Every detail matters
A 4,200 km journey across Europe with approximately 140,000 meters of elevation gain cannot be prepared through mileage alone. Behind every day of running lies invisible work: months of controlled progression, recovery, analysis, testing, and adjustments.
The goal is not only to perform for a single day, but to allow the body to withstand the accumulation of effort for nearly two consecutive months. Every detail matters: training, sleep, nutrition, hydration, electrolytes, recovery, equipment, injury prevention, and mental preparation.
In a long-duration ultra-endurance project, performance does not rely on luck or temporary motivation. It relies on anticipation, consistency, and the ability to minimize mistakes before the journey even begins.
01
Training load progression
For several months, the transition toward trail running and ultra-endurance has been carried out progressively, allowing the body to adapt sustainably to the increasing training volume, elevation gain, and time spent under effort. Each training block is combined with recovery in order to maximize adaptation while limiting the risk of injury.
02
Injury prevention
Injury prevention plays a central role in the preparation. The strength training, core work, stability, and mobility sessions implemented with my strength and conditioning coach are designed to reinforce the body and help it withstand the accumulation of mechanical stress over several consecutive weeks.
03
Blood analysis & biological monitoring
Regular blood testing helps identify potential deficiencies or imbalances before they become problematic. The goal is to arrive at the start with the best possible health markers through progressive adjustments made several months in advance.
04
Nutrition & energy demands
On a project of this duration, the absolute priority is maintaining energy availability. The goal is not to eat “perfectly,” but to consistently cover extremely high energy expenditures day after day in order to preserve the body and maintain the ability to keep moving forward.
05
Hydration & electrolytes
Hydration and, above all, the replacement of electrolyte losses will be a major factor in both performance and recovery. During such a long-lasting effort, especially in the middle of summer, maintaining fluid and mineral balance becomes essential to continue performing and limit the wear and tear on the body.
06
Equipment tested in real-world conditions
Shoes, packs, apparel, and hydration systems: all the equipment used during the project is tested several months in advance in conditions as close as possible to the challenge itself, including during races, in order to minimize unexpected issues as much as possible.
07
Mental preparation
Beyond the physical aspect, a project of this magnitude also requires strong mental resilience. This foundation was already solid, but it has been further developed and reinforced over the past several months with Bastien, in order to better manage fatigue, difficult moments, uncertainty, and the accumulation of consecutive days of effort.
08
Recovery & prevention
Recovery is a full part of the preparation for this project. Every day, time is dedicated to stretching, mobility work, massage, and body care in order to preserve the body over the long term. Thanks to different recovery tools available at home, as well as the skilled people supporting me throughout the preparation, everything is being put in place to arrive at the start in the best possible condition.
