I’m not an ‘elite’ runner.

And so I don’t run for placings or positions.

I can’t commit the time to train enough, I’m not fast enough and I have an artificial pacemaker attached to my heart (you can read about that in this blog).

I also enjoy doing lots of different activities and sports that aren’t very conducive to being a top-slight, lean running machine…

Pulling sledges a very long way (you can read about that here), kayaking in Oceans (stories from this adventure here) and…eating cheese (no link required here) mean I could never restrict it to just running.

So, instead, I run for the thrill of the outdoors, exploring new places, and meeting friends and new friends. Long distance endurance events that push me physically and mentally also give me confidence, resilience and wellbeing across so many others aspects of my life.

And they’re off! The start of the Pennine Barrier 100 miler and over 30 hours of running

But, how did a 100

mile race actually happen?

After Hazel and I both ran the 150 mile multi-day Marathon des Sables in the Sahara, and the 250 mile Cape Wrath Ultra through Scotland, curiosity was beginning to stir quicker than the blisters disappeared from my feet.

Then, in Chamonix, after running the infamous Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) route hut-to-hut over 4 days (read about that here), the stirring prospect of signing up to run the shorter and very popular 101km ‘CCC’ race, meant getting some points in the bag (collected by running certain races that award points on completion) to be able to even enter the ballot.

The ‘easiest’ qualification route to these points was to complete a 100 mile race.

Now, onto some tips..

First, running 100 miles isn’t easy - no matter who you are.

Heading out into the dark after refuelling at a village hall

For those at the front of the pack, the competitive element means there’s little time for breaks and the pressure of performing - for yourself and your sponsor - must be enormous. But for for those further down, it can be even harder.

Simply spending more time on your feet - sometimes more than double the winner’s time - means there’s more can go wrong. Then there’s the working your way through the mental calculations to ensure you reach check-points, and the lack of experience that leaves you wondering:

Can I actually make it?

Working your way through those inner-doubts alone can be a tiring business.

Getting fuel in the system at one of the aid stations

So, the tips below are aimed at the wannabe-finishers, the completion-doubters and the get-over-the-liners. They’re also only for the race itself (some cold weather training tips from Hazel are here)

Definitely don’t try to run it all
‘It’s not a sprint it’s a (100 mile ultra) marathon’ goes the saying - so don’t even think about running up those hills. This early temptation will quickly diminish, as will your energy - and your chances of finishing the race.
Bring along a supporter
Preferably someone that doesn’t mind a moody, hangry version of the real you. And is prepared to get just about as little sleep as you are.
Break it down - aid station by aid station
Truth is, it is a long way. Whenever tiredness begins (it will) it’s likely to be well before the finish line. Thinking of the next 80 miles to go isn’t helpful, but focusing on the next array of delicious baked goods at the next checkpoint can be just the motivation you need.
Prevent the preventables (like blisters and chaffing)
You will love crossing the finishing line and you will be tired at points. Pretty much everything else can be controlled by you. Not pre-taping or quickly managing blisters and sore feet when they appear, is one of the surest-fired ways of not getting that buzz at the end. Bring vaseline for chaffing and be prepared to put it in the darkest of places.
Harness your inner Forrest Gump - and run like you can run forever!
It can be hard not to get carried away when you reach those even slight downhills. But imagine being Tom Hanks, being interviewed as you run across America. No sweat, no pain, no breathlessness. Run, Forrest, run!
Keep eating and drinking - and bring a variety
Tiredness can kill an appetite, as your body focuses more on staying awake than anything else. But you need to keep drinking so your pee is clear and eating small amounts frequently is a good bet. You’ll want chocolate when you only have salty crisps and vice versa and you’ll soon get bored of both. So bring different treats and different tastes.
Know your kit and where everything goes inside-out
Race rules will likely mean you’re required to take more than you’ll use, but just what you may need in an emergency. Having all your bits (head-torches, warm clothes, snacks) stowed away logically can save time and avoid frustration at 2am in the morning.
Make sure you want it
You’re less likely to push through those barriers if it doesn’t mean anything to you. So, whether it’s raising money for charity, inspiring your kids or friends, or for your own curiosity, stubbornness or health, make sure the purpose is clear, as you’ll need to revisit it during the hardest points. Think about rewarding yourself afterwards with whatever takes your fancy.
Four points of contact rock!
Running poles are not for the weak. Loads of top endurance runners use them too - and there’s a reason why. You’ll be out longer than them them and your legs will be more tired. You will not regret the tiny bit of extra weight. I promise.
You can do it - so enjoy it!
Yes, it’s likely to be type II fun at points, but you have legs that can carry you 100 miles - how amazing is that! It’ll be something to remember and give you confidence that you have more grit and resilience than you ever thought. Things to celebrate, right?

- Luke

You can’t tell, but I’m happy to be almost at the end!

How to run 100 miles