100KM ULTRAMARATHON TRAINING

It was in September 2012 that I did my first official running race, The Royal Parks Half Marathon. Now exactly three years later, on September 12th I will run the 100km Thames Path Challenge Ultramarathon. It is definitely my biggest running challenge to date! I have done two 50km ultras, five marathons (42km) in five months, several half marathons, a 1000km total in 5 weeks, 8000km total in a year, and lots of other little running challenges. But nothing quite compares to this!

I generally do not train specifically for the competitions. Running and training are part of my daily life and what I love to do anyway. But this time is slightly different.

I was actually quite excited to come up with and commit to a training plan for a specific event. Putting together all my knowledge from running experience, personal trainer qualification, reading and research over the years. This included not only running and strength training, but also nutrition and rest. All working together.

I run a lot anyway. But I officially started my program after my holiday in Finland, giving me 8 weeks.

Weeks 1 and 2 were running and strength training. Mornings long slow distance runs and core work. Early afternoon shorter threshold and interval runs, along with strength training using body weight and TRX, as well as balance and stability. Evenings easy recovery runs and stretching and/or yoga session. Weekends focused on longer runs at race pace, swimming for active rest, and lots of foam rolling.

Week 3 was purely running and active recovery sessions. I ran a half marathon in the morning, half marathon early afternoon and 10km in the evening, a total of 52km a day on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Wednesday and Saturday were swimming and short run days. Sunday the same plus a sports massage!

Then repeat weeks 4,5,6. Now, week 7 is another running and strength week with some final long runs on the weekend.

Week 8 will be a taper week. Never having done one, that should be interesting. Previously even the day and night before races I have done my normal runs. However, again, this challenge is a bit different. I am committed to a training plan. I am motivated to achieve this goal of running the 100km. And that overpowers the satisfaction I get from my daily running and exercise routines.

Throughout, nutrition and rest have been key components. I am vegan (mostly raw) and that has worked well for me. Lots of nutrient rich foods in smoothie and salad form, and making sure I get enough for the amount of training that I do. In terms of rest and recovery, this includes the active rest activities like swimming and yoga and massage, as well as making sure I get 7-8hrs of sleep a night.

Training for this ultra has required a lot of discipline in training, nutrition, and sleep. I am quite a routine-person, but this has taken it to another level. At times it does get boring, I won’t lie, and I would rather be out in the park sitting in the sun or taking a relaxing walk, or meeting friends. And at times I wouldn’t feel like going for that second or third run of the day.

But I have committed to the ultra and committed to the training. And I feel there is definitely great value in commitment and following through. You get a sense of satisfaction that is hard to come by in normal situations. Through the training you also learn about yourself, learn to push yourself physically and mentally, and see what you can do, what your limits are.

And the hard part or real test is even yet to come! But as my training has progressed and the time gets closer, I get more and more excited! I absolutely cannot wait for 7am on 12th September to come and to run my 100km!