Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc at 57 with Annette

Nine days on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Plenty of climbing, plenty of descending and, at one point, a genuine consideration of whether crochet or cat-sitting might be more sensible hobbies. Annette’s account of the TMB is wonderfully honest.

After a previous Everest Base Camp trek that hadn’t gone the way she hoped, Annette wanted to feel different on this adventure: stronger, more prepared and able to enjoy the walking instead of simply getting through it. At almost 57, and without mountains on her doorstep, she set about preparing for nine demanding days on the adventure of a lifetime.

In this episode, we talk about…

  • Training for the Tour du Mont Blanc when you live somewhere flat
  • Building aerobic fitness and recovering between hard efforts
  • What to expect from long days, elevation gain and the TMB ladders
  • Why a tested nutrition plan sometimes needs changing mid-trek
  • Boots, blister prevention, electrolytes and packing with enough time
  • What feeling strong at the finish can do for your next mountain goal

Resources, recommendations & useful details

  • Tour operator: Pygmy Elephant
  • Blister prevention: Tom2Shield Blister Powder 
  • Hydration: SaltStick electrolyte capsules 

Work with Vertical Performance:

The Start to Summit Program

A structured, progressive mountain-specific training programme, with a weekly plan you can follow independently. Ideal if you want to build endurance, strength and confidence on ascents and descents without having to plan every workout yourself.

Explore the Start to Summit Program: www.verticalperformance.com/start-to-summit

The Peak Performance Program

Individualised training and ongoing coaching that adapts to your mountain, your progress and your actual life, with nutrition and performance psychology support. Ideal if you want a coach beside you throughout your preparation.

Explore the Peak Performance Program: www.verticalperformance.com/peak-performance-program

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