Alex on Trails

This year has been quite a rollercoaster when it comes to my running endeavors. Persistent tibial tendinitis has plagued me, forcing me to take multiple breaks of 4-5 weeks at a time. Just as I was ready to hit the trails again at the end of June, a foolish mishap at home resulted in a calf injury requiring 15 stitches. After a month of recovery, I was finally able to start running again on July 18th, just five weeks before the CCC. The CCC (Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix) is one of the most challenging trail races in the world, covering 101 kilometers with an elevation gain of 6,100 meters. It traverses three countries: Italy, Switzerland, and France, offering some of the most breathtaking and demanding terrains in the Alps. Completing this race requires not only physical endurance but also mental fortitude to navigate the steep ascents, technical descents, and unpredictable weather conditions. Facing a dilemma, I pondered whether to wait another 2-3 years for a chance to qualify again, ...