is they don’t have as much grip on the bottom… They would be good for a 200 miler for sure though.

And darn I wish Hoka would send you a free pair… You deserve it. You promote them so well in the videos and you have such great videos.

@@Hypno_Holly Thanks - all very useful to know! :)

No I didn't have the map screen on at all time - just when checking if I'm still on track and or to figure out a junction. And you're right, my understanding is that it drains battery. Not sure how much however, but there's going to be processing power to generate and display a map. Same thing with garmin obviously. I also turn off the auto-black-light thing. It's practical, but I know it will drain battery so I'd rather just click it when I need it.

Thanks for the feedback, and I'm sorry to disappoint you on this. I've tried to be clear that I received it for free - literally any review you'll see online is in the same situation. The difference is that I'd be surprised if I even end up making the equivalent of $1 per hour I've spent making this video - whereas bigger channel make probably in the $10k... As for old vs. new, again the point was more to see what you get with an upgrade - mimicking a situation most of us are in which is you already have a watch, what do you get if you buy a new one. I never said coros is better than garmin. I didn't even say a single bad thing about my fenix 6. AND I pointed out that cost will be different so that could be a reason to go for an older watch. But sorry to disappoint you, I'll try to do better

Great, good luck! I guess it's time for summer training!

Channel was much smaller back then. I've since invested in a DYI recording space - feel free to listen to my newer stuff... It's all out of pocket cost and I don't have sponsor, so of course quality it's not the same as sponsor folks who can hire pros. But I do the best I can with what I have and hope it's still helpful.

@@runningwithsimon Very helpful. I signed up for a 50 mile run in October. Previous experience is a road half marathon and a max of 15 mile training runs. Nervous but eager to see if I can finish. All the puking in your videos is a little concerning 😁

@@jeffplayswithcars Good luck! I don't puke much - only happened at leadville. You'll be good!

They run narrow for sure - I hope they'll fix that for SG6

haha thanks! I'm still waiting for my cheque from them...

Thanks :) I wish I still had my n64 sometimes...

You're making me watch back some my video! :) I totally forgot about me complaining that I didn't bring poles, when they were on my back all along!

@@runningwithsimon that was hilarious - you have so many great films that are so inspiring to go back and watch you just being yourself and having fun and enjoying the experiences and that’s what makes your content so motivating to go out and take on these challenges!

"Frowned upon" is a bit strong - you do whatever you want! But if you want to improve your running, I think the general consensus is that if you can't run the distance, try to do cycles run / walk - ideally with no stopping. If you need to stop, maybe include more walking or do shorter cycles next time. And eventually you reduce the time walking in those cycles, until eventually you can run the whole thing

@@runningwithsimon I was doing somewhere around 10 miles a day on average before the pandemic shutdown. Now, it seems as if it’s more of a mental thing. It’s hard to explain. My average pace is somewhere between 7:45-8:05 per mile. I tell myself I’m going to slow it down, but I never do

@@Mr.3000TX Solid! Well I hope you can get back to it

@@runningwithsimon I’m getting there. Thank you

You mean from Cocodona?

@@runningwithsimon yes ... and also "sexy pants" winner ...

@@hawaiifranke7637 Have you watched the movie?

@@runningwithsimon the hoka speedgoat 5 yes, the cocodona no but will do now

@@hawaiifranke7637 Oh I see. Well then it's just (bad) jokes related to what actually happens during the race

Yeah, you saw my toes too... I hope they fix that with the SG6. For me just not being as narrow would probably solve everything. Might give the Mont Blanc a shot - how's the back of the feet? I know for Nora the speedgoat is a game changer - it messes up her toes, but that's true with any shoe for her. For me, the speedgoat were super helpful for my heel, but I'm not as sensitive as her on that, so I could try the Mont Blanc. I already like their lone peak - although mostly for hiking or <50 milers (for longer, the midsole isn't enough and my feet hurt)

@@runningwithsimon Yeah, they looked nasty xD Hopefully yeah! They do make their shoes very narrow, and that is really annoying. The mont blanc is pretty nice, the back will ur achilles in place, might be risky with blisters for ya. Also u gotta glue the shoe sole onto the floor of the shoe. It will slip very far and around your toes if u do not, esp in steep hills with wet shoes.

Well congrats! Maybe that's not the time you were hoping for, but sounds like you were able to push through adversity, and (hopefully) learn a thing or two! So congrats :)