MILLY VOICE

One day, I was sitting with my colleague and friend Daz Tait, talking about the fact I had a big birthday coming up and also that running had not gone to plan this year. We were also talking about Covid, and life recently. He has been finishing a pretty epic writing journey documenting his sailing around the world, and after a busy term time too, we needed a holiday. The conversation then went something along the lines of this:

“You should do your own race Milly. Get your mates to come and support you at checkpoints”.

“Hang on Daz, that isn`t a bad idea”.

And that is what we did.

I know the trails around this part of Valais, Switzerland, pretty well. This is where I live and work as a teacher at an Le Régent international school. An idea formed in my head to treat the run a bit like a figure of eight, making the most of higher and lower altitude. Over a few weekends I tested out each leg of the route (and my own legs!) and came up with a plan.

As teachers, especially during a time of COVID, life had been pretty busy, and it was extremely special to be able to work as a team in a different capacity, enjoy the great outdoors, and celebrate the summer. Here is a break down of the day.

5:20am - START

Looking out the blinds: the weather looked good. Ah - where`s my head torch?

After gathering the last minute essentials , I met Daz outside. All checkpoint bags had been given prior, so there was nothing to do but - GO!

The route to the Barrage-de-Tseuzier was via a middle “bisse” path, taking into account some rocky overhangs above, scenic wide trail and beautiful views with a little ascent to get warmed up. 600m ascent later and I arrived at the beautiful dam, greeted by Daz who had hopped in a minibus to meet me in time. Going around the barrage is beautiful, and a chance to now relax more into the race.

Chetzeron Chats

I had prepared myself for the main ascent which is from Tseuzier, over the top of the rock to Cry d`Er, before dropping down to the Chetzeron mountain hotel. I was possibly a bit too prepared having gone up the switchbacks and reached this point much earlier than I thought, but was greeted by Nora and Sophie with big smiles and snacks! The weather was warming up, and what then commenced was a good few hours of pure chat. Plus running. Before we knew it, we had got to Cabane de La Tieche.

Behind Nora up the 4x4 track was a car, which seemed to not be in a hurry. I soon found out why - more support crew! Magda, Diletta, Jamie and Anna were there to meet us at the Cabane, where I could deposit my head torch, grab a cap and have a coke. After a logistics chat, Sophie and Nora were happy to accompany me down the beautiful bisse descent to take me to my 40km mark. Aside one nasty fall by Nora (trail can be dodgy!) which required a quick message to the team to have some First Aid at the next checkpoint, all was well and I was not quite as tired as I expected when reaching just over the half way point at Chermingon Lake.

Things got interesting

At Chermingon lake, I dipped my feet in the water and refuelled. Andy was there to meet us, and after a few moments rest (nearly too long - Andy reminded me to crack on as there was still a long way to go!), I said goodbye to Sophie, Nora and Andy and headed solo to Mirouges. It was the perfect hybrid of time with really great people, as well as time alone to reflect on the madness of everything lately.

I was met by Jenny and Daz who had a watermelon (literally the best thing) and where Daz took my food order for the next checkpoint: Lens bakery. Honestly, I have never eaten so well in a race situation.

I then made my way for the next little bit alone, and was beginning to think about the fact I had quite a few hours under my belt, and was feeling a little tired.

So there was nothing like listening to your “WhatssApp” voice notes and being left a cryptic crossword puzzle to get you through until the next checkpoint (thanks Jon). I was then met by Daz on his bike by the bakery, and after wolfing down a pastry and a quick rendition of one of Chamillionaire`s classic tunes, I headed to Christ du Roi.

Not long to go now - another 20km or so. But there was one big hill left. Physically I did not feel too bad (aside a fairly irritating eye reaction to pollen throughout the day) and I put this down to consistent eating. I was aware of the challenges of the final hill so close to the end, so I was grateful to meet the legendary Nicola Don Wider for this part.

Nicola is an ace triathlete, and all round super woman, and the final part of the event would have been really different had she not been there. Her determination, encouragement of me and great chat got me through until we had the final slow climb, where neither of us spoke too much towards the end! As soon as we went over the brow we both gave a sigh of relief as Nicola cheerfully encouraged me through the final km`s.

I got to Lac Moubra, to find my friends there, with a home-made finishing line tape and a bottle of champagne, cake and a picnic! I was really overwhelmed. Running is known as a fairly solo sport, and yet it is the friendship of those directly on and off the trail which makes the adventure of it all so special. After jumping straight in the lake, I sat in good company and recollected on quite a day.

The Salomon #Runonemotion campaign is all about the true philosophy of running, and why so many of us have our lives intertwined by the trail. That day I ran with my friends, for my friends, and could not have done this without my friends. It is an absolute pleasure to work, run and spend time with these people.

Truly, thank you, to Sophie, Nora, Claire, Andy, Magda, Diletta, Jenny, Vanessa, Jamie, Anna and a special thanks to Daz (who`s own big adventures can be found here). You gave me one of the best birthdays I ever had, and I am so grateful.

Here is a video, highlighting the day: