How I Plan a Long Run Adventure
It’s more than a run—it’s an story in stages
💡 Summary: How I Plan a Long Run Adventure
| Section | What it Covers |
|---|---|
| 🗾 Route as a Story | Plan your run like chapters in a book—terrain, views, challenges. Make it memorable. |
| 🔮 Visualisation | Mentally rehearse your run. Feel it before you even start. Helps with pacing and presence. |
| 🍌 Fuelling Strategy | Fuel early and often. Test what works, and always pack snacks like you're going on a picnic. |
| 🧠 Mental Tricks | Mantras, trail details, halfway hacks, rewards—small wins to outsmart the pain cave. |
| 🧢 Gear and Prep | Lay it all out. Dress for changes. Coconut oil is your best friend. Inov-8s for the "long haul". |
| 🎭 Mood of the Run | Match the run to your vibe. Some days it’s zen, others it’s chaos. Honour both. |
| 🎯 Pacing: Flow, Don’t Force | Zone 2 all day. Start slow. Hike the climbs. Descend with joy. Let the trail lead. |
🗺 Route as a Story
I break the run into distinct stages—each with its own terrain, vibe, or challenge. One might be a wooded climb, another a wide-open ridge, and then a fast descent to wrap it up.
It keeps my head in the game and gives me moments to look forward to. Another aspect of this is research: I check local geology, flora, history—anything that adds flavour to the story. The run becomes a narrative, curious and engaging.
You often hear trail runners talk about the "Why." If you have a strong narrative, you have a choice of Whys, and can tie them together with powerful visualisation.
🔮 Visualisation
Visualisation is a powerful tool for success, not just in running, but in life. For trail runners, there are so many moments worth imagining: a shady valley, a gnarly climb, a flowing descent.
Before the run, I play the stages in my head like a film. I imagine the sights, the sounds, even the internal playlist (techno or birdsong, depending on the day).
During the run, I affirm those visuals in real time and mentally step into the next chapter.
🍌 Fuelling Strategy
I fuel early and often. Usually after 5–10k, then every 5k or after big descents. My motto: don’t wait to bonk. It’s also an excuse to eat snacks in the forest, and who doesn’t want that?
Before I head out, I eat oatmeal with dried fruit and honey—about 100g of carbs, timed 40 minutes before go-time.
On the run, I prefer solid food: energy bars (especially caramel + sea salt), 50g carbs each. One per hour or nibbled as needed.
I also carry grape sugar tablets for quick boosts. It’s all pre-packed and portioned. Some folks prefer gels—test what works for you and stick with it.
🧠 Mental Tricks
If I’ve hit halfway, I’m on the home stretch. Doesn’t matter if it’s 12 out of 24k—I’m heading home. Little mind hacks like this go a long way.
Narrative and visualisation are powerful tricks in themselves. Add mantras like "Remember your training, you can do this."
Or focus on trail details—ferns, rocks, birdsong. They keep your mind present and sharp.
Fuel as rewards—I don't just fuel I have to earn it. Keep my favourite energy bars as rewards after tough hills.
The biggest mental lever? Surrender to the trail. Flow state is about connection with nature. When you’re in tune with it, you’re unstoppable.
🧢 Gear and Prep
I prep my gear like a day trip: lay it all out visually on the floor, so nothing’s forgotten. I start the day with a flow rope session outside—rain or shine. It helps me tune into the weather and get loose.
I go modular: buffs, gloves, arm-sleeves. All stashable on the go. Polyester all the way (including undies). Coconut oil for lube—cheap, effective, edible.
I tape what needs taping, and protect what needs protecting. Enough said.
I run in Inov-8 Trailflys or TrailTalons. Best durability I’ve found—900km+ and still going. My vest is the Inov-8 Ultrapac Pro 8. Fits like a dream. Zero bounce.
🎭 The Mood of the Run
Some days, I want flow state. Other days, I want headlamp hill repeats at sunrise. The long run is a mood, and I plan around it.
The mood matters as much as the terrain. Some days your body wants vert, others it wants smooth and cruisy. The trail can shift your mood, but often your mood chooses the trail.
No such thing as a bad trip—just the mindset you brought to it.
🎯 Pacing: Flow, Don’t Force
Long runs aren’t the place to play hero. I pace in zone 2—steady, cruisy, sustainable. I’m chasing flow, not speed.
The first 5k is a warm-up, always slower than I think I need. Then I settle into that groove and let the trail do the talking.
I hike climbs, enjoy the descents. Pacing is mental discipline. If I can chat, daydream, or birdwatch—I’m in the right zone.
🏁 Closing Thoughts
Planning a long run isn’t just about stacking distance and vert—it’s about crafting an experience.
It’s a little journey, a little ritual, and a little rebellion against monotony. When you treat it as an adventure, everything changes.
You’re no longer just running—you’re exploring, storytelling, fuelling with intention, and dancing with the landscape.
This isn’t just training. This is you, doing what you love, on your terms.
Comments
Post a Comment