The First Month of Miles

And so it begins…

Monday 3rd August: This marked my first week of ‘training’. In order to qualify for the ultra-marathon I am targeting in May 2016, I must first do standard marathons within a certain time. I’ve estimated it will take me 16 weeks to get into marathon shape which brings me to November…for my first ever marathon! Even just writing it sounds absolutely ridiculous!

What are you thinking? Why an ultra, isn’t one marathon enough? What, all in one go?

These are definitely some of my favourite questions that people have asked. For now, all I know and all that I can say is: Yes, all in one go.

I am really excited to be documenting my training over the next 10 months prior to the race; planning more travels focused around the world’s most beautiful trails, races and climbs. I can’t wait to explore different parts of the globe, this time by foot. This may be 2 hours from my front door or the other side of the world. I love the freedom of being up in the mountains or running across remote plains for hours and hours so it made sense to combine my training with travelling.

Wednesday 5th August: As a much needed source of recovery, today my aim was to find a way to make hemp protein edible. I think I was pretty successful.

So, here is a super easy recipe for Peanut Butter Protein Balls:

 

Ingredients:
30g oats, 30g hemp protein, 1tbsp peanut butter, 1 square of 85% dark chocolate, handful of almonds and mixed seeds, 1/2 banana, 1tbsp cocoa.

Method: Mix! Shape into 6 balls and keep refrigerated.

Always use good quality peanut butter such as Meridian as it has no added palm oil.

Sunday 23rd August: This week has been the hardest week so far. Waking up at 5:30am, working throughout the day, training in the evening and fitting in time for friends, family, photography and writing. It’s really opened my eyes to the sheer discipline and determination that a real athlete must have and the sacrifices they make. I can already see how important it is to really love what you do, otherwise you won’t ever be prepared to put in the effort that is needed to succeed.

Monday 24th August: I’m currently sat in a café, with a great coffee and a huge slice of cake as I watch the torrential rain pour down by the bucket-load. I’m stalling before my 10 miles this evening. The only way I’m leaving is when they close up and kick me out.

For me, this challenge is not about the run itself. The run is secondary. It is just a platform to base my storytelling. Instead, it’s about challenging what I believe to be ‘my limit’. Challenging what I believe to be impossible; challenging the lengths that I will go to raise awareness for a project I am passionate about.

Life Lessons:

  • Time is valuable, don’t waste it. We are given just 24 hours a day. Nobody knows how many days we’ve got so we must spend our time doing things that make us happy. If we aren’t happy we can either change the situation or change our attitude to the situation. I think it’s that simple.
  • You will only be successful if you love what you do and want it bad enough. If you really want something, you’ll find a way to make it happen.

Over the next few months I have planned a lot of time away and I can’t wait to share the journey. Running is one of the greatest ways to really see a country and connect with a place. There is no greater feeling than when it’s just you…and the mountain.


Follow my journey on Strava: Dan Carter

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