Become The Best You (B1) - Road to 100

Author

Jack Salmon
April 18, 2025

Welcome to this weeks newsletter - Road to 100

ROAD TO 100

 

The Start Of the Journey

It all started with a thought “Am I capable of running 100 miles?” I've seen others achieve this amazing feat but was I capable? That was the question. This thought alone made me feel doubt, fear and discomfort all at once and a past version of me would have backed away immediately but over the years I've learned that once you move into these feelings and not away from them you always become introduced to the best version of you! So, I knew this had to be done.

Lesson: You will be introduced to the best version of yourself after you tackle your fears.

Failure Provides Feedback 

Before committing to Chester 100 mile I attempted the 100 mile twice before but I failed during the training due to injury. My mistake was thinking because I have accomplished a sub 3 hr marathon in the past alone, I could do the same with this but I was wrong. This training required something different. My body needed to be stronger, my nutrition would be key but most importantly my running iQ would need to elevate too. So, I decided to hire two coaches to help me Dan Lawrence, a pro high-performance coach and Chris Taylor, a pro running coach. These two would both play a pivotal role in the success of this goal.

Lesson: Never be afraid to get a helping hand!

The Goal Is Won In The Process


I would be lying if I said I enjoyed this training block. I did not, I was running 4 times per week and weight training 3 times per week. The majority of the runs and training days felt like a chore and at times I questioned why I was doing this in the first place. I lost the excitement and joy for the process but  I am a big believer that the goal is won in the process, so I knew I would have to stick to and keep giving the plan 100% if I am to believe in myself to make this possible.

Thankfully with each run that passed and another win collected, I started to build momentum, and confidence and I became certain this was the right decision.

Lesson: Set a goal, have a plan, have a strong why - Action the plan!

 

48 Hours To Go - The Work Has Been Done!

With 48 hours to go, I completed run number 54—my final run before the big day. Throughout this journey, I ran a total of 1,170 kilometres, showed up for every single training session, and pushed my limits with a personal best of 60 km at a 4:48 pace—my longest run to date. Physically, I knew I couldn’t have done more. And mentally, I was just as locked in. Every day, I spent time visualizing myself crossing that finish line and claiming my gold buckle and I repeated one powerful affirmation to myself, again and again: “I AM an ultra-endurance athlete who completes 100-mile races.” 

A mantra I live by is “We become what we think, feel and do” - So, I knew if I kept thinking it's possible, I would close my eyes and feel it and I would go out and do the work! I know It will be achieved.

Lesson: You become what you think, feel and do! 

 

A Spanner In The Works 

With just over 1 day to go something unexpected happened, I was hit with a sickness bug. I spent all of Thursday night and morning throwing up! My mind was losing focus “I'm leaving tomorrow” “I'm going to have to cancel” “There's no way I can do this now” “You've failed” The pressure started to mount on my head, I started thinking about the commitments I made and how much people knew about me taking this event on! For the first time in a long time, I was worried. 

6 am Friday morning. I woke up after a rough sleep, feeling drained—like my body was completely empty.

I had two choices:

I could back out now and throw away months of training, or I could reframe it and find strength in the struggle. So I took a breath and reminded myself: “This is just part of the story.”

How powerful would it be to say I finished 100 miles, knowing I’d had a sickness bug just 24 hours before? That thought lit a fire in me. I got up, packed my bags, and started prepping for the 4-hour drive to Chester. And then, another reminder hit me: It was 4 years to the day since I decided to go sober.

That alone gave me strength. Proof of how far I’ve come, how much I’ve overcome, and what I’ve already achieved. In moments like this—when doubt creeps in —you’ve got to remind yourself:

Who the fuck you are, and what you have already been through. You're not a quitter.

Lesson: It's not the situation which is the problem, it's the meaning you put on the situation which is the problem.

 

The Point Of No Return

It's 5:55 am. I'm at the start line. There's 5 minutes to go, the runners are ready, I have my family by my side and the moment has arrived. I am calm, relaxed and surprisingly the most confident I have ever felt before a run. Reflecting back, why did I feel so confident? One, I had been working up to this moment for months and the work had been done and two, I felt like I had already won, knowing that 24 ago I had my head down a toilet being sick and now I am here ready to run a 100 miles and I didn't quit. That alone made me feel unstoppable.

