RUNNING 100K ON A TREADMILL

©Nicki Lange

As I have been preparing for The Speed Project in recent weeks, I was especially excited to use the Christmas break to log some longer long runs (pun intended). I completed a few sessions in the hills around our house, being reward with beautiful vistas across the lake and a number of wonderful sunsets. Yet, I aimed to have at least one 100 kilometers run.

Initially, I was planning to do it one go, however I figured that it would be difficult to coordinate fueling along the way. I guess I could have run laps around the block, but instead I came up with the idea of running 100 kilometers on a treadmill. It certainly solved my concerns with eating and drinking, as I just had to go upstairs to grab whatever I would need from the kitchen. In addition, I found the idea of starring at a white wall and literally not moving anywhere, ideal to challenge my mind.

So, a couple of days after Christmas, I woke up early and found myself on the treadmill at 7:00. It was wonderful. I was running, while the music was playing and the sun started to rise with some fresh cold air coming through the door. I finished my shift around 10:00, keeping the average pace just below 6:00 min/km, and collected the first 25 kilometer of the day, before heading out to play golf. I got back around midday to eat pasta and then get back into the gym. Another 25K had passed. I decided not to watch any YouTube or TV throughout the day, but solely listened to music and spoke to a few friends on WhatsApp during my session. It was supposed to be a both, physical and mental challenge at the same time.

My watch showed 50 kilometers. I was halfway there. I pressed the pause button. I ate more pasta, filled up my water bottles, stretched the legs and went back on the treadmill. I played with different speeds and tried to break down each segment into smaller chunks. Even though my legs started to become tired, I felt more comfortable running at a slightly faster pace (10 KM/H) than moving at slower speeds (8 KM/H). Not only did it mean I would reach the 100K mark faster, but it also reduced the impact on my legs with each step I took, therefore also reducing the pain.

It started to get darker outside and I had probably listened to my Spotify playlist for close to ten times. I was overcome by a feeling of joy, pain and accomplishment as I was nearing the triple digit number. I reached three quarter of the total distance. A short break to lay down and stretch. Then, I continued.

I was positively surprised by my mental capacity of running in this dull environment, capable to imagine the road from Los Angles to Las Vegas in front of my eyes and being able to focus on the present moment. In the second half, I decided not to stop, but reduce speed and opt for an active recovery by walking for a a few minutes, instead of stopping. In turn, this meant that I was already shaving off a couple of kilometers of the following segment.

It may sound strange, but I would start talking to myself in Spanish, imitating a commentator of an event, announcing the latest standings, total distance covered as well as other race related facts. It actually helped me to distract from the run, while motivating me to keep going. I was entering the last segment of the day with only a few kilometers to go. Finally, after around 12 hours of running, a total distance of 100 kilometer was shown on the display. I had run 100K on a treadmill. I was happy. I stepped off the treadmill, went upstairs, showered and went to bed.