Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

How fit exactly do you think I need to be for this holiday?

77 replies

Dryandirriatble · 03/01/2023 21:29

I've booked to do the Tour Du Mont Blanc. It's 65 miles, including 6000m of assent over 6 days.

The reviews all say the same thing, an amazing trip but hard going, long days and you need to be really fit.

I am fit, I walked 15 miles yesterday and can run a HM in 2 hours without doing any additional training, but I'm also a woman in her mid 50s, so not fit like a young man. E.g. 19yo DS came on the walk yesterday and I can't keep up with him. I'm feeling very tired today after yesterday's adventure.

So, I'm very fit for my age and sex - Garmin tells me I'm in the top 1% 😆 but is that fit enough?

Also, as someone who lives in East Anglia, how do you train for this? I'm starting to get very cold feet...

OP posts:
pattihews · 04/01/2023 08:32

Dryandirriatble · 03/01/2023 23:18

OK, so I live close to what is apparently the highest point between here and the North Pole. 😆 It's not very high, but there is a route that's 1.5 miles steep uphill would repetitions of that be enough? E.g. a 12 mile walk that took that in 3 times, plus other smaller hills. I might get the odd weekend in the mountains, but realistically can't do more than that.

I ran the Beachy Head half in October and the Jurassic Coast half in the spring, both very hilly, but not mountains. I'm doing a 15 mile trail run, which is notorious as a beast for hills locally, although obviously all realtive and I have the XC County championships coming up, that's a surprisingly tough course. We runners are pretty good at finding tough routes, even in mostly flat places and running them repeatedly. l can probably do a few more events like those

If I run rather than walk, I can get more miles covered in the time, but obviously that's less time on my feet.

You sound as if you're already super-fit but, yes, I'd give that a go and see how you feel afterwards. Running is different to walking and you'll have to go at the pace of the group so I'd suggest sticking to walking even if you'd like to run. I'd also suggest getting in a few stiff 12+ miles walks so that you're used to longer hours on your feet. In my experience group walks take much longer than walking on my own. My last walking holiday in the Apennines had 8-10 mile walks each day and I think we managed 2 miles an hour max because of all the wildlife and botanical spotting, the discussions about geology and the photo stops.

Original poster
Dryandirriatble · 04/01/2023 08:36

With the best will in the world I'm not going to spend my spare time in the gym when I could be outdoors. Nothing is worth that 😆

OP posts:
NewYearNewSeeds · 04/01/2023 08:36

I'd buy one, cheap pole when you get there with the idea that you're not going to bring it back.

I'd also follow the suggestion for squats and lunges. I've not walked the MB trail but I have done long european mountain walking and if you can get your thighs as strong as possible, your muscles will better support your knees on the way up and - more importantly - on the way down.

I'd also look at core/back strength via some taxing yoga or similar.

Otherwise, go and enjoy!

rookiemere · 04/01/2023 08:47

Ok so this plan looks gym free tmbtent.com/get-shape-tour-mont-blanc/. Basically up the ante by stair or hill walking and add a back pack towards the end.

DogDaysNeverEnd · 04/01/2023 08:48

I've not done the tour but I have walked to huts for climbing. I'd recommend being fit for the activity rather than focusing on your running, so practice ascents and descents wearing sturdy boots and a pack and you'll know how you get on. It's not quite the same but a trip (or more) to the lakes, North Wales or Highlands with a long walk over rough ground should be on the cards before you go to France.

The first time I went to the Tour hut was with an instructor, the advice was don't stop moving! You lose a lot of time by stopping and you seize up, so you set off a little cold knowing that you will warm up as you move, you have a camel back to drink as you go and you keep snacks handy. Finding a steady pace is better than racing then stopping, tortoise and the hare and all that. You walk faster when you can and slower when you have to (on the hard parts) but you walk to your pace not anyone else's. Poles are very good for the descent, the extra pack weight can be killer on the knees.

It's a gorgeous area and I'm sure they will not be frog marching you around so I doubt you will have any problems, but some prior experience will help you know what to expect and feel comfortable.

