Running My First 100km for My 30th Birthday

The Decision to Push Boundaries

I decided to run my first 100km for my 30th birthday. At first, I was hesitant. I partly felt I might still be too young for such a challenge. My running journey has always been grounded in the belief that "I'm running today so I can still run when I'm 80." The idea of pushing my body that far this early didn’t sit easily with me. This distance is a big commitment, both physically and mentally. It’s not something to take lightly.

After training consistently with Pierre for the past few years, I knew I had a solid foundation. This certainty gave me the confidence to go for it. I entered MUT100. This race is known for being brutal, with steep climbs and descents. However, I didn’t overthink it. In my mind, any 100km would be tough. So, if I were going to suffer, I might as well do it in one of my favorite mountain ranges.

Moving free 🏔️🦅 Credit: Ian Corless

Training Changes and Challenges

Training started off well. I felt mentally locked in for race day. However, everything changed when I left my full-time job to start my own business. At the same time, I was still studying psychology. To top it off, I traveled through Indonesia just a month before MUT. I was operating at 160%, which led to some unsustainable challenges. Unsurprisingly, my weekly mileage dropped drastically. I barely hit 30km a week.

Running in Indonesia became a challenge of its own. I had to hold rocks in my hands to keep aggressive dogs away. I even got sick during the trip. All of this added up. My body and mind were clearly telling me to calm down. I had to reassess my plans. This wasn’t going to be a race anymore; it was going to be an experiment. This would be a chance to test whether I wanted to attempt this distance again. This mindset shift was powerful and freeing. It allowed me to focus on everything but competition—the experience itself.

The Day of the Race

I felt surprisingly relaxed at the start line. In fact, I was more relaxed than I had ever felt before a long run. Honestly, I couldn’t wait to spend the day in the Outeniqua mountains. I looked forward to spending time with just my thoughts, the sound of the trails, new faces along the way, and simply the joy of movement. That’s exactly what the day provided.

From the start, I felt good. Maybe a bit too good. I made a conscious effort to pace myself during the first big climb to Outeniqua Pass. I snacked often to keep things steady. However, by the time I reached Herold’s Wine, I felt unexpectedly tired—which made me worry. Then, I experienced an incredible surprise: my uncle and aunt had come out to support me. That little boost meant everything and helped me continue moving forward.

I learned that I needed small things to look forward to—little markers to keep my spirits high. Next was Dizzy Heights, one of my favorite parts of the route. There, I saw the fast 40km and 60km runners pass by. My dear friend Sam Reilly flew past me with such control and power. She stopped to give me a hug and a kiss. That moment filled me with joy and positivity.

Taking time to connect with fellow runners, we are all on our own journey, but that doesn't mean we can't share it with those around us.

Overcoming Heat and Mental Struggles

The heat posed a significant challenge for many runners. However, it didn’t affect me as much—perhaps because I'd been sweating in the Indonesian heat for weeks prior. What truly challenged me were the descents. After 70km, every downhill step felt like a battle. My quads were wrecked. In those final 30km, I stopped thinking about the distance ahead. Instead, I focused only on the next kilometre. That mindset—just focus on what’s in front of you—sustained me until the end.

Throughout the race, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions. It was fascinating to observe how these feelings impacted my body, pace, and overall mindset. At times, it felt as if I were having an out-of-body experience—observing myself from a distance. Moving through nature allowed me to confront those thoughts and feelings in real time. It stripped everything down to its most honest form. This process reminded me of how deeply connected we are to our surroundings. For that insight, I will always be grateful.

Reflection and Future Adventures

So, how did my 100km experiment turn out? It was a successful adventure, and I’ll definitely be back for more. For now, though, I’m soaking in the recovery process. I'm also looking forward to an exciting cycling adventure ahead!

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