05/10/2026
1. THE BIGGEST MISTAKE IN A 100-MILER?
GOING OUT TOO FAST.
The first few miles of a 100-miler can feel almost easy. You're rested, excited and surrounded by runners moving at a decent pace.
But feeling good isn't a reason to speed up.
A successful 100-miler is about managing your effort for the whole day and not making the first 20 miles feel impressive.
2. START EASIER THAN YOU THINK:
Those early miles should feel controlled. Really controlled.
If you're thinking "This feels easy" in the first 10–20 miles, you're probably closer to where you need to be.
There is a lot of racing still to come.
3. DON'T RUN SOMEONE ELSE'S RACE:
It's easy to get caught up with the runners around you.
Someone might be running faster. Someone might be pushing the climbs. Someone might be talking about their target finish time.
None of that matters if it's not right for you.
Run your effort. Stick to your plan.
4. YOUR PACE AFFECTS YOUR FUELLING:
Pacing and fuelling aren't separate things.
Push the effort too high and your body can struggle more with taking on and processing fuel.
If your stomach starts turning, don't automatically assume you need a different food.
Check your effort too.
5. WALK BEFORE YOU HAVE TO:
In a 100-miler, it can be part of the plan from the very beginning.
Walking the steeper climbs, taking controlled steps through aid stations or deliberately backing off for a few minutes can save a surprising amount of energy.
The aim is to get to mile 70, 80 or 90 and still be able to run, rather than running everything early and being forced to walk later.
Don't think of walking as slowing down. Think of it as saving something for later.
6. THINK ABOUT THE LAST 30 MILES:
At mile 10, the finish feels a very long way away.
At mile 70, those early decisions suddenly matter.
The goal isn't to feel amazing at mile 20.
It's to still have something left at mile 80.
Patience early can become one of your biggest advantages later in the race.
