Motivation

Ultra-Runner runs the Tour De France

70 DAYS OF ULTRA RUNNING – PETER THOMPSON’S TOUR DE FRANCE CHALLENGE

On May 19th marathon runner Peter Thompson set out on an epic challenge to run the entire 2,082 mile route of the 2018 Tour de France - and make it to the finish line before riders. The challenge entails running a gruelling ultra marathon every day for 70 days and climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest over 3 times - all to raise much needed funds and awareness for mental health charities.

Today we caught up with Peter, who has so far covered a distance of over 1,600 miles over the last 52 days, to talk tired legs, breath-taking mountain ascents and winning the mental and physical battle to make it to the finish line.

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You have covered over 1,500 miles so far. Tell us where you are at your Tour de France challenge at the minute - mentally and physically.

Physically I have no injuries as such just some very tired legs. The last week or so they are getting heavier and heavier and the fatigue is there from start to finish each day. Mentally I’m in a good place and although that varies from day to day I know how stubborn I am and what it will take to stop me finishing. There have been many days where I’ve questioned if I can do this, but I am also aware that’s an important part of it and I just hope I can keep winning that daily mental battle.

We are sure there's been ups and downs - What has been the greatest struggle this challenge? And what has been your favourite moment?

Where do I start, I think it would be obvious to say the mountain climbs but in a lot of ways they’ve provided some of the best moments. I think the greatest struggle has been running on the roads and the traffic. Sadly, there have been no closed roads for me, so I’ve had to run on grass verges, ditches and in cycle lanes on busy roads to avoid the lorries and cars. Luckily the traffic has got better as the days have gone on but there have still been occasions where I have had to really think twice about where I’m running and concentrate the whole time to make sure I’ve been safe.

The favourite moments have been the Alps and reaching those mountain finishes. I have never been to the mountains before and they are truly stunning. To know there is a breath-taking view at the top is a huge motivation and incentive to make it to the top. Also, there have been lots of cyclists on the climbs and it’s been great to chat to people about what I’m doing and share their joy at reaching the summit too.

How much training went into your challenge?

I trained upwards of 80 miles a week with 20 mile runs most weekends. I also spent a lot of time in the gym trying to strengthen my legs for the climbs and more importantly the descents as they have been what I’ve been most worried about injury wise.

How did you prepare for the ascents, climbs and high-altitude in the Pyrenees?!

I mainly prepared with running up the zig zags along the seafront where I live and any hills I could find. Also, time in the gym spent strengthening my leg muscles. Altitude wise I have trained at altitude before when I went to Kenya to train for 3 months about 4 years ago. Although a while ago I think living and training there has been a big help for this.

What shoes are you running in? And how do you find them?

I’m running in the ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 23 and they have been just what I need. Firstly, there a shoe I trust because I have used them for years and also completed my last challenge (44 marathons) in the previous model. As someone used to racing marathons I generally train in lightweight shoes so these were a good balance of stability and cushioning that I’ve needed to tackle the various elements of this challenge.

How do you try to really recover in between your daily challenges?

The big thing for me is sleep. I try to have about an hour’s afternoon nap every day and at least 8 hours sleep at night. The human body is an amazing thing and I see sleep as giving it the opportunity to work its magic. I have also used compression socks and ice to reduce swelling and things and making sure I eat lots of protein to repair my muscles and carbohydrates to fuel me for the next day.

How do you keep the motivation up to run every day for 30 miles?

I think I am quite lucky as there are lots of elements of this challenge which I can use for motivation. The mental health and charity cause is a huge part of this and when I see the donations coming in and the messages from people it gives me a huge boost. The adventure side is another big part and I’m a hugely competitive person. If I set my mind on something I will always do everything I can to achieve it. To know that the riders are coming for me and I have a target to beat is something that keeps me focused and motivated each day.

My girlfriend Sally is also a huge part of this challenge and has is a one woman dream support team. She has remained so upbeat throughout this and motivated me when I’ve needed it most.

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What have you learnt about yourself on this challenge?

It may sound strange, but I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt is that I need to take more risks and that’s its ok to fail. I think I have also not done things because I’ve been scared that they will go wrong or that I will fail. I now realise that’s ok, in fact it’s better than ok. The most important thing is to ‘give yourself the opportunity to fail’ and that’s going to me my new moto.

Why have you started this challenge?

I started the challenge to try and raise awareness and money for mental health charities. TA cause which means a lot to me and my friends and family. The charities I support (Mind, Dorset Mind, Livability) all provide vital service or support to those suffering with mental health issues. The mental health conversation is one which is growing, and I want my challenges to add to that and ensure that the support is available to people when they need it most. Sadly, something that can’t be said at the moment.

When's the big finish? And most importantly, will you finish before the cyclists cross the finish line?

I am still on course to finish the challenge in 70 days which will mean I will hopefully cross the finish line on Friday 27th of July. If I can do that I will have beaten the riders by 2 days and be the happiest man in Paris, alongside the lucky man wearing the yellow jersey.

SportsShoes is proud to support Peter Thompson of Marathons for the Mind on his epic challenge. You can follow his journey at marathonsforthemind.com or Peter’s Instagram @marathonsforthemind or Twitter @marathonsftmind.

Are you feeling inspired? Then join our SportsShoes Strava Run Club and become part of our inclusive community.
And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.