Mountain Adventure Holidays
training for UTMB
Pic: Guillaume Deneffe
Today, we're excited to sit down with Laura, a competitive Belgian trail runner whose passion for the mountains is matched by her dedication to climate activism—and, of course, she wouldn't say no to a good cup of coffee. With the iconic UTMB just a week and a half away, Laura is here in Chamonix, preparing to tackle one of the toughest races in the trail running world. We’re eager to hear how she’s feeling as race day approaches, and to explore what drives her love for the trails and her commitment to protecting the beautiful places she runs in.
- I'm really glad the race is almost here. The preparation period has been intense, and honestly, it shouldn't have lasted any longer—I'm ready for it to be race day. There's a sense of relief and excitement that it's finally happening. Both mentally and physically, I feel prepared.
- I’ve never been someone who’s deeply attached to the idea of races themselves. However, they play a crucial role in giving my training—and by extension, my life—structure and focus. Races provide the motivation I need to stay disciplined, helping me push through the tough days and keep progressing. But if I had to pick one, the 90km Mont Blanc race stands out. It was like a puzzle where all the pieces just fell into place. Everything clicked during that race, from the terrain to my own performance. It was a race where I felt fully connected to both the environment and my abilities, which is why it remains so memorable.
- Not exactly. While the UTMB is an iconic race and holds a special place in the trail running world, my attraction to it goes beyond the usual challenges of a race. What draws me in is its legendary status and the rich history behind it. For me, the appeal lies in being part of something much larger—a race that has deep significance in the sport and unites the global trail running community. It’s about more than just the distance or the course; it’s about being part of a tradition.
- My connection to the trail running community is both personal and broad. On a personal level, I have my own circle of friends who are also runners. Unfortunately, because of the time I spend training abroad, I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like. That’s something I miss.
The broader community took me by surprise. Social media plays a huge role in keeping me connected. I’ve received an incredible amount of support from people I’ve never met—strangers who reach out to say they’ve been inspired by my running. That was surprising to me at first, but it has encouraged me to share more about my experiences. I believe in honest communication, and through that, I feel like my running has a positive impact on others. It makes the sport feel less egocentric and more like a way to connect with and inspire a wider audience.
- Trail running came into my life at a time of transition. I was leaving behind my student years, and with that shift, I found that running helped me mature in many ways. It’s not just a sport for me; it’s a way of life. If I can run, I am a happy person—simple as that. Running has taught me to value my health above all else because being healthy means I can continue to do what I love. Being out in nature, which is a big part of trail running, has profound benefits on both physical and mental health. It’s a form of meditation, a way to clear the mind and focus on what really matters. This perspective has carried over into other areas of my life, making me more grounded and appreciative of the simple things.
- Living in Belgium, where the terrain is relatively flat, presents its own set of challenges when preparing for mountainous races. Because of this, I spend a lot of time training on the treadmill and stairmaster to simulate the climbs and descents that I would face in a race. The French Ardennes offer some elevation, but with a maximum difference of 250 meters, it’s not quite the same as being in the Alps. To prepare for these more challenging environments, I make it a point to spend as much time as I can in the mountains. There’s a significant advantage to training in mountainous terrain, especially when it comes to descending—there’s still a lot of room for improvement in that area for me. The most challenging environment I’ve encountered is probably steep, technical descents in the mountains. Handling it required specific training and a lot of mental focus to stay confident and controlled on tricky terrain.
- If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be about the importance of smart training. When I first started, I didn’t particularly enjoy training, and I certainly didn’t like stepping out of my comfort zone. I wasn’t making much progress because I kept my heart rate at a comfortable level during workouts, avoiding the intensity needed for real improvement. I wish I had known earlier how to train more effectively. It’s not just about putting in the miles but about pushing yourself in the right ways. Understanding the value of structured training and how to balance effort with recovery would have made a big difference earlier in my running career.
- A phrase that always motivates me is the reminder that everyone out there is suffering, not just me. This shared experience gives me strength, especially during tough races. I also find a lot of motivation in technical descents, which are challenging but where I feel most in my element. In terms of mental preparation, I use visualization techniques extensively. I imagine the fatigue I’ll experience and how I’ll overcome it. Training on the stairmaster while watching videos of the UTMB, for example, helps me mentally prepare for what’s to come. This kind of mental rehearsal is incredibly effective in making me feel ready for the race.
- Sustainability is a key consideration for me, particularly when it comes to transportation, which has the most significant environmental impact. I make a conscious effort to choose races closer to home in Europe. There’s so much variety and challenge here that I don’t feel the need to travel outside Europe for races. Beyond transportation, it’s also about respecting the trails and doing my part to protect the mountains. I minimise my impact and support organisations that work to preserve natural spaces. On the trails, I make sure to leave no trace, stick to marked paths, and encourage others to do the same. It’s all about ensuring these beautiful places remain pristine and accessible for everyone, now and in the future.
Thank you so much, Laura, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It’s been inspiring to hear about your journey and your deep connection to the trails. As the UTMB approaches, we’re all cheering you on and can’t wait to see what you accomplish.
For all running enthusiasts eager to join our community, be sure to check out our Strava account.
If you're feeling inspired and excited to embark on your own trail running adventures, come learn, explore, and elevate your skills at our Chamonix Trail Running Camp.
If you simply want to be guided on the trails, join us on our Chamonix Classic Trails
Keep up to date with Tracks and Trails through our newsletter, click here to sign up. For more information about our trail running camps, either bespoke or Scheduled Departures, speak to one of our expert team by calling +44 (0) 20 8144 64442 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. In addition to trail running camps we offer hiking, and in winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