6 am the horn goes off, and the journey begins!

Lesson: What feels like a negative at the time can turn out to be a positive in the future.

12 Miles In 

The first 20 km was a breeze and I did a lot of reflection, as mentioned just the day before it had been 4 years since I decided to go sober and I was reflecting on the process. There would be no way I would have been running this race If I was still drinking and doing drugs. It took everything from me, my belief, consistency, discipline and commitment to anything that was positive for me. A short reflection, praise and recognition were all that was needed before focusing back on the race. 

Lesson: Reflection is key! Praise and recognize yourself for the work you've done and the things you've overcome, this builds your confidence and character.

 

27 Miles In - Checkpoint 4 - Time 09:46 am

As I approach checkpoint 4 I see my family waiting on me! Smiling, cheering and waiting to help me refuel and get moving. There wasn't much needed at this point, just a change of shoes. I didn't anticipate the terrain and my everyday running shoes weren't doing the job. The majority of the run up until now was off-road, on trail and I was warned there was worse to come. I slipped on my trail shoes, refilled my water, had a small porridge bowl and headed off. 

It was safe to say the porridge was a mistake…1 mile in it started to come up. Up until now, I'd been using gels, bananas and dates but I was advised to fuel early on as time passes you lose all interest in food but it's a crucial part of the run. For now, I'll stick with my gels, bananas and dates.

Lesson: Stick to what’s working.

Unfamiliar Territory

This next part of the run was all new to me, I was running in a forest, uphill, climbing stairs, and rocks and had to be very cautious of every step, you were one slip away from meeting my fate. I'd only practised road running for this race so this was a shock to my system and my mind raced “You haven't prepared for this” My mind started to drift but I took back control by affirming “This is part of the story” and remained focused on the goal at hand.

Lesson: Preparation is key but be prepared to adjust and adapt in the face of adversity.

 

40 Miles In Checkpoint 5 - 12:25 pm


By this point I hadn't been tracking my pace and had been going off feeling alone, closing in on this checkpoint I had been told I was 4th “My mind drifted into panic” “You're going too fast” At first it did throw me off but I pulled myself back with this simple phrase “Just keep going and run your own race” It can be easy to compete with others but the only competition in this race was myself. Moving forward nothing changes and I would stick to the game plan and go off how I feel. 

Not much of an appetite at this checkpoint after my battle with the oats so I just had a quick refill and off I went again.

Lesson: The biggest battle you will face is your own mind.

 

47 Miles In - Checkpoint 6 - 13:49 pm


Only a short 7 miles in between these checkpoints but in that short space of time a lot happened, I got lost, a tree whacked me in the face, I kicked a rock, damaged my toe and fell to the floor. On a normal day, these small inconveniences may not seem like much but all time wasted is precious and any damage to the body is unwanted. There was light at the end of the tunnel as I approached checkpoint 6 The A team “my family” were waiting and I already feel like I am winning! The furthest I have ever run is 60 km and this was around 75km, even though I'm a long way from the end I feel proud of what I've accomplished so far. A quick Costa coffee, a change of socks, plasters and water and I was off again. 

I could remember how I felt after this checkpoint vividly, I was running through a field, singing, laughing and in flow. I'd been through a way of emotions beforehand and many more waves to come but for now I was at peace, I was present and connected to my purpose.

Lesson: Whatever comes down must come back up. Don't let temporary feelings of despair discourage you from moving forward “It always gets better”.

Ticking The Boxes

I am around 55 miles / 90km in and although I have come so far I still have so far to go with that said something that helps me in life is knowing any goal broken down into small steps is achievable and instead of focusing on the next 70 km as a whole. I focus on the next 10 which means I only have 7 more 10s to go. Whenever you focus on the bigger picture of a dream, goal or problem the mind can get overwhelmed and feel as if it is not achievable but broken down into smaller chunks the mind accepts this is possible.