I recommend ear plugs for the huts 😁

Greatly · 04/01/2023 08:53

Well if you can't do it noone else your age could! You sound very fit. Enjoy it!

RancidChicken · 04/01/2023 09:32

Hi OP. I think fitness wise you will be absolutely fine. I am overweight, not the fittest and in my mid 50s but like to challenge myself with these type of holidays. Although I do train beforehand I have never reached anywhere near your level of fitness. I haven’t done this route but have done similar distances and ascents. Is it a group holiday?

I am usually at the back of the group but I would say that my previous hill walking experience has been invaluable. As the walk progresses people much fitter than me (the runners) start to struggle, not with the ascents but with the descents so I would try to do more hill walking training for this reason.

You will love it.

Stepuptowardsinfinity · 04/01/2023 12:54

Dryandirriatble · 04/01/2023 08:36

With the best will in the world I'm not going to spend my spare time in the gym when I could be outdoors. Nothing is worth that 😆

Why do you need to go to the gym? Why not add some squats etc to your walk? Walk 10 miles, do 3 sets of 20 squats, walk another 5, do a minute plank when you get home. Nothing here requires going to the gym (assuming of course you were replying to my post about training your muscles). I promise you it will make a difference (though make sure your technique is OK).

Original poster
Dryandirriatble · 04/01/2023 12:55

Stepuptowardsinfinity · 04/01/2023 12:54

Why do you need to go to the gym? Why not add some squats etc to your walk? Walk 10 miles, do 3 sets of 20 squats, walk another 5, do a minute plank when you get home. Nothing here requires going to the gym (assuming of course you were replying to my post about training your muscles). I promise you it will make a difference (though make sure your technique is OK).

Show quote history

I can do squats etc, I generally do 30 every time I go to the loo, it's the stairmaster etc I'm not going to do.

OP posts:
Original poster
Dryandirriatble · 04/01/2023 12:57

RancidChicken · 04/01/2023 09:32

Hi OP. I think fitness wise you will be absolutely fine. I am overweight, not the fittest and in my mid 50s but like to challenge myself with these type of holidays. Although I do train beforehand I have never reached anywhere near your level of fitness. I haven’t done this route but have done similar distances and ascents. Is it a group holiday?

I am usually at the back of the group but I would say that my previous hill walking experience has been invaluable. As the walk progresses people much fitter than me (the runners) start to struggle, not with the ascents but with the descents so I would try to do more hill walking training for this reason.

You will love it.

I have done some long hill walks including multiday hikes in the Lakes and Scotland. I know "how" to walk in the mountains but haven't done it for a while because of the distance.

OP posts:
RancidChicken · 04/01/2023 13:52

Dryandirriatble · 04/01/2023 12:57

I have done some long hill walks including multiday hikes in the Lakes and Scotland. I know "how" to walk in the mountains but haven't done it for a while because of the distance.

Show quote history

In that case I think you are worrying unnecessarily. I’ve seen so many people struggling on the descent when they discover that their trusted boots don’t fit as well as they thought they did during a steep 1000m descent. Some people can also get a bit nervous on the descent especially after a slip or fall.

I don’t think you will have any problems if you maintain your current fitness levels (however you choose to do this). Sure your muscles will ache and you will be stiff in the mornings. But this will also apply to any 19 year olds who may also happen to be on the trip.

RancidChicken · 04/01/2023 14:05

The altitude isn’t an issue at 2,600m. Although check your travel insurance. Standard policies usually only cover to around 2,500m (it could be 2,400 or 2,600 - I can’t remember).

blobby10 · 04/01/2023 14:16

I recently walked up Snowdon and found the scrambling up tiring but much easier than coming down. Coming down the pressure on my knees and ankles was horrendous and I wished I'd had some poles! I suppose your fitness levels will depend on how fast you go - like you I recently walked with my 24 year old son and struggled to keep up but with my sisters I'm the one waiting around.

Original poster
Dryandirriatble · 04/01/2023 14:17

RancidChicken · 04/01/2023 14:05

The altitude isn’t an issue at 2,600m. Although check your travel insurance. Standard policies usually only cover to around 2,500m (it could be 2,400 or 2,600 - I can’t remember).

