Hilary Sharp on the Ultra TMB
3 Sep 2008
Hilary relates her latest Ultra Tour of Mont Blanc
The race was really good and I am very pleased. I got it all right this time, although I did get blisters which made the last 3 climbs and descents quite an ordeal and added on some time. It was very hot in the day which exhausted a lot people. Nearly 50% dropped out again this time.
Last time I did 37hrs 9 mins. This time 38hrs 39 mins. This time there was 8kms and 800m more up, so for me I reckon that should be around 2hrs more really, given the fatigue factor. I added in the extra hr early on as the 8kms was in the first evening. After that I was actually faster than last time as far as Champex. Then I got my blisters (going up to Bovine) and I also got nauseous and thought I was going to fall asleep on the hoof. This was scary as I was afraid I would just keel over. When I got to Vallorcine I took 20mins lie down in the van. I didn't fall asleep so that reassured me I would not fall asleep on the trail. Lots of runners had gone to sleep at Vallorcine and also by the trail - 2 nights out without sleep is a real trial and there's nothing you can do if sleep overwhelms you. The nausea went away and I managed to eat something so then I was fine except for the blisters.
I had to dig very deep to keep going on the final descent to Chamonix because of the pain from the blisters. Other than that I think I was stronger than in 2006 - especially on the uphills and my I still had strength at the end but was exhausted with pain. When I got home I nearly fainted getting out of the bath as I was empty of reserves.
I was really tired - the most tired I have ever been I think, But I am really very satisfied and was so happy to get my triumphant finish in Chamonix (see photo below!). It was really wonderful and I feel very happy and relieved I did not let myself or my friends down.
I was 8th in my class. 426th out of 2300 (1250 finishers). 1st in Vallorcine!
The race is done, I will never do it again as there is no need and I knew that even if I did not succeed this would be it - many promises to people, especially to myself!. Once I get back on my feet for running I will enjoy running shorter distances in the hills for a while. For sure some more races in the future but not quite so long.
All the way through I was saying to myself "you'll never need to do this bit again" so I really knew this was my swansong on the UTMB. I coped well with all the people - I find it hard to be in a crowd and the crowds lasted for about 8 hrs. I was also totally mentally prepared for the length of the thing. But when you think about 40hrs and how long it is and how many other things you do in that time, as well as going to bed twice, it's really scary to think a race can take that long.
I think my experience this time really sums up my motto that "pain is temporary pride is forever". Blisters are such minor things but cause such extreme discomfort; I found it very hard that so many people raced past me on the final descent from La Flégère (which is horrible at the best of times) and I could only keep grinding along! But I do have a problem with very wet feet - it's called hyperhydrosis of the feet - so I think really I was lucky not to get these blisters much earlier on the course. I am also lucky that all my joints and muscles feel really good today - testament to the fact that ultras suit me.
It seems the Brits performed well in the CCC (the shorter version). It is interesting that so many folk dropped out of the UTMB - including big names such as the American runners - Scott Jurek, Nikki Kimball; Kami Semick), even last year's women's winner. Lack of Moral Fibre in my opinion.
Anyway I will write up my race properly - at the moment it's just lots of thoughts jumbled up. I want to take the time to go back through it myself - as you will understand it's an experience of a lifetime, even if it bores the pants off our nearest and dearest!!
Regards
Hilary Sharp
