“ALWAYS SET ELEVATION GOALS AND LEAVE THE MILES TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES”

more important than the endurance element of carrying them. If I do use them in training, I always put them away for the descents as I don’t want to limit the fatigue on my legs – I actually want to trash them. That way they’ll be stronger when it comes to race day. Using poles on descents also slows me down far too much, so I would only ever use them if I was extremely tired or death marching.

Energy gels are great, but over 100 miles you will often crave more variety (the best thing I’ve ever eaten was in 2015, when a very friendly spectator passed me a slice of pizza in Vallorcine). It is good to think beyond sports nutrition. On every 100 miler, I’ve carried lots of race fuel or stashed it in drop bags, only to bring most of it home with me. So, if there’s something savoury that you love and could easily eat for breakfast every morning, you should be able to eat it under tough circumstances on the trail. Just don’t put anything in the bottom of your rucksack as you’ll never end up touching it. Try out some alternative food options during your training blocks or build-up races; I’m currently experimenting with nut butter in a soft gel flask… and baby food pouches!

My DNF on the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc in 2008 came when I developed an ITB issue descending into Les Chapieux. This was a result of over-training. I’d successfully finished the race the year before, so I thought I simply needed to do more in order to go faster. Likewise, cramming is never a good idea. If you’ve left your big training blocks late or missed your main build-up race, then (assuming your main goal is to finish) I think it’s better to accept that you’ll be slower. Increasing your training load close to the run can leave you too tired to complete it.

The first miles out of Chamonix are always strewn with abandoned kit. Even if it’s just to the top of your local hill, it’s important to test all your gear on a run and see how it feels when packed. Also, be sure to keep your poles stowed until you’re actually on the first climb; tripping another runner is not a great start.

Don’t rely on getting a good night’s sleep the night before the race. There is too much going on, too much to worry about and the nerves will start kicking in far sooner than you think. Instead, plan more sleep before you travel to the event. Start at least a week before by making yourself go to bed an hour earlier.

Ross Litherland is a fell runner of over 20 years. Between 2007 and 2015 he became completely engrossed by the legendary Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), finishing it four times and with one DNF. He has also completed the Traces du Duc de Savoie (TDS). These days he is still found fell racing around his local Peak District and the Lakes.