Whatever challenges we choose to face as runners, there is always a sense of the unknown when we step on to the start line.
It doesn’t matter whether we are aiming to win or to complete a race for the first time; whether we are a professional athlete or a complete newcomer; whether the race is 5km or 175km.
We prepare as best we can, but concentrating on running our own race is our only guaranteed route to success.
HOKA ONE ONE athlete Harry Jones is somebody who follows this philosophy closely.
Sticking to the game plan
In 2018, Harry lined up in the CCC race at Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc for the first time. Harry’s goal before the 105km race was to finish inside the top-10.
“My best memory from last year was getting to the halfway mark knowing that my racing plan was coming together,” he remembers.
“I was feeling fresh – well, as fresh as anybody could after 50km in the mountains.”
Harry ignored the hype and stuck to his game plan. He spent the second half of the race continually catching runners up ahead and was rewarded with an eighth-place finish.
This year, Harry steps up to the UTMB race. His approach remains the same.
Patience is a virtue
In a race that lasts almost 24 hours, patience is a virtue. If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, then you’re on the path to success.
“It’s so easy to throw your race plan out the window and let yourself get carried away,” says Harry.
“Whether you’re out there to get a specific finishing time or position, or just to experience the mountains and take in the views, keep reminding yourself to run your own race.”
Biggest test yet
The Brit has been in Chamonix since the beginning of July, training in the French, Italian and Swiss valleys in preparation for his biggest test yet.
While his training has focused on lots of vertical and consistent high mileage, he has also been paying attention to the finer details to make sure he’s in shape come Friday 30 August.
“UTMB brings the world’s best together in one event, which has to be one of the biggest motivators for me,” says Harry.
“Of course, I love the mountains and all the supporters, but I love racing among the best in the sport and challenging my limits.”
Falling in love with ultra-running
Harry started ultra-running in 2015. After moving to Thailand in 2017, his love and pursuit of ultra-running only intensified.
You can find Harry travelling the world and sharing his ultra-running experiences on his popular Harry Runs YouTube channel.
“Ultras intrigued me from the day I heard of them,” he says. “My first ultras were in Thailand, where safety briefings would typically discuss what to do in the event of a snake bite, so a little different to racing in Europe.
He has lived something of a nomadic existence over the last couple of years, travelling from race to race, combining being a professional athlete with his full-time running coach commitments.
“But the biggest challenges I face are probably the mental battles we all have to fight through on race day or within demanding training weeks,” he says. “It’s all worth it in the end.”
Photo credit: PEIGNÉE VERTICALE