All Eyes on the CCC: Juliette Denny's Quest for Her First 100km Alpine Race

Get to know Juliette Denny, an ultra runner and SportsShoes.com An ambassador who has just finished the demanding 42-kilometer Mont Blanc Marathon, utilizing it as a tactical starting point for her first 100-kilometer race: the CCC this upcoming summer.

The latest Alpine event, featuring sharp climbs and breathtaking views, provided her with a challenging environment only a few months ahead of her complete traverse of the Mont Blanc range as part of the UTMB Running Race Series Trail Running Events of UTMB The UTMB Series of Long-Distance Races UTMB: A Collection of Endurance Running Competitions Series of Mountain Running Contests from UTMB UTMB’s Array of Trail Racing Events Races Included in the UTMB Circuit UTMB Trail Runs Compilation A Selection of UTMB Distance Running Challenges UTMB’s Group of Off-Road Racing Events .

Juliette Her introduction to endurance sports didn't happen on hiking paths, but rather on the soccer field. She was actively involved in competitive play since childhood, leading an all-girls squad that claimed victory in their league for five consecutive seasons.

Nevertheless, following the heartbreaking loss of a dear friend in 2017, she found comfort and direction through running, choosing the South Downs Way 100-mile event as a way to transform her sorrow into movement. This significant emotional achievement sparked a profound passion for long-distance events—multi-day desert competitions, hikes across Patagonia, and eventually an Ironman race in Barcelona came next.

In addition to her physical accomplishments, Juliette is strongly dedicated to promoting greater inclusivity in outdoor spaces. She actively participates as a member of Black Trail Runners She advocates for inclusion and opportunity, particularly for women and younger individuals from varied backgrounds.

Her activism and accomplishments led to her being featured as the cover subject of Women’s Running a magazine from April 2023 featuring a compelling image highlighting her influence in changing whose faces appear on trails and at race finishes.

Currently, positioned at the starting line of her inaugural ultra 100 km race at the CCC (Courmayeur/Champex/Chamonix), Juliette is heading towards Chamonix equipped with extensive knowledge—and self-reflection. Drawing from her experiences during the Mont Blanc Marathon, refining her downhill techniques, managing nutrition, and strengthening her mental resilience, she is prepared for what could be the defining challenge of her life.

You reside along the southern coastline of England — what steps do you take to get ready for hill races?

It's something that poses quite a challenge for me. Living in Brighton means I'm at sea level. Training at high altitudes can be costly, either via an altitude training facility or a hypoxic chamber. These resources aren't easy to reach. Therefore, I haven't truly prepared for high-altitude conditions as they're currently inaccessible to me.

I believe this is likely true for many individuals preparing for such events. What I can focus on is training specifically for the altitude and ensure my overall fitness foundation remains solid.

I've been focusing on keeping my heart rate as minimal as possible, so that when I'm hiking the trails and my heart rate naturally increases, I won't be entering those very high intensity levels since I'm already accustomed to performing effectively with less exertion.

So my training doesn't concentrate particularly on high altitudes. Rather, mountainous competitions require me to maintain a slower, more consistent pace rather than constantly striving for maximum effort. Given the amount of time I'll spend outdoors, I can't sustain 100% intensity throughout.

Is preparing for major climbs and drops just as challenging?

I genuinely believe that training for ascents is simpler compared to descending. Both are extremely challenging, yet from a physical standpoint, there are more accessible methods to prepare for climbing. Regardless of whether you live in hilly regions or not, you can go to the gym, use a treadmill set to a steep slope, or utilize a stair climber to somewhat mimic that exertion.

I'm fortunate to have the South Downs nearby. Although they aren't mountains, they're still hilly. I've encountered several nice slopes and have incorporated as much climbing as possible into all my longer runs.

The main difficulty has been locating elevation gains at the high percentages we'll encounter. It's challenging to find sufficiently steep paths in this area. I've been traveling to spots like Pen y Fan, which is the nearest real mountain to me.

What about the temperature? Summer in the Alps can be tough!

Fortunately, the UK has experienced warm weather recently, which has been beneficial. I took advantage of the peak heat during the latest heatwave to go for training.

The primary focus has been on preparing my nutrition and fluid intake. I aim to consistently consume electrolytes and carbohydrates to handle the heat effectively. In terms of equipment, I'm utilizing very light-weight gear that is breathable yet offers protection against mountain conditions. Simply making smart choices about attire and staying hydrated has proven essential.

How do you handle nutrition and fluid intake during extended competitions such as these?

I'm not a dietitian or trainer, but I've discovered that liquid carbohydrates are most effective for me. They outperform gels or regular food, particularly during warm weather. I frequently lose my appetite, so consuming carbs through drinking proves more manageable.

My starting point is 60 grams of carbohydrates each hour, although I typically try to consume even more. I take carbohydrate beverages providing 90 grams of carbs every 90 minutes, and then add more at aid stations with items such as seasoned potatoes and watermelon. Should I fall short on my nutrition intake, I'll take a energy gel to make up for it.

One thing I've discovered through experience is that I can't depend solely on gels—my digestive system isn't able to cope with them. The high concentration of carbohydrates in them simply doesn't suit me. Therefore, consuming liquid carbs gradually is the most effective approach.

Let's discuss the gear. What fundamental items do you depend on during races?

“My Salomon pack is crucial - it needs to hold all my required equipment, water, and fuel. I tried several options and borrowed some from friends before finally choosing one that met my needs.

Poles are also completely necessary for me. I utilize the Leki Ultratrail FX.One And I couldn't tackle a race like this without them. They're beneficial not just when ascending but also during descent, aiding in maintaining proper form and protecting your legs.

I've been making an effort to include poles more in my workouts lately. The main challenge is finding the right pace—watching people at competitions has taught me a lot. When climbing up, I concentrate on my stance and timing. On descents, taking small steps and relying on the poles for stability and assistance makes a big difference.

What pieces of equipment do you absolutely can't live without?

Absolutely my shoes. I've been wearing them for... New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro version 9 and I've used their earlier models for many years. They are comfortable and perform effectively on different types of ground.

Sun glasses are equally important. Even when wearing a hat, the light in the mountains can be very strong, causing me headaches, particularly when looking down at shiny paths. Therefore, sun glasses are necessary.

How do you handle psychological preparation? Are there techniques you use during difficult times?

This is quite intriguing. I believe I can improve my mental preparation, but this time I've concentrated more on recognizing that it will be challenging. I have attempted to outline what I'll tell myself during tough times—reminding myself that I've overcome difficult situations before and am capable of getting through this as well.

Being aware that others believe in me and feel happy for my achievements makes a big difference. Imagining meeting them at the upcoming checkpoint serves as an inspiration. Additionally, keeping in mind that I made this choice, and that being tired from something I willingly undertook is actually a blessing. This way of thinking proves very beneficial.

Do you participate in races with a particular time target in mind, or do you focus more on the overall experience?

It's an individual test for me. I aim to appreciate certain aspects, create positive recollections, and fully experience my surroundings. I wish to conclude with the knowledge that I maintained proper nutrition and continued despite feeling exhausted or overheated. It will be difficult—this is intentional—but it will also bring significant satisfaction.

Lastly... what feelings do you experience when racing through the mountains?

The difficulty of the paths makes me feel uneasy, whether I'm ascending or descending. At times, it seems as though I'm climbing a vertical surface. However, what thrills me is reaching the summit and taking in a panoramic view of breathtaking mountains. It's always truly remarkable.

I appreciate the straightforward nature of trail running. It's simply moving one step forward after another. It could be the toughest challenge you've faced, yet also the most fulfilling.

Dress up as Juliette would

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