Courmayeur To Chamonix

Following in the footprints of the Dukes of Savoie, with Mike Nash

- Mike Nash

The year 2020 has been one of change, upheaval, uncertainty, and improbability. It’s been difficult to make sense of what the future holds. Lockdown level 5 in South Africa was a particularly difficult time, but knowing that it was only temporary facilitated some forced rest, downtime, and recovery from niggles.

At least for an ultra runner there can always be something to train for or look forward to. Even with most races cancelled, there are still adventures to be had, and motivation for training can be found in alternative pursuits.

For me, this initially took the form of the Bob Graham Round. My girlfriend, Katy Barker, and I travelled on a charter relief flight to the UK and headed to the Lake District in England to self-isolate. It was here that training could once again begin in earnest. An eight-week training block, followed by a successful completion of the Round felt like a return to some kind of normalcy – something to be held dear in these times.

The borders to Europe opened up and suddenly there was an opportunity to continue the summer adventures (while maintaining physical distancing). Chamonix was welcoming visitors, and the allure of the incredible mountains surrounding Mont Blanc was irresistible.