CCC 2021

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, with the prospect of stricter rules, or risk running with minimal preparation and potential re-injury. Determined not to let my hard-earned spot go to waste, I decided to train on the edge of my physical limits. Two weeks before the CCC, I successfully completed a live test run of 32k with 2000m elevation gain, which gave me the confidence to go for it.

Race day in Courmayeur arrived with perfect conditions. The initial long and slow ascent went smoothly with the flow of runners. At Bertone and then Arnouva, where my girls cheered me on, I started to feel the burn—blisters had formed. The struggle intensified at Grand Col Ferret, and my ranking began to slip.

The long descent to La Fouly, a 20k stretch, brought unexpected relief as the pain started to fade. Renewed, I embarked on the next climb to Champex Lac, reaching a critical checkpoint where I refueled with a good bowl of pasta, changed into a long-sleeved t-shirt, and geared up for the night. This was the true beginning of the race.

Three grueling climbs awaited: Bovine via Le Plan d’Eau, Steppes after Trient, and Tré la Tête after Vallorcine. The never-ending rocky plateau at La Flégère drained my remaining energy. As the sun rose over Mont Blanc, signaling the final stretch, I pushed through the exhaustion and pain, crossing the finish line in Chamonix after 21 hours and 40 minutes.

What a race! Perfect conditions from start to finish. Amazingly, my body managed to endure the last kilometers pain-free. The human body truly is a wonder.