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Why do you run?

Ok, that’s easy: for the love of the sport, the adrenaline, the rush, the feeling of becoming stronger, the healtier lifestyle, …

But why do you want to run 100miles? Ok, let me explain!

Or even better, watch this movie.

THE WHY

“The human body was designed to move, to hunt, to be pushed and tested, but somewhere along the way, comfort became the key to happiness. But these material things never seemed to make us happy. And in the process, we’ve softened both mentally as well as physically. When did we loose our way?” -Billy Yang.

HASHTAG BEST CAPTION EVER

“We” runners are not looking for prices or recognition, we run because we need it, because it makes us complete. it makes us who we are.

As for me, I truly believe, running makes me a better man, a loving father and husband. How cliché that may seem, that’s worth more than any trofee.

(Picture: Leadville 100)

Want to know more about how an ultrarace evolves? This documentary gives you a perfect and honest impression. There’s a lot of everything: running, walking, laughing, swearing, … finishing.

(picture: leadville 100)

As for us, we haven’t run a 100miler … yet.

Our next stop brings us to Scotland, an epic 8day race: CAPE WRATH ULTRA

More info soon:)

We love to be outdoors, to go running, to discover new places. And we could do this all day, every day. But let’s be honest, we all have a job to do, and unfortunately, that job is far way from the ‘mountain life’.

Luckily, I’m very easily satisfied. Give me a jar of nutella and I’ll say I had the best breakfast ever. The same goes for running, it doesn’t need to be all that spectacular, every single time. A quick run around the block and my colleagues will see the better part of me for the rest of the day. But a getaway once in a while never hurts now does it?

My wife took me to Les Cabanes De Rensiwez. A late birthday gift, as in, I could go running all day, she could relax by the fireplace…

As for running, TOP NOTCH. It’s located in the area of Houffalize, not far from Spa, less then 10k from the lake of Nisramont. All together, great running territory. You can follow walking paths, mountainbike routes, … You’ll manage:)

 

Up on arrival, in the early evening, I did a quick ‘discovery lap’: 1h20 -easy pace

Tried some Yoga for the first time, and probably the last time, so no pictures needed…

It was all about day 2.

I wanted to do a nice day outdoors, aiming for a 4h run with some uphill & downhill work.

Quick tip, try one of these: CLIF BAR

Ended up totally nackered, but happy as a hippo.

And to top it all off: Food food and more food.

On day 3, I did a small recovery run, nothing schmancy:)

Next up, THE COSTA BRAVA STAGE RUN & CAPE WRATH ULTRA

Our two main goals for this year. Up on the blog asap.

Cheers. Keep on running.

Not feelin’ your running vibe for the moment? Or feeling it 10000% and want to keep pushing?

Either ways, here’s some reading material that will keep you going.

Want to discover new races: ultra, mountain, multistage, … ?

In search for new adventurous hotspots? Feel like getting inspired by the best of the best? Read about their ‘stories’ & getting pointers on how to become a better runner?

These 2 books will make you dream of running the world:

RUNNING BEYOND – Ian Corless

GRAND TRAIL – Frédéric Berg / Alexis Berg

 

 

If you want to get up close and personal with two of today’s top elite mountainrunners, here are their ‘stories’.

RUN OR DIE –  Kilian Jornet

TRAIL BLAZER – Ryan Sandes

I slightly prefer ‘Trail blazer’. Ryan talks a lot about how to train (in a human way) and describes his training schedules. It gives you a good idea on how hard it actually is. When reading ‘Run or die’, you are constantly overwhelmed by Kilians superior talent…

There’s so much more:

Lizzy Hawker can run… / Runner

Hal Koerner teaches you how to become a better (trail)runner / Field guide to ultrarunning

Travis Macy talks about balance in life, work and sports / The Ultra Mindset

To top it all off, Départ, A Photographic Travel & Adventure Guide. Not specifically about running. But it will keep your juices flowin’ for sure.

We can make this list so much longer… 

So if you have any tips, please let us know.

Cheers, 

T& J.

 

pictures: SANDY CROES