The running blog > Training for speed
December 13th, 2024
After the slow grind of my 100-miler in Nice, I knew it was time for a change. I didn’t just want to finish ultras—I wanted to run them faster. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in my training: speed training.
Speed training is a whole different beast, and I knew I couldn’t figure it out alone. My experience had been mostly focused on endurance and climbing, but structured speed work was unfamiliar territory.
So, I went on the hunt for a trainer and found Jeroen. With his guidance, I’m now building towards a major goal—a faster time at the UTMB Alsace 100-miler in May.
With Jeroen’s support, I’m working to run faster, smarter, and stronger. The UTMB Alsace isn’t just any course—it’s familiar terrain that I know like the back of my hand. I know exactly where I can make up time and push for a faster result.
This means embracing a whole new approach to training. We’ve incorporated higher-intensity sessions into my weekly routine. Instead of just putting in hours on trails, I’m doing focused speed sessions at higher heart-rate zones multiple times a week. At the same time, we’re gradually increasing my weekly mileage in a sustainable way.
Before this, my training was much more… “intuitive” (a polite way of saying unstructured). I focused on elevation gain and hill repeats but without much consistency. I’d have random weeks of high mileage and then hit burnout. There wasn’t a plan—just effort. And while it got me through some tough races, I knew it wouldn’t help me chase speed.
This change feels like a necessary evolution in my approach. The results are already noticeable.
Now, a few weeks into this structured speed training, I’m already feeling the difference. I’m more fit, more consistent, and I can feel myself getting stronger. The progress is motivating, and I’m determined to keep pushing toward my goal in Alsace.
Speed doesn’t come easy, but with the right plan, a good trainer, and a strong goal, it’s definitely within reach.
The journey has just begun, and I’m ready to see where it takes me. Alsace, I’m coming for you.