As a trail runner who recently moved to New Caledonia, I explore the trails here and beyond.
Welcome to Gecko Trailer, my travel diary from New Caledonia to trails all over the world. 🦎
- UTMB Nice Training: Bloc-choc
This weekend, an ‘Intensive Block’ session with even more distance. On the programme: – Day 1: 4 hours 35 minutes and 1,200 metres of elevation gain– Day 2: 6 hours 35 minutes and 1,600 metres of elevation gain Mont-Dore with a partner For this first session, I was joined by a friend. We’ve already done… - UTMB Nice Training: felt good
From this weekend onwards, the long sessions really start to live up to their name: the intensity is ramping up. On the programme: – Day 1: 1 hr 45 mins and 440 D+ – Day 2: 4 hr 50 mins and 1,200 D+ Ouen ToroAs usual, I did this session on Ouen Toro to string… - UTMB Nice Training: Fatigue
Whilst I’m feeling increasingly sharp, I’m also starting to feel the fatigue. Since June, this has been noticeable on both the DMBA trail and the Cagous trail. But I’m struggling to regain my form, even though I’ve cancelled a few basic endurance training sessions. During yesterday’s long run – with a target of 4 hours… - UTMB Nice training: long run
A two-day long run: balancing physical preparation and mental training This week, my long run is spread over two days – an approach that allows me to gradually prepare my body for prolonged exertion without putting too much strain on it. The advantage? An effective training load that’s less taxing on the body. In practical… - UTMB Nice training: 3-hour run
Boulari, 7.30 am – Setting off into the unknown The morning sun is already caressing the ridges around Nouméa, but at this time of year the air is still cool. My training plan calls for 3 hours and 850 metres of elevation gain. Today, I’m leaving the usual trails behind for a new route: a… - Cagous Trail
This year, the Trail des Cagous* takes place along the River Ouaméni, 100 km north-west of Nouméa. This run forms part of my preparation for the Nice Ultra Trail. I don’t have any specific performance targets: above all, it will give me the chance to train in real-world conditions, on a route I’m not familiar… - UTMB Nice training: getting back into shape
After two weeks of suffering from sore ribs following my fall during the DMBA Trail, I was finally able to enjoy a lovely run in one of my favourite places: Mont Dore. I did, in fact, spend those two weeks continuing my training, but at a reduced intensity. In other words, I stuck to the… - DMBA Trail
This trail is advertised as 27 km with 1,200 m of elevation gain, which fits in well with my preparationfor Nice. The start is at ‘Trou des Nurses’ and the finish at Fayard Park in Dumbéa.My aim is to run this trail at a leisurely pace, without any pressure: the main thing is to cover… - UTMB Nice training : Training injury
My training plan has been disrupted by a groin strain I’ve been carrying for a few weeks. I’d beenmanaging it until then, but during an interval session, I really hurt myself.So, off to the osteopath to try and sort it out as quickly as possible. I didn’t run for the next four days toaid recovery….