IF running more than 100 miles wasn’t enough of a challenge, what about adding in 40mph gales, rain and biting cold temperatures amid the bleak darkness of night?
That’s what Tristan Rabaeijs faced when he took on and completed the Ultra Scotland 100 race across the Southern Upland Way.
It was very much a step into the unknown for the CAAC runner, whose previous longest event had been the 57-mile Glasgow to Edinburgh (G2E) Ultra last October.
He battled back from an early tumble and constant changes of soggy socks to cross the finish line in Galashiels in 29 hours and 44 mins to take 11th position overall.
But he revealed he was grateful to his support crew and a fellow race rookie for helping him cover the extended 111-mile course, which included elevation of 4,611m (15,127ft).
Tristan said: “Deep down, the 100-mile distance was an event I really wanted to try. I knew a few other people who had entered the event and they encouraged me to sign up after I had completed the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra. I knew the training would be a big commitment and investment in both time and energy. However, and most importantly, I needed the support of my family and friends if I was going to participate in such a long event. I had a chat with my partner Claire, who not only agreed to help and support me on the day but actively encouraged me to sign up.”
For training, Tristan adapted a 16-week plan he discovered on YouTube to get his body prepared for the gruelling challenge ahead.
He added: “The plan consisted of six days running and one rest day, with an emphasis on building volume. Most importantly, the plan included long back-to-back runs every second week. These runs were key to simulating what it feels like to run under fatigue. Training mileage peaked in mid-April with a total weekly mileage of 102 miles before gradually dropping down. Over the 16-week training block, I ran a total distance of roughly 930 miles.”
Tristan’s preparations also included familiarising himself with the route, which featured multiple points rising more than 600m (2,000ft), before the big day dawned on June 8.
Tristan said: “To finally be there on the start line was not only a relief but also really exciting and nerve racking. My number-one goal was to complete the race. I had slow and fast finishing times in mind based on average pacing but, ultimately, having never ran such a distance before it was a big step into the unknown. I just had to keep telling myself to stay calm and take things easy at the start as it’s a long way to the finish. The worst thing I could do would be to go out too fast.
“The average pacing was more important for my support crew to know when to expect me at the various checkpoints throughout the race. On top of finishing the race, another key goal was to feel good and remember to enjoy myself in the moment. While the race is long, it can be all too easy to fixate on the finish and forget to appreciate the scenery around you.”
Tristan said he felt ready both physically and mentally following his training block “knowing the miles were in my legs” but he didn’t know how he would cope running through the night for the first time.
He said: “The first half of the race went very smoothly, other than a small fall after around 5km when I slipped and gave my shin a good bash. Due to the large amount of rain we had had in April and May, some sections of the course were very boggy. One of the biggest challenges early on was to manage my feet, regularly changing my socks to ensure I didn’t get any blisters. Otherwise, the key focus for me in the first half of the race was to keep on top of my fuelling and hydration.
“The real race begins in the second half. While the conditions had been changeable throughout the day, including spells of rain and sun alongside a constant wind, the weather took a turn for the worse around 9pm with forecasts for strong 40mph gusts of wind and rain throughout the night. As a result, the race organisers made the decision to divert the course on to the low route, adding an extra five miles on to the race.
“The build-up of fatigue combined with the dark, strong winds and rain made this portion of the race really difficult for me, and in particular keeping myself warm. It crossed my mind that if I wasn’t able to warm up then I would be in serious trouble and it would be a hard ask to get to the finish. Thankfully, my support crew were on hand and I was able to get extra layers on, a thicker pair of gloves and a woolly hat.
“The best way to keep warm was to keep running and stay focused on getting to the next checkpoint. It was also during this period of the race, just after the halfway point past Moffat, when I met a fellow runner called Steph, also a newbie at the 100-mile distance. Solidarity through mutual suffering, we pushed each other on and in the end we stuck together and supported each other through the night.
“In the final stages, as the sun came up, I found I got a big burst of energy and was able to move reasonably well. I only felt truly confident I was going to finish once I had reached the final checkpoint at around 10km to the finish.”
Tristan said he tried to eat “little and often” throughout but made longer use of the checkpoints in the second half of the race in an attempt to warm up his body with hot food and drinks. He also needed to take advantage of the facilities on offer, adding: “Running non-stop for 24 hours does not do good things for your tummy!”
Having survived all of that, Tristan was thrilled to see the line in Galashiels.
“I was over the moon at the finish,” he said. “It was an overwhelming feeling of happiness combined with relief that I could finally relax and just great to be able to celebrate with my friends and family, who had supported me throughout my training and during the event itself. Running is a very individual endeavour, however, I ultimately couldn’t have achieved what I set out to achieve without their support. Looking back, I have a real sense of pride in the fact I managed to achieve what I had set out to 30 hours prior, and all the time and hours I had spent in preparation had paid off.”
Tristan’s recovery included pizza, a 14-hour sleep and a trip to his gym’s steam room and sauna to relax and soothe his weary limbs – although he insists his legs felt better than after some shorter races in the past. But would he go through it all again?
“100 per cent,” he said. “There is so much to take away from such an event, the lessons learned and personal growth, as well as meeting some incredible people along the way. A course like the Ultra Scotland 100 is also great as it’s a point to point, so there is a real sense of adventure as you pass through the landscape, exploring and seeing new places.”