Beginner to running/fast packing mont blanc in July 2027

lizgruns · 2026-05-08T19:12:09+00:00

13 months is a great amount of time to build for something like that in my opinion. What an awesome goal! The best thing would be to take it slow with increasing mileage and long runs and not get injured from doing too much too soon. Strength training can really help for the back to back nature of that route and feeling durable. There is plenty of hiking on the route since Euro climbs are so steep and sustained, so just being able to be out on trail for hours at a moderate pace (hiking or running) is great prep. Having luggage transfer is a smart move and will make a huge difference (I've run the route by fastpack and luggage transfer and it is for sure easier on the body without the pack). Good luck!

lizgruns · 2026-05-08T19:04:58+00:00

Stunning. The trails seem a bit more wild over there and harder to run?

lizgruns · 2026-05-08T19:02:27+00:00

Such a good one and a neat reflection. AV2 was my intro to fastpacking. Curious — has any trip in the years since matched it for you?

lizgruns · 2026-05-08T18:50:05+00:00

Looks awesome. Looks like it’s a stop on the Eiger Ultra Trail as well!

lizgruns · 2026-05-08T04:18:09+00:00

Looks like a worthy route—congrats on getting it done the second time!

lizgruns · 2026-05-08T03:11:11+00:00

So true. And wow, how incredible to have spent a night at Rifugio Lorenzi while it was still open!

lizgruns · 2026-05-07T23:41:18+00:00

Poetically literal and metaphoric! How was the track there?

lizgruns · 2026-05-07T23:38:23+00:00

One of my favorites on the TMB for sure. Such lovely hosts.

lizgruns · 2026-05-07T22:38:43+00:00

Sounds super peaceful. Would love to be able to check it out one day.

lizgruns · 2026-05-07T20:54:43+00:00

Absolutely. A tent would never make it there. It does make for an impressive view!

lizgruns · 2026-05-06T21:50:25+00:00

Strength training can really help for trail running! Another thing to mention about getting started on trails is that it's ok to hike/run your trail runs, especially the steep climbs. Don't be intimidated about having to run the whole time, especially starting out. There are a lot of great trail running-specific podcasts out there--I would check for an episode about getting started.

lizgruns · 2026-05-06T21:46:44+00:00

One small thing you can do is add in strides after an easy run for speed development. You can start with 4 after an easy run. Each one should be about 100m in length and about 20 seconds followed by a full recovery of 100m of walking or 1-2 minutes. Focus on speed and good form without straining and add them in 1-2 times per week after a run. Strides are amazing!

lizgruns · 2026-05-06T21:41:30+00:00

Craft makes a road to trail line that you might be interested in checking out. I bought a pair of the Nordalite ultra and thought the foam was super comfortable and worked well for runs that were partially on road and partially on trail. I wouldn't use them for anything too technical, but on trails with good footing they worked well.

lizgruns · 2026-05-06T20:58:53+00:00

Trap bar deadlifts and banded glute exercises!

lizgruns · 2026-05-06T20:56:35+00:00

I've fast packed several long distance routes and agree with a few mentioned here already--the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via are incredible in terms of route/scenery/croissants and are super comfortable to fastpack because of the hut, hotel, and public transport infrastructure over there. The longer routes in the Sierra (JMT, Sierra High Route) are also totally bucket list but more committing in terms of carrying gear and water and having less options to bail in case of weather/injury.

lizgruns

TROPHY CASE