Follow Bruno during the UTMB® 2015!
The 2015 edition of the UTMB will take place from August 28 to 30th. This year, we'll be following a runner selected by you, the trail running public! Check out this quick profile in preparation for UTMB.
August 20 2015
Running
Husband, Father, Sportsman
"I'm Bruno Poulenard, I am 38 years old, married, and I have two girls aged eight and ten. I live near the Chevreuse Valley, in western Paris. It’s a beautiful natural area that makes us forget our proximity to the capital.
I'm passionate about endurance sports. I've been cycling for over 20 years and it will soon be a decade since I started the "runnings."
I'm also passionate about making videos—combined with my love of sport, it allows me to share my experiences during races."
How did you discover Ultras?
"I first became interested in ultra trail running in 2002, during my honeymoon on the island of Reunion, which took place during the Grand Raid race there.
I didn't know the course: 125 km and 8,000 meters of elevation gain to rally the south of the North Island—it looked like total madness!
There was a triathlete in our hotel, the kind of super focused competitor it seems nothing can stop. Then seeing her suffering after the race, I saw first hand the intensity of these "tests." At the finish, they don't give "Finisher" T-shirts, but ones that read "I survived!" I think that's was when it clicked in my mind; one day I'll be a "Survivor" too."
From my first ultra trail...
"After reaching a strong amateur level in cycling, I decided to try something new. I was attracted at first to time-trials on asphalt. In 2006, I ran a 3:11 at the Paris Marathon, just from fitness gained on a bike.
Little by little, I was drawn more and more to the trails after running several races near my home. Running through the woods has a much more playful side compared to the monotony of sidewalks…
After having read several running stories and taking advantage of amazing pictures we saw on the best races in France, I had the desire to create my own experiences.
In 2008, I took part in the Trail du Viaduc des Fauvettes in Essonne, a 50km race. It seemed like a great challenge, and I won it! It was a step towards my six-year dream. I crossed the 75-kilometer threshold in 2009, when I finished the Paris Ecotrail. Then I gradually improved one after another in a list of my own personal best races:
- Trail de la Côte d'Opale 2009,
- Marathon du Mont-Blanc 2010,
- Templiers 2010,
- SaintéLyon 2010,
- Ardéchois 2011,
- 6000D 2012,
- Diagonale des Fous 2013"
What appeals to you about trail running?
"Trail running is something you have to do at least once in your life.
I love surpassing myself, seeing how far my body and mind are able to go. Beyond performance, we travel through stunning scenery, rarely visited places or areas less privileged. I always keep the most amazing memories from my races.
Trail running also requires the runners to help each other, sharing the course and the experiences.
I regularly meet runners on the trail. We talk with each other, make connections, find out the person lives in the same area or that you share mutual friends.
I'm very fortunate, as my family joins me for most of my races. Virginie, my wife, often joins me at refreshment stations to offer support and encouragement towards the finish. It's a true honor being able to share my races with my daughters."
Bruno Poulenard and daughters on the Diagonal Fous (Reunion).
You are about to run the UTMB, what does this course mean to you?
"The UTMB is the epitome of ultra trail running in France, it is "the Mecca of trail running" as we used to say. When talking about trail running, we always come back to some story or other from the UTMB. This is the ultimate achievement for anyone who styles themselves an ultra runner.
In 2013, as part of my preparation for the Grand Raid de La Réunion, I participated in the CCC (Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix). Considered the little sister of the UTMB, the CCC covers the last 100 kilometers of the UTMB. The course is majestic and there are all types of terrain, vegetation, landscape.
I could taste the powerful atmosphere of course, the emotion of crossing the finish line and the international excitement in the streets of Chamonix.
With that first experience in Chamonix and after missing the draw in 2014, I couldn't let my chance pass by this year. The pressure is on; I'm already getting chills!"
How are you preparing for this race?
"Above all, preparation is a multi-year job. You can't improvise a 30-hour run that could span two nights!
I've been accumulating the experience over several years now. I've learned to listen to my body and I prepared myself mentally to know roughly what to expect. I tend to train by listening to my body, without a heart rate monitor. I think training should be fun more than anything else.
I still diligently train on a bike for endurance, but of course, participating in mountain events still demands some specific physical preparation for a lowland runner like myself. I regularly do runs on a small hill next to my house, the Elancourt, which at 230m is the culmination of Ile de France.
I really try to work hard on the downhill, as it's a bit of a weakness for me. It's not easy to do when you're far from the mountains!
For the UTMB, my preparation in terms of races comes down to Ecotrail Paris (79km) in March, the Nivolet Revard (51km) and the Maxi Race (87km) in May, and the Trail the Valley of the Lakes (58km) in June. I wanted to make the last race the 6000D in July, but with juggling the family, it was impossible.
My typical week in the last eight weeks before UTMB looks like this:
- Monday: Running, D + / D- Resistance for 1h / 1:30
- Tuesday: Bike fast pace of 2:30
- Thursday: Running, D + / D- Resistance for 1h / 1:30
- Saturday: Bike fast pace of 2:30
- Friday or Saturday: Running, D + / D- Resistance for 1h / 1h30 or endurance for longer than 2 hours.
- Sunday: Bike fast pace of 3:30 / 4:00"
What are your goals for the run?
"My main goal is of course to be a "finisher." I want to finish the race between 35 and 40 hours.
It's difficult to predict how I'll do, as my only experience with this distance remains the Grand Raid, which I finished in 41 hours. Around Chamonix, even though the land is considered more "rolling," the course still has significant altitude and climate variations, so it will be different, but not necessarily any easier, than the Raid."
What equipment will you take with you?
"I'll have all the required gear. The list is always long!
I usually also take my GoPro camera, to create an "inside" story of my adventure, and of course some batteries for the camera and since I use a stick to film, I do not carry poles, which will be an additional difficulty. All in all, my bag should weigh close to 3 or 3.5kg."
Follow Bruno's progress live on Twitter to stay connected!
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