I did, mine says 3000

OP posts:
AreOttersJustWetCats · 04/01/2023 14:26

I don't understand the angst about poles - all decent poles are telescopic, they collapse into themselves so the space they require in luggage isn't that big. Buy two decent ones and use those. One pole on its own is pointless.

AreOttersJustWetCats · 04/01/2023 14:29

DogDaysNeverEnd · 04/01/2023 08:48

I've not done the tour but I have walked to huts for climbing. I'd recommend being fit for the activity rather than focusing on your running, so practice ascents and descents wearing sturdy boots and a pack and you'll know how you get on. It's not quite the same but a trip (or more) to the lakes, North Wales or Highlands with a long walk over rough ground should be on the cards before you go to France.

The first time I went to the Tour hut was with an instructor, the advice was don't stop moving! You lose a lot of time by stopping and you seize up, so you set off a little cold knowing that you will warm up as you move, you have a camel back to drink as you go and you keep snacks handy. Finding a steady pace is better than racing then stopping, tortoise and the hare and all that. You walk faster when you can and slower when you have to (on the hard parts) but you walk to your pace not anyone else's. Poles are very good for the descent, the extra pack weight can be killer on the knees.

It's a gorgeous area and I'm sure they will not be frog marching you around so I doubt you will have any problems, but some prior experience will help you know what to expect and feel comfortable.

I recommend ear plugs for the huts 😁

I've spent a lot of time in alpine huts and I second the advice to take ear plugs! A pack of cards is useful too, as there is usually a lot of idle time in the evening and you are unlikely to have phone reception etc.

Original poster
Dryandirriatble · 04/01/2023 14:34

AreOttersJustWetCats · 04/01/2023 14:26

I don't understand the angst about poles - all decent poles are telescopic, they collapse into themselves so the space they require in luggage isn't that big. Buy two decent ones and use those. One pole on its own is pointless.

Angst? I have poles. They might not be decent by your standards, they were very expensive when I bought them in Austria c. 30 years ago, when in UK they were barely a thing, but you're not allowed to take them in cabin baggage

OP posts:
Swimswam · 04/01/2023 14:42

It will be amazing. You sound fit and prepared.
Definately telescopic hiking poles - a pair.
Lots of water.
It is higher so that does make a difference but the adrenaline and beauty will carry you through.
Just keep up with your walking and do as many hills as you can.

Mumski45 · 04/01/2023 14:50

I think you will be fine but I would recommend trying to fit in some long walks on consecutive days before you go as that is what your body may not currently be used to. Also you will need to find some hills if you possibly can as I find going uphill uses different muscles.

RedRiverShore2 · 04/01/2023 14:59

Could you spend a few days in the Peak District or Lake District to get a bit more daily hill climbing in. I think you sound like you will be fine but it might give you extras confidence

midgetastic · 04/01/2023 15:02

It's 6 days in succession that would make me struggle - 10 miles and 1000 m in any one day would be no trouble ( similar age but somewhat less fit I suspect ) - I'd typically do 2 longer days and then have a total rest day

Poles would be a must even if you buy when you arrive

I'd be tempted to overload your rucksack for training walks - stick a 5 kg weight in even - so if feels light when the time comes

midgetastic · 04/01/2023 15:03

And calf raises in addition to squats - target to build to 3 sets of 12 single leg calf raise on stairs with small hand weight

RedRiverShore2 · 04/01/2023 15:58

DH is a bit of a walker, and will often take a heavy rucksack out to keep in training as he does a lot of very long distance walking where you have to take lots of kit.

CorporateBull · 04/01/2023 16:11

I would say although the altitude is not going to make you ill, it may make things feel harder than you're used to at first. We've holidayed at around 1500ft and I definitely notice how much harder work a quick run or workout is at first. You adjust really quickly so just to say don't worry if at first you find yourself out of breath quicker than you're used to.

AreOttersJustWetCats · 04/01/2023 16:15

We've holidayed at around 1500ft

Do you mean 1500m? 1500 ft is only about 450m, which is not enough to make exertion harder.