UTMB 2022 - The Year It Destroyed Me 

I was privileged to meet you a couple of days before the start of your race. You were generous with your time and paused a photo shoot and take a picture with me. What really stuck me was that you asked me my name and about my own upcoming race (CCC). You really showed me what a kind person you are and I'll always remember that. Like you, my race didn't go to plan. I began feeling ill the day before and by race morning I just wanted to stay in bed. I had a negative COVID test and after traveling from America , many hours of training, and three years in the lottery before being drawn, there was nothing that was going to keep me from start line, even if a DNF was likely. I made it 55k and dropped at Champex Lac. I was crushed and, to make matters worse, tested positive for COVID the following morning ensuring the rest of my vacation was spent in bed. Today, I signed up for the Canyons in California with the plan of gathering some UTMB stones and jumping back in the lottery. I'm determined to cross finish in Chamonix. Harry, you are an inspiration, maybe even more in how you handle yourself when things don't go well. Thank you!

Thanks for sharing this Harry. Really important to hear the lows as well as the highs, a really honest account. All the best for 2023

So important to put these videos out, too many times athletes only post success, so thank you 👏🏻

Well done. I really like your analysis and how you lead with the challenges you face. Last week I ran a trail race and thought about it... Give my all instead of dropout and be thinking "what if I had continued". It was the result I wanted, but definitely the right mentality. I'm running the UTMB 100m this year... My first 100m. Thank you for the inspiration.

Anyone who makes it to UTMB is a legend & will have unreal stories for their kids and grandkids. Great story. Thanks for you honesty 🎉

Harry. I've been on a 6 year bulk, but I started today to get back out there. Small steps. Your content has motivated me so much. It will be OK for you to get back out there. Small steps. You got this man, by the grace of God.

I appreciate you showing us this journey and the struggle that came with it. A lot of humility on display which is a great quality in an athlete. Thank you again for the insight into your world and inspiration you bring to us.

You are an amazing Champion, and an inspiration. Wishing you the best in 2024. I am running the 42K Mont Blanc in late June, and hope to see you there⭐️

You are an amazing athlete. I've had many lows, come backs, and then lows again on my fitness journey. I trained and ran a 1/2 marathon, and I'm still not back to where I was when I ran that. I know a 1/2 is probably nothing to a lot of people, but it was huge for me. And it makes me so sad that it destroyed me so bad afterward. I'm still trying to get back to that level of fitness again.

You will rise again. I came 86th at TDS overall (delighted) and 8th in my age category. I had a great race with big smiles throughout Big changes since your trail camp in Chiang Mai 5 years ago. It was a turning point in my life. Thanks again.

Thanks for sharing your experience and being so honest. Only when things go wrong do we really learn. Onward and upward now!

I always get emotional with videos like this on ultras but this one was pretty sad. You'll get there again.

Thanks for sharing Harry. Others have already said it well, but it's really helpful and important to see videos like this... gives me really good perspective.

Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us. Whatever the outcome, you are a Hero for many of us. You are a winner⭐️

Thanks for sharing this Harry. Powerful stuff that must have been hard to put together. For anyone reading these comments Harry is my coach and has guided me through several 100 mile trail races. I’m not an elite athlete but being able to get learn from guys like Harry has been invaluable!

Really humble approach, like it, also you've already finished 15th at UTMB, that's already insanely good, sounds like this experience will spur you on, ultra running is such a lottery, we're all just running around hoping to catch lightning in a bottle

Hi there, Harry! I saw you run the championship in Innsbruck yesterday. Good work finishing that thing. Ran the IATF K85 course on Saturday before and know just how brutal the terrain and the noon sun are. Excited to see what's next for you! Greetings from Germany!

Congrats Harry for pulling the plug when you had to. Listening to your body is the most important thing in sports, especially for a high level athlete as you are.

I commend you Harry for being so open and honest. As you mention, that’s ultra racing! It didn’t go to plan this time but it will in time, here’s to 2023! 👍🏼😎

Sounds like a bad day...ugh can't be bangers all the time though eh? I have total confidence you can do it again and have a STRONG finish. Thanks for sharing this experience. Well done✌🌱

Thanks for sharing this. I hope next time you will reach your goal(s).

Thanks for sharing Harry. Really appreciate the videos and your honest opinions. You are truely an inspiration to all of us!

You always Inspired Me and this Time is No exception! You made a Great decision but probably the hard one too! Keep Running and enjoy the Mountains! All the best!!!

It´s unfortunate that things do not go the way we were wishing, that´s part of the learning and also the uncertainty in sports. I am sure you will be back stronger and maybe with less pressure to yourself. Hoping you have a good year ahead. Cheers"

Awesome effort Harry! You will get back there :)

Well done for doing it Harry, and well done for knowing to pull the pin. Here's a *hug* across the interwebs :)

I always really enjoy your videos and your perspective. I appreciate you sharing your struggles and how you dealt with them. What fails to kill you only makes you stronger.

Maybe low O2 at altitude screwed you up? Anyway you already did more than i ever will in my whole life, ultra runners like you are a great inspiration to watch ! For exp. i think about you guys when I'm having a ruff day on a construction site doing my work, GG and u get it next time bro, good luck , happy new year and merry christmass above all!

Thanks for sharing Harry, you still my hero. All the best for your next adventure 👍🏃💪🏞️

Thanks for sharing your experience Harry. You rock and you will come back stronger! Hope you have an amazing 2023 💪🏼

Thanks for sharing this story with us Harry. I’m sorry you had to drop out of the race but that was the smartest thing to do. I wish you all the best in the 2023!

Hey Harry, nice to see another video of yours pop up. Hope you’re well. See you out there again this year. Why not do one of the Centurion 100s this year?

Good decision - some days your body says no and that’s how it goes. Followed the race in 2019 and that was a huge effort. You live to fight another day. Cheers

A huge inspiration Harry. Proud of you, well done 🙂

Harry you have this. Thank you for sharing your uos and downs. Both are inspiring to me. I love you man. You got this!

Well done for the effort, you'll be back!

Many thanks for your honest review - great recap even the result is not the one worked for. Wish you all the best for the races ahead

Glad to see you back. Hope the family is doing well. I also hope this means you are back!

Really touching video Harry so sorry to hear or the DNF.... we all have those, just got to dig deep and catch the next wave!

Thanks Harry for sharing!

Miss your awesome content Harry!

You will come back strong again - no doubt!

Happy New Year. I hope to meet you in Chamonix in 2024.🙏

Thanks for sharing this Harry, it seems important to share both the ups and the downs. Did you manage to find out why the day turned bad for you? Would be interesting to know if you’ve determined whether it was nutrition, training etc. I had a bad day at the OCC this year and pulled out at Argentiere after 9 hours of feeling terrible, nausea and eventually a black-out while descending from the Col de Baume. At the age of 57 it turns out I have a heart issue and am currently having tests to determine what. Despite this I still would like another crack at the OCC if health allows! All the best for the build-up for your next UTMB and great to see your family sharing great times in the Alps with you! J

local 100? surely UTS has to be on the cards, tough course but incredible scenery and you would smash it!

Dont feel bad, running is hard , i ran a marathon in may 2022 3 hours 29 minutes, now my training has been bad

More RU-vid pllleeeease Harry

Where have you been Harry?

Help