Les Techniques pour être une LÉGENDE à 51 ans !

Overview

The video is an interview hosted in Chamonix with ultra-runner Ludovic Pomery. It’s framed as a relaxed, non-political conversation, mixing jokes (including “extraterrestials” and playful “big brother/uncle” framing) with news items and predictions.

The host asks about Pomery’s recent activities and his race goals as he transitions into his post-competition life, including upcoming father/grandfather news.

Key points from the discussion

Why Pomery skipped UTMB 2024 (or this year’s UTMB context)

• After his 2016 victory and years of consistent participation, Pomery chose a break to experience UTMB week differently.
• He wanted to see other races happening around the same time.
• He went to L’Échappée Belle to experience the event firsthand and compare it with his usual UTMB-centered routine.
• He describes it as more “local/intimate” and a refreshing change in atmosphere, even though it remains a major French event.

Mindset and tactics in smaller, technical races

• Even in lower-profile events, Pomery still approaches them competitively and aims to “give it his all.”
• As an overwhelming favorite, he followed coach guidance—essentially “minimum required to win.”
• He explains that tactical pacing differs from UTMB:
  • fewer contenders means the race can be managed differently,
  • fewer people to “track,”
  • a more controlled early approach.

Hardrock 100 as his “signature” race

Pomery returns to Hardrock 100 repeatedly. He highlights:

• Rarity of entry
  • lottery-based entry,
  • separate pathways for first-timers vs veterans.
• Qualifying requirements
  • required 100-mile races in the preceding period,
  • elevation gain requirements tied to qualification.
• The race’s unique mix of:
  • ultra running + travel/destination experience,
  • acclimatization,
  • and the ability to base training/acclimatization in Colorado.

He also notes his personal legacy there, describing a “king” kind of status (per the host’s tone), including record-breaking performances and repeated wins.

Altitude preparation and physiology (hypoxia/acclimatization)

Pomery explains acclimatization practically:

• Begin prep weeks ahead (he mentions being there around early June for a mid-July event).
• Sleep at altitude where possible, including sometimes using SUV access to high-altitude passes.
• He initially camped, then later shifted to a more comfortable setup.
• He avoids high-intensity work at altitude; the goal is exposure and recovery management.

He emphasizes an important limitation:

• Even with acclimatization, performance loss vs sea level is inevitable, because the body never fully “resets” to starting-line freshness.

He also covers how altitude affects sleep:

• Early nights may include:
  • reduced comfort and a “lower oxygen feeling,”
  • more nighttime urination,
  • stress-related wakefulness.
• Over time, sleep typically stabilizes and improves.

On blood testing:

• He references hemoglobin/mass testing before/after.
• He notes reliability can vary with hydration and that more advanced tests may require CO₂ inhalation methods.

Technical vs muscular tradeoffs over time

• Pomery describes an evolution in strategy over multiple years:
  • more conservative handling of climbs,
  • taking advantage of descents where ventilation demand is lower (though descending still has muscular/impact costs).
• Aging changes the balance of risk and confidence:
  • technical fear/confidence dynamics,
  • higher injury risk and slower recovery.
• He suggests he has regressed technically, while feeling he has improved in other physical traits—especially muscular endurance—that matter for later climbs.

Injury and medication/anti-doping rules

• He describes a major medical episode:
  • After the UTMB-related period, he developed knee pain.
  • MRI revealed a cartilage fragment that led toward surgery (planned in August).
• For the race discussed, he used a corticosteroid injection about 10 days before:
  • it reduced inflammation and helped much of the event,
  • but inflammation returned later.

He stresses that:

• Painkillers were not used during the race.
• He addresses medication/compliance issues:
  • some substances are restricted around competition windows (e.g., steroids),
  • some anti-inflammatories are discouraged or banned by race policy,
  • and controversies can arise when governing bodies permit something that a specific race bans—along with debate over whether sanctions were applied.

UTMB 2024 / next UTMB predictions

Pomery’s hopes for podium spots focus mainly on French runners:

• He wants Vincent to contend, then points to French men he believes could place (including Théo and Baptiste Arthur).
• For women, he hopes for Rousse (and possibly other French women).
• He notes uncertainty for athletes returning after pregnancy depending on timing.

He also acknowledges strong international threats:

• including American competitors,
• and the idea that surprises can happen—especially from lesser-known top performers (notably among some Asian athletes).

Asian representation and language barriers at UTMB

• The host notes a shift: more Chinese athletes have appeared in top ranks compared to earlier UTMB years.
• Pomery offers partial explanations:
  • ultra interest is rising due to population size,
  • communication is difficult because few speak English,
  • logistics and team structure (interpreter/manager presence) matter,
  • differing communication apps and cultural differences (e.g., WeChat vs WhatsApp) limit interaction.
• He cannot fully explain the spike, but expects it to continue generating competitive results.

Trail “spirit” / ethics of mutual support

Pomery defines trail spirit as:

• a connection to nature and mountains,
• mutual support, even at high level (example: sharing a headlamp).

He also discusses gray areas:

• help may be allowed between runners,
• but it can conflict with rules about pacing assistance—especially if someone with a bib effectively functions like a quasi-pacer.

Presenters / contributors

• Host (unnamed) – interviewer and narrator
• Ludovic Pomery – guest interviewee (ultra-runner)