Q+A: How do I train for Lands End to John O'Groats
Our experts answer real-life questions
Posted: 9 September 2002
by Bruce Tulloh
Q. I really enjoy half-marathons and long runs, but rather than step up to a marathon I’ve decided to go to an extreme and attempt to run from John O’Groats to Lands End (the JOGLE) next August. If I do, I’d like to cover 40 miles a day. Is this realistic, and what sort of training mileage should I be putting in?
A The John O’Groats-Land’s End run is a real challenge whichever way you do it, and 40 miles a day is pretty ambitious for any runner, but why not?
Working backwards, you’ll need to be running about 100 miles a week throughout May, June and July next year, putting in the occasional long weekend effort where you’re running 40 miles a day for two or three days in a row. This is the only way to get used to it. Break the day down into four 10-mile jaunts – before breakfast, before lunch, before tea and before supper. Why not walk two miles and jog the rest. Follow each session with a drink, a shower and some food. A daily massage would also be a big help.
From Christmas to mid-April you can follow a conventional marathon training schedule, trying to run 60-80 miles a week. This should be preceded by an autumn programme of 50-60 miles a week, taking in some half-marathons and maybe a marathon. Because your goal is an ultra-long distance, you need not take these too seriously – just run within yourself and get used to the mental strain of doing mile after mile after mile.
Covering this distance is largely a matter of mindset. Once you can regard 40 miles as a normal day, the marathon seems nothing. However, you have to respect your body and allow it to get used to the idea gradually. Best of luck!
—Bruce Tulloh, who took just 65 days to run across the USA in 1969
Discuss this story
Go for it! It's like your first Marathon or Ironman....you'll love it and never forget it! I did my first one a few years back on my own (my two friends pulled out towards the end) with camping gear strapped to the sides and top of panniers. Had an amazing experience! So much so I did it again the year after, but this time I island hopped through inner and outter hebrides. Almost got blown off the mountains on isle of Harris. Very exhilerating. Camping is a must! Also great for endurance and strength work on the cycling leggies. Plan to do it again either in a few weeks or next year.
Posted: 12/04/2009 23:32
If you were a member of the CTC (Cycle Touring Club), they have a trip section which supplies routes etc. A lot depends on how much time you have to do it in and how bothered you are on the route. Easy is B&B Fairly main roads, average 100miles a day. Home and back again in two weeks. If you have the time to carry all your camping cooking gear etc, ave 60miles a day, quieter roads then about three weeks. Mays seen as the best time of year, not normally too wet or hot..
Posted: 13/04/2009 00:43
Err, I think she is talking about running it
Apologies yes, I heard mention of panniers and 7 year old cycling it and misread it. Reading back through it about distances etc that makes a lot more sense.
Good luck, for now I'll stick to cycling it......
Posted: 13/04/2009 21:39
Possibly one of the best people you could talk to is Mimi Anderson. Mimi broke the female record in 2008. Whilst it might not be your ambition to have a crack at the record, I am 100% confident she would help you in whatever way you needed. Her contact details can be found on her website - http://www.marvellousmimi.com/ Cheers LFW
Posted: 14/04/2009 09:54
Hi, Have only just seen this - months later!!! If I can help in anyway please don't hesitate to contact me www.marvellousmimi.com Mimi
Posted: 02/09/2009 10:49
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