I had a love affair with Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB®) which took me around the massif four and a half times (five and a half if you count a recce). The course, largely following popular hiking route Tour du Mont Blanc, is a belter, the competition is intense and the crowds are large in number and loud in voice.

Jump to the training plan (includes PDF download)

It’s a special event. But while your ears will hurt from all the cowbells, your quads can take an absolute battering if you’re under-prepared. The Alps have longer descents, albeit largely on good trails, than we generally find in the UK.

It could be a mistake however, to focus on vertical gain (vert) for months beforehand. Muscular adaptations are easy-come-easy-go, so the eight weeks before the race is the key time for hurty vert (and strong downhills, for leg conditioning). Before that, aim to get as aerobically fit as possible, work on speed and your running economy.

Ideally you will have completed a