[Andy Reed]

Thanks for your query. In general I agree with most of what has been said. Being on your feet is going to be the most specific activity for your planned summer goals. You are inevitably going to spend a lot of time hiking on the Trans Alps run if you do go, so uphill hikes should make up some of your training in any case! Use hiking poles if you have some, as these will help offload the achilles as well. Most runners for these events end up training too much at too high an intensity, and they forget about all of the hiking that will be done. If you can get your HR up towards your AeT HR whilst hiking, without flaring the achilles, it will provide the best ‘bang for your buck’; but I am also a fan of adding in additional volume on the gravel bike if you need. Let’s say that your achilles will tolerate an hour of hiking, finish your hike, then jump on the bike for an additional hour.

Also remember that heavy, slow and controlled lower limb strengthening should help your achilles recovery, so don’t neglect this.

Hope that is helpful.