The Road to 100 #004
This moment feels a little surreal.
I remember posting August’s update, looking ahead and wondering if I would even be capable of hitting the targets I’d set.
The time on feet, the distance, the elevation.
A four-week block that, if realised, would be my largest training volume by any metric.
I’ll confess, the prospect daunted me. Three ultra-distance runs on successive weekends with no real sense if it was possible, or if I would simply buckle under the ever-increasing load.
Sitting here now, though, I have my answer.
The Plan
The Reality
Week 1
The final long run of August had already pushed past marathon distance. This week extended further, to 50km. I made a strategic decision to reduce elevation and keep these long runs more runnable, conscious of the mounting demand, and wanting to remain fit to train the day after.
By this stage, I was also beginning to feel the mental strain of the accumulating training weeks. From here on, I chose to start my long runs from the house. Any distance to travel beforehand would only concede ground to the part of my mind that whispers of comfort.
Week 2
This week brought a rare deviation from the planned training structure to accommodate the Galbally Mile Relay on Friday night. Despite the miles in my legs, I surprised myself with my fastest time ever at the event.
Saturday’s 57km left me quietly confident, the best run of the block so far, steady and almost effortless. Sunday, by contrast, was more of a mental battle than a physical one. Forcing myself out on sore legs is never easy, but I’ve learned that once the initial kilometres pass, the discomfort fades.
Week 3
Beginning Week 3, I was tired, sore, and faltering. I knew this was the final week of building, and, honestly, that knowledge made it heavier. As if the approach to the summit made the gravity of each step stronger.
Saturday’s 60km felt scattered, I never quite settled into it, though relief at finishing proved stronger than any other sentiment. What I feared more, though, was the beginning of the cross-country season the next day. But after an early start to marshal at the Belfast Half Marathon, I made it to Armagh in time to deliver my fastest ever performance there. I’m still not sure how that was possible.
Week 4
This week shifted from running to resting. Though I’ve felt restless at times, haunted by the lingering routine of high mileage, I’m trying hard to relax, fuel well, and focus on arriving at the start line in the best condition possible.
I’m also pleased that across this block I’ve largely managed to keep contributing to the running club sessions. It’s easy as runners to orbit our own priorities, letting them become the sun around which everything else revolves. Staying connected to the group helps me resist that pull and was a welcome distraction from the work to be done.
Looking Ahead
I hate this part of training.
In my mind, the work is done, and now I wait for the call to the line. That waiting gives space for doubt and dwelling, and rarely leads anywhere good.
Still, the best cure I’ve found for anxiety is to out-work it. So these weeks will be spent studying the course, checking conditions, taking inventory, and making sure the kit is in order.
The work is in the bank now. What’s left is trust, in the miles logged, the lessons learned, and the belief that carried me here from August. Soon, it will be time to stand on the line and meet the challenge on my own terms.
If you love running, and the thoughts it stirs along the way, follow @fathom_journal on Instagram and join the journey.
