BENCHMARK run up the CHALLENGING Chamonix VK route | Operation CCC at UTMB | Ep 1 | Run4Adventure - Run4Adventure

Aug 13, 2025

This is a quick summary of BENCHMARK run up the CHALLENGING Chamonix VK route | Operation CCC at UTMB | Ep 1 from Run4Adventure. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points

Use a benchmark run on the Chamonix vertical‑kilometer (VK) route to assess current fitness and track progress for the 100 km CCC race.
Acclimatize to altitude (Chamonix is ~1,000 m) before tackling steep, technical terrain.
Keep a continuous effort (mostly hiking) up 2,100 m elevation, focusing on steady breathing and low heart‑rate pacing.
Run fasted to train metabolic efficiency; use small‑sip gel packs (≈90 g carbs) every 15‑20 min to avoid stomach upset.
Train without poles on the technical section to strengthen quads and improve footwork; use poles on longer, less technical runs.
Finish with a long, runnable descent to practice downhill skills.

Workout Example

Distance: just under 8 mi (≈13 km)
Elevation gain: 1,045 m (1 km)
Time: ~2 h 15 min
Structure:
1. Warm‑up 5 min easy on flat ground.
2. Start continuous effort up the VK route – keep moving, alternate between hiking and running, no stops.
3. Use no poles on the technical ladder/chain section to work the quads.
4. Take a small sip of a 90 g carb gel every 15‑20 min (or use the 90 g pouch) to maintain energy.
5. At the summit, pause briefly, then descend the ~1 km of trail focusing on smooth, controlled downhill running.
6. Cool‑down with easy jog or walk back to the base.

Practical Tips

Acclimatize by spending a day in Chamonix before the run.
Keep breathing rhythmic and keep heart‑rate low on the climb.
No poles on steep technical sections to improve leg strength.
Use small‑sip gels instead of whole gels for better stomach tolerance.
Record your time and elevation to track progress in the Pacing app and adjust paces for future runs.

Keep pushing, track your benchmark in the Pacing app, and watch your fitness climb! Try this workout, adjust the paces to suit you, and get ready for the CCC.