If you’re wanting to really push yourself and have set a personal challenge of clocking up 100km (whether you run, walk or crawl). 100km may seem like a daunting distance whether you’re doing it in one go or spreading it out over a period of time but it’s totally doable if you have the right attitude and some helpful tips – enter TMHQ.
5 Top Tips for Running 100KM
Whether you choose to run, jog or walk your 100km (or a mix of all three) there are a few tips that will always apply. Keep these five tips top of mind and you’ll be clocking up those kilometres like nobodies business.
1. Mind Over Matter
Ask any great athlete what got them through their toughest challenges and we’d put money on them saying their mindset. Taking down 100km in a set time period is an epic task and it isn’t going to be easy so you’re attitude needs to be right. Look your challenge in the face, accept that it is an incredible distance but that you can do it if you put the work in. When you’re out on those runs feeling tired and like it’s an impossible feat, just think about completing the next kilometre and then the next and then the next.
You can do this and you will do this.
2 Feed Your Body (And Mind)
If you’re taking on 100km in a month then this won’t be the only exercise you’ll be doing across the days. This is a real mental and physical challenge and just like prepping for event day you’ll need to fuel your body appropriately. That means you need to eat regularly and eat the things your body needs. You’ll probably find that you need to eat more to balance out how much exercise you’re doing and if you’re taking on big chunks of the 100k you might need to look into snacking while you’re on the go. We’ve got plenty of blogs on our website if you’re looking for nutrition advice and even more recipes.
3. Be the Tortoise
There are times when you want to go fast but this definitely isn’t one of them. To complete 100km in just 21 days you’re going to be running A LOT, if you go too fast you’re going to find yourself tired and sore way quicker than if you pace yourself. This means it’s time to check your ego. Yes that person in the park might have just lapped you but they’re probably enjoying their Saturday morning 5K – not taking on an intense physical challenge that’s pushing body and mind.
How you break up the 100km is also going to be key to whether you succeed or not. If you usually only run shorter distances don’t suddenly start trying to smash out 10 or 15km, in an afternoon running 5km more regularly is going to be the safer (and probably more enjoyable) way to get this done.
4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE. No, we haven’t hit paste too many times, hydration is just this important. During your runs you will be pushing your body to extremes and if you don’t look after yourself properly you could do yourself some serious damage. Make sure you’re drinking water before you run/jog/walk, during (little and often is the key) and after. You’ll need to replenish 150% of what you sweat out while exercising (yes, that much).
5. Fail to Prepare…
Is preparing to fail. If you’re looking to knock out some serious chunks of your 100km then plan some routes before you head out. This means that once you’ve got going and you’re feeling good all you have to worry about is putting one foot in front of the other – not looking at your phone to see where to go next. Plus, you’ll be more likely to get the distance in if you plan a route, otherwise you might find yourself back at home after 20 minutes wondering how on earth you’re going to get another 97km in.
If tackling 100km sounds like your cup of tea, why not sign up for a Tough Mudder Milestone Challenge? And whilst you’re at it, check out our UK events and put all your training and effort to really good use.
