Glasshouse 100 (Sep 11th & 12th 2010) to be my first 100 mile attempt

Ever since I read Dean Karnazes' Ultramarathon Man book I have always been intrigued about 100 mile events. Of course the main question that someone thinks about when they first hear about 100 mile events is how on earth does someone actually complete 100 miles on foot? I suppose the second question that most people would ask is why would someone want to do it? Although I've never understood how someone actually gets through 100 miles, I have never questioned why someone would want to do it and I suppose that's why I've decided that I have to give it a go.

Whilst I've never questioned why someone would want to run 100 miles, I must admit that it does seem like a ridiculous thing to do, and I still can't get my mind around the concept of doing it. My longest ultra to date is 100km but it was a slow progression getting to that milestone. I went from the marathon to a 56km ultra, then to an 80km ultra and then onto the 100km ultra. All somewhat small baby steps. The thought of suddenly stepping up from 100km to 100 miles (160km) is just insane!

There is no question that the step up seems intimidating and overwhelming, but I've wanted to complete a 100 miler ever since I started running ultras. It's hard to know if 100 milers are something that I'll do a lot of, but I have to give it a shot and complete at least one. Hopefully it can be on my first attempt! As intimidating as 100 milers are, I am very excited about the challenges that lie ahead.

Part of the challenge was coming up with a suitable and well thought out training program. I was initially a bit lost regarding what my program would entail. I came across this web page that had quite a bit of information and a program that seemed to suit me was this one. It was for a newbie and for someone who's ultimate goal is simply to get to the finish. I started to rearrange that program, and also asked for some advice on the Stepping up to 100 Milers thread on the Coolrunning forum. After taking on board some advice from the experienced experienced folks in that thread, I came up with a program that suited my lifestyle and also hopefully my goals. Here is my 100 Mile Training Program (in kilometres). 

I might write another post on my training program once I'm a bit further into it, but just briefly; the 8.3km & 12km runs during the week are lunch time road runs, the Friday session will be made up of running to and from work and occasionally a trail run. I'm fortunate in that I finish work early on Friday's and can devote a good chunk of time to running. Finally, all Saturday sessions will be out on the trails.

So there it is, I've decided to have a crack at 100 miles and I've already started the training! Hopefully it will all turn out well! By the way, if you want an inspirational 100 miler first attempt blog to read then check this one out, and here is the Glasshouse website link.

Happy running.


Glen