MILLY VOICE

The 28th October - how has this year sped past let alone this month?! I think we are all exhausted by another year in the shadows of Covid. Personally, this year has felt like going up the VK in Chamonix on a Summer`s day. I`ll expand…

The Chamonix VK runs directly under the Planpraz gondola. I use FATMAP for all route planning.

The VK in Chamonix is one of my favourite routes, due to the impressive zig-zag steep path that is an iconic sight from the valley floor and surrounding mountains. It is an athlete`s go-to training route in Chamonix, enabling a sense of adventure in amongst some top-end training. You spend the majority of the time thinking it is nearly over, when just over the brow further trail continually ascends.

Hiking the VK with friend Emma Bodkin, cofounder of the Cha Cha Cha Ultra

Why does this year feel like a vertical kilometre? Well we can all identify with the struggle of recent times, the need to put your head down and charge with full force into tricky terrain. We are in a constant state of wariness after the pandemic as to what is next, which has affected our normal lives and racing ambitions.

But, it is not all a bleak landscape; after all, as mentioned - the VK has a fond place in my heart. This is for the joyful aspects of this year. We are hoping (fingers crossed) to be coming out the other side of Covid19, and running has been something of constant security, comfort and drive for me in less certain times. The ability to run has been consistent and I am truly grateful to live where I do where the freedom for running in limitless.

This certainly is not the case for everywhere and everyone in the world, and I am in awe of athletes such as Steph Case fighting for the fundamental rights of women to be able to run in Afghanistan.

The VK in summer has the potential however (like all mountain trails,) to have unpredictable and scary weather. Those big summer storms leaving you clambering for cover: when it rains, it pours. I can identify with this at the moment as my Mother battles cancer. This was something only a few months ago I did not think fathomable, and yet our horizons have changed. But while the scenery may have changed, our hope in silver linings, remains constant and strong. She is the hardiest fighter I know. The toughest race I have ever witnessed, and she is already a champion.

The VK requires stamina, and it felt good to exercise this in my own way back on the mountain-race track with the Cha Cha Cha race in September (46km, 2800m ascent). Organised by a good friend of mine it is an exceptionally feisty race around Verbier in Switzerland, with some impressive views and steep climbs. I was happy to finish in 2nd woman position and look forward to the race calendar 2022.

Running in the mountains will soon require adjustment due to the snowy winter season. I am looking forward to it, as well as the chance to focus on time with loved ones, keeping busy with my job and getting the skis back on! Running however, will always feature - but rather than the heights of terrain similar to the VK, I will be relieved for some valley floor running for now.

I wish you plain sailing (and happy running) wherever you are.

For more info about balancing running, training and work life, head to the Females in Fitness podcast here.