Last week, I decided to do something completely bonkers: run 46 miles (yes, miles) through the Brecon Beacons’ unforgiving terrain. Why? Because why not punish myself for fun? 🏔️
Here’s the story:
The day started at 7:30 am, with me nervously pacing in the crisp 7-degree air, surrounded by mist that screamed “You’re going to regret this.” My goal? Finish in under 9 hours. Spoiler alert: I just made it with 28 seconds to spare. Talk about cutting it fine! ⏱️
Stage 1 – The “I Got This” Phase
Things started great. The first hour was along a scenic canal, and I was cruising. The leading pack set off at an insane 5:15/km pace. I sensibly sat in the second pack, maintaining 5:40/km. Sensible, I thought… until I realised it wasn’t. 🥴
Stage 2 – The “Why Did I Sign Up for This?” Phase
Up we went, into the hills with charming names like Pen-Y-Fan and Fan-Y-Big (seriously?). With 1,716m of elevation over two laps, it was like climbing Snowdon twice. My legs were screaming, “Stop this madness!” halfway through.
Oh, and fuelling? Bananas, sweet potatoes, gels—great for the first hour. By hour four, I’d have sold my soul for a bag of crisps. 🥔
Stage 3 – The “Mental Breakdown” Phase
Halfway through, my legs felt like lead, my energy tanked, and my self-doubt came in hot:
- Did I train enough?
- Why does that guy in his 50s look like he’s on a Sunday stroll while I’m dying?
- Is it socially acceptable to quit at the next checkpoint?
- Maybe I just get in my brothers car and we go home?
But I had a trick: “Head up, look forwards.” It sounds simple, but it kept me going through the dark moments.
Stage 4 – The “Limp to the Finish” Phase
By this point, I couldn’t run downhill. Every step felt like stepping on LEGO barefoot and knee’s had hot pokers in them. But then… my surprise support crew arrived. Kim, my fiancée, showed up as a surprise (despite feeling ill) with our spaniels, Otto and Jasper. This pulled on the heart strings and got me very emotional!
With 5km to go, I pushed through the pain. My original goal—sub-9 hours—was within reach, but only if I gave it everything. The crowd, my brother Rowan who supported me the whole race (couldn’t of done it without him!), and Kim’s surprise visit gave me the final push to cross the finish line in 8:59:32.
What’s the moral of this madness?
You’re capable of more than you think. Dream big, take action, and when it gets tough, keep your head up and look forwards. 💪
Feeling inspired? 🏃♂️ Want to tackle your own running challenge? Drop me an email adam@primalmvmnt.com, and I’ll send you a FREE 6-week running programme to kickstart your journey. 🎉
UltraMarathon #KeepYourHeadUp #PrimalMvmnt
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