Wow, what a start to the summer season: 450km's / 14,250m of Ascent and Descent
That's my training log and 'office diary' for the past five weeks! Some people's idea of hell maybe, but for a keen trail runner and mountain leader I guess you could say it's 'living the dream'. I'm lucky to be able to say that everyday the view from my office changes.

Chamonix is quickly becoming the trail running Mecca of Europe. Known for decades as the climbing and extreme skiing capital of the world, Chamonix's vast network of trails suitable for running remained relatively undiscovered. Recently, though, widespread media coverage of events such as the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc and the CCC (Courmayeur - Champex - Chamonix) have brought trail running into the limelight and exposed Chamonix to a new legion of outdoor athletes keen to explore the natural wonders of the Mont Blanc massif.

Interesting article in the New York Times on exercise and why we are "physiologically lazy...Using treadmill testing, scientists have definitively established that, like other animals, humans naturally aim to use as little energy as possible during most movement."

We are pleased to announce that Tracks and Trails Director and co-owner Julia Tregaskis-Allen has been awarded the position of Ambassador for the British-owned outdoor clothing and equipment company Montane. As a member of the BAIML (British Association of Mountain Leaders), and one of four International Mountain Leaders chosen to represent the brand, Julia is very proud to have been selected and is looking forward to taking up the role:

A HAT TRICK! Lizzy Hawker won the women's 2011 Mont Blanc Ultra Trail for the 3rd time. An amazing run completing the course 13th overall in 25h02mins. Huge congratulations to her - what an achievement. If you would like the chance to run with Lizzy, gaining expert advice from a very humble approach, come and join us on our trail running camp next summer and perhaps enter the 10k, half marathon or full marathon in the same week.