#tp100

This is the moment I finished my first 100 mile ultra

After 26 hours of running through the night, this is the moment I turned the final corner to complete something for my of my life I would have thought impossible.

The very idea that someone, anyone, let alone me, could run 100 miles in one go would have seemed completely ridiculous. About 8 years ago I ran a 10km race and I thought anyone who ran a half marathon was unbelievable. Then I ran a half marathon and I thought anyone who could run double that and do a full marathon was a hero. Next I tried a 31 mile ultra and I looked at people who ran 100kms with disbelief. Eventually I did the 100km and I still couldn’t fathom how anyone could run almost twice as far in one hit. 

The truth is I was right all throughout this journey. Whether you’ve run your first 5km or your first 100 miles you are a winner. If I’ve learnt one thing from all this it’s that every goal is equal. Someone’s molehill is another person’s mountain.

Two days ago I climbed another of my mountains and got to finish it in front of my family. My nephew Darcy ran across the finish line of my first 100km and here he was again for my 100 mile baptism. This time we were joined by my 2-year-old son (who was more interested in blueberries but some people are hard to impress). 

Finally all the important women in my life. My wife, my sister, my mum, my niece, without whom I would never have achieved any of these things and particularly not this 100 mile race.

They were there at the darkest moments to keep me going. Their support is what helped me through.

What Goes Through Your Mind 3 Days Before Your First 100-Mile Ultra?

On Saturday I’ll attempt something that for most of my life I would have believed was utterly impossible. I’m running my first 100-mile ultra, the Centurion Running Thames 100. 

23 Days until my first attempt at 100-mile ultra and the spreadsheet is out

For every big ultra I’ve tackled, I’ve always put together a blow-by-blow plan for how I hope the race will pan out. Of course it never goes according to the plan but without this I feel like I’m a bit lost.

I guess it’s all part of the process of getting into a disciplined state of mind, the kind of mental focus you need to avoid making stupid mistakes come race day, like forgetting to eat.

So here’s my nutrition plan for the Centurion Running Thames 100. There’s a big question mark for me over whether or not I can go a whole day mainly on liquid fuel alone. I have done 21.5 hours at the Lavaredo but this could easily stretch into 24 hours if my pace drops. 

I’ve opted with some trusted sources of fuel though with Generation UCAN and 33Shake, along with some Poliquin Rise and a few Beta Alanine pills for a kick from time to time.