Cecilia Mattas on crushing 100kms in the Alps running UTMB® CCC for the first time

Episode 32! Firstly, apologies if this is a tricky one to listen to sound wise - our recording set up from three remote places didn't go quite to plan and our voices come through at different levels, with Sarah being quiet. The main thing we reckon though is you can still hear Cecilia well, and we hope it's not too annoying to listen to as it's well worth perservering with to hear from "CC at CCC"!

We welcome back good friend of the show - Cecilia Mattas, to run us through her recent trip to Europe and how it felt to take on the epic trail race - UTMB's CCC, traversing over 100kms on foot, at speed, through the Alps.  When we last spoke to Cecilia back on Episode 5, she was hot off the back of a win at Ultra Trail Australia 100km. Given COVID restrictions at the time, this opportunity at CCC was Cecilia's first chance to truly race on the world stage and kudos to her as she absolutely crushed it.

While Cecilia has an admirable training ethic and inspiring attitude to her running, nothing can be taken for granted when racing such a long distance on such technical terrain at altitude. As ever though, Cecilia, while being crewed by her partner Tom, handled it with joy and grace - and she shares some fantastic insights into the brutal nature of this course and the real prep it requires. Humble and honest as ever, Cecilia shares with us how she'd considered a top 5 finish while signing up for the race, and on having the opportunity to recce the course pre race, realised it was going to be a huge experience and learning curve. Finishing narrowly outside of the top 20 in the female field is a truly incredible achievement for her first CCC and we can't wait to see what she brings in future! 

Tune in to hear about Cecilia's race preparation, including taking time out in Europe beforehand to train and see family and friends (and take on a swim run race with Tom); the CCC journey itself - including forgetting a piece of mandatory gear last minute (again!) and the massive toll that a mountain course like this takes on the mind and body. Plus upcoming plans, including Cecilia now crewing for her partner Tom on his first UTA 100km journey! All the best to both of you. 

You can find Cecilia on Instagram at @ceciliamattas

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