
393: Prepping for 100 miles - Kevin's training recap for Long Haul 100
Jan 16, 2025Preparing for the 100-Mile Ultra: Kevin's Journey of Grit and Growth
Get ready to dive into Kevin’s incredible journey as he preps for the Long Haul 100—a grueling 100-mile ultramarathon through Florida's challenging trails. We’ll explore the ups and downs of his training, his fueling strategies, and the mental grit it takes to conquer such an epic race. Whether you’re dreaming of your first ultra or you’re a marathon veteran, Kevin’s story is packed with practical advice and inspiration.
Bouncing Back: Kevin’s Post-Surgery Journey
Kevin’s journey to the Long Haul 100 has been anything but smooth. After completing the Daytona 100 while battling a hernia, he had to undergo surgery last March. His recovery wasn’t just about mending physically—it was a full-on mental and physical comeback. Starting with easy, short runs, Kevin gradually found his rhythm again. By summer, he was back in the game, ramping up his mileage and preparing for the intense training needed to tackle an ultra.
Training for a 100-miler isn’t just about piling on miles. For Kevin, it’s been about finding the right mix of consistency and flexibility.
Speed Work: Kevin has amped up his weekly routine with high-intensity speed sessions. These aren’t just about going fast; they’re about building cardiovascular strength, sharpening muscle coordination, and boosting running efficiency. This kind of training is a game-changer for long races, helping him maintain a steady pace and conserve energy for the grueling later stages.
Long Weekends, Not Long Runs: Instead of focusing on super long single runs, Kevin’s been doing back-to-back long runs over the weekends. This approach helps him build endurance while reducing the risk of injury.
These adjustments remind us that training plans should evolve based on where you’re at physically and what your goals are.
Fueling the Miles: Dialing in Nutrition
One of the biggest lessons Kevin’s learned is about getting his race-day nutrition right.
More Protein: To keep his muscles fueled for the long haul, Kevin’s added more protein to his diet, and we are going to incorporate more protein in his race-day snacks.
Smart Carbs, Less Fiber: He’s also cut down on high-fiber foods to avoid GI issues, focusing instead on a balance of quality carbs and proteins to maintain steady energy levels.
This fine-tuning shows just how important it is to personalize your nutrition strategy for endurance events.
Mental Game: Tackling the Ultra Mindset
While physical training is critical, the mental side of ultrarunning can’t be ignored. Kevin’s mindset is all about resilience and adaptability.
Finish First: His main goal is simple: finish the race. In the world of ultras, sometimes just crossing the finish line is the biggest victory.
Rolling with the Punches: Kevin approaches each mile with a flexible mindset, ready to adapt and push through whatever discomfort comes his way. He practices mindfulness during runs, focusing on his breath and staying present in the moment. Kevin also uses positive self-talk and visualization techniques, imagining successful outcomes and mentally rehearsing how he’ll handle tough spots on the trail. These strategies help him stay calm, adaptable, and focused, even when the going gets tough.
Race Day: Ready to Roll
Kevin’s big day is almost here. After months of hard work and preparation, he’s ready to take on the trails with focus and determination.
Stay tuned for Kevin’s post-race reflections—we’ll be sharing the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Follow us on Instagram for live updates, and let’s cheer Kevin on as he tests his limits and embodies the true spirit of endurance.
If Kevin’s story resonates with you, or if you’re looking for some guidance on your own running journey, remember: it all starts with that first step. It’s the ongoing commitment to improvement that defines success for every runner.
Take on the challenge, enjoy the journey, and as always, run your life!
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