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Yesterday was the peak of our training for the Ultra-trail of Mt. Fuji and STY in Japan in 4 weeks. Anna and I made a loop of 51 km and +3650 m where I added another 7 km and +700 m, by doing additional peaks where possible, finishing my day with 58 km and +4350 m. The weather was sunny for once and the views fantastic.

Philippe, Mont Vial with the Alps behind (© Anna Gatta)
Philippe, Mont Vial with the Alps behind (© Anna Gatta)

Distance: 58 km, ascent: 4310m / descent: 4310m.

The objective of today’s trail was to get as much elevation gain as possible. We started in Plan du Var climbing up Mont Vial passing through the Col de Serse getting an immediate elevation gain of +1200 m in our legs. Then we ran down the North side of Vial where we ran through hard snow that cut up our calves…

Mont Vial seen from Mont Adret (© Philippe Gatta)
Mont Vial seen from Mont Adret (© Philippe Gatta)

Continuing down to Malaussène, down to the valley floor and up to Massoins where I left Anna to run up Mont Adret passing by Tournefort on the way back to the valley floor again. Last big climb for the day went through La Tour sur Tinée were Anna and I met up again and together we made yet another +1000 m up via Crête l’Albaréa to Col du Castel de Gineste heading down to Utelle. From Utelle we had the last climb of the day up to Madone d’Utelle from where we ran towards Collet d’Huesti continuing down the technical and steep trail to Chaudan. Then another 1.5 km on the road to get to the car in Plan du Var.

Philippe on the bridge over Cramassouri (© Anna Gatta)
Philippe on the bridge over Cramassouri (© Anna Gatta)

Anna climbing the steep Pas Masséna (© Philippe Gatta)
Anna climbing the steep Pas Masséna (© Philippe Gatta)