Couch to 100km - Running my first ultra marathon

Have you ever wondered what it takes to run a 100km ultra marathon? Charlie Warner, a 26-year-old who thrives on pushing his limits, recently took on the challenge of the London2Brighton Ultra. He completed the race with an impressive time of 11:01:33, finishing 8th overall. Charlie's journey is one of perseverance, dedication, and smart supplementation.

Meet Charlie Warner

Charlie is much like anyone reading this blog. Some days he feels motivated and ready to take on the world. Other days he struggles with a lack of ambition. Yet, despite these ups and downs, he managed to complete the gruelling 100km race. So, how did he do it?

Training for an ultra marathon is no small feat. Charlie never enjoyed the training process, especially the long, cold winter runs when staying by the fire seemed much more appealing. The key to his success was focusing on overall health and feeling his best every day.

This is where Awesome Supplements came into play.

Each morning, Charlie made sure to take all the supplements he needed for his training. Over time, he incorporated nearly every product that Awesome Supplements had to offer into his routine.

"My weekly training consisted of three runs per week in the 12 weeks leading up to the ultra. This included a longer run on Sunday, a light run of 5-12k on Wednesday with tempo or hill sprints, and a similar run on Friday," Charlie explains.

Race Day Strategy

Race day was incredible for Charlie, despite the expected "pain cave" moments. He pushed through by eating correctly at the aid stations and consistently topping up his water with Awesome Endure and Hydrate to ensure his body received all it needed.

Charlie's Advice for Aspiring Runners

Charlie’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and the right supplementation. By integrating Awesome Supplements into his routine, Charlie was able to conquer the London2Brighton Ultra and achieve an outstanding performance. Here are his top tips for anyone looking to tackle an ultra:

• Get a Training Plan: This helps you stick to a schedule so you don’t skip out or forget.
• Run with Others: Boost morale and mix up your routine by running with people occasionally.
• Practice Nutrition: Test out foods and supplements during training to know what works for you.
• Avoid New Things on Race Day: Stick to your tried-and-true routine on race day.
• Relax Before the Start: It’s not a sprint, so stay calm and get into a flow state.
• Prevent Chafing: Use lube to avoid discomfort from rubbing.
• Push Through Walls: Expect to hit the wall a few times but know you’ll find zones where you lock in and get the kms in.
• Have Support at the Finish: Having family and friends waiting for you can be a huge motivator.

The Role of Supplements

Charlie believes that while logging the necessary miles is crucial for training, the right supplements can significantly enhance performance and recovery. Not only do they benefit the body, but they also provide peace of mind, knowing that he was doing everything possible to achieve his goals.

"Supplements not only made my body perform better but also gave me the peace of mind that I was doing everything possible to reach my goals," Charlie says.

Strength: "I took creatine with my meal after a run or gym workout, making sure to take it every day to build the habit. It's so easy to forget unless you have a set routine."

Endure and Hydrate: "During my runs, I carried Endure and Hydrate in a camel pack for anything longer than 12k. For shorter runs, I'd take them with water beforehand. The taste is super refreshing, which helps lift my spirits before a tough session."

Focus: "I don’t take pre-workout anymore, so I replaced it with Awesome’s caffeine pills, taking 4-5 an hour before runs when I needed a boost."

Joints: "I also took Joints to help with recovery."

Protein: "In the evening after a run, I'd enjoy a protein powder hot chocolate. I saw Ben doing it, so I indulged and haven’t looked back."

Charlie's routine highlights the importance of consistent supplementation and the impact it can have on both performance and recovery.

For anyone considering their next step in their fitness journey, whether it’s running a new distance or pushing themselves to a new level, Charlie strongly recommends giving Awesome Supplements a try. According to him, these products can take your training and recovery to new heights.

If you're interested in seeing how Charlie's race went, check out his latest video on his YouTube channel, Warndog Fitness. There, you'll find more insights and tips from his incredible 100km journey.

Got an awesome story to share about your experience with Awesome Supplements? We’d love to hear! Email suzi@bencoomber.com with details.