Lesson: Any goal broken down into small steps is achievable.

61.7 Miles - Checkpoint 8 - 5:28 pm

Approaching 12 hrs of running it's taking its toll. This checkpoint had no support crew access so it was all on me. It would have been nice to see my family but I can't always rely on external support to keep me internally motivated. I give myself some time on this checkpoint to reflect and readjust. 

I reminded myself of my purpose, I praised myself for how I had come and I had a conversation with myself about what was up ahead. I knew it was about to get harder and Instead of fearing the worst I anticipated it. Something I live by is “Honouring the struggle” To me this means accepting the struggle and knowing this is what is going to help you grow into the person you want to be. 

I fuelled up and I was mentally ready to go to war.

Lesson: Always remember your why & don't fear struggle, on the other side of that same struggle you will be introduced to a new you

 

You Have Done Enough!

I am 62 miles in and I have hit 100km, what an achievement I feel proud but I also feel tired and my mind begins to chime “Wow 100km” “It's okay to stop now” “You've already won” “Maybe you should stop” “Your tired you don't need to go on” 

I observe these thoughts like I observe the birds flying by, I don't listen, I don't react, I don't give them energy” 

I know that my thoughts create my feelings, my feelings create my behaviours and my behaviours create my results. So, If I give in to these thoughts the race is over. I do one simple thing: I take control of my thinking, and I repeat my mantra “YOU WILL NOT LOSE IF YOU DON'T QUIT”, I now feel better about what's to come and I continue on.

Lesson: Your thoughts create your feelings, feelings create behaviours and behaviors produce your results. If you control your thoughts, you will get the result you want.

A Helping Hand

Apart from the checkpoints, this run has been a lonely journey, it's just been me and my thoughts, I have no music nor external noise but on the way to checkpoint 9, I meet someone who would play a pivotal role in the rest of the run. I got talking to Matt. He's an experienced ultra runner, who ran this same race 4 times and completed a 200-mile ultra. We worked through the next 8 miles together. He taught me a valuable lesson about running and walking in sprints. Up until this point, I thought the aim was to run as much as possible but fast walking is a great tool, as long as you're pushing forward that is all that matters.

Lesson: Be open to learn from others who have been there before.

Checkpoint 9 - 69.7 Miles - 19:42 pm

I'm back with my family and the weather is changing what was once a bright sunny day is turning into a cold, dark night. The next checkpoint I was on my own because there was no support access, So, I wrapped up warm, fuelled up and took extra supplies!

Lesson: Always be prepared.

Checkpoint 10 - 69.7 Miles - 21:27 pm

It was only a short 7 miles in between these checkpoints but as I got into this checkpoint it started to hit me I was fatigued, my appetite was gone and I started to question what the fuck I was doing then something unexpected happen someone in front of me fainted off the chair and onto the floor, I look closely and it was Matt who I had previous been with. 

My tired mind drifts again “He's just fainted” He's an experienced runner” “What does that mean for you” Doubt tries to creep in but I remain calm, remind myself why I am here, drink some coffee, eat some toast and check if Matts okay before setting off into the night.

Lesson: Your environment can influence you but only if you let it.

 

Checkpoint 11 - 85.6 Miles - 00:25 am

I'm back with my family again, we are deep into the night and this would be the last time I see them before the finish. I'm tired and my body aches but I remain positive. I express how good I feel whether I believe it or not expressing anything different will influence my thoughts. Remaining positive and calm is the only option. I Add extra layers, I change my supplies and I get going again.

Lesson: Watch the words you speak, what you speak out loud you bring into your existence.

Can I Do This?


In between checkpoints 11 & 12 is only 4 miles but this was the hardest 4 miles there was. I was back in the forest climbing rocks, stairs and narrow paths. The difference now is it's dark and cold, I'm a little delirious and my body is struggling to move as my right hamstring is causing me an issue. 

As, I moved through this forest stopping and starting at what only felt like a snail's pace, a big wave of thoughts flushed over me “Can I actually do this” “Have you got what it takes to go on” “You've come so far but you have so far to go” “Your injured it's okay to stop” I breath and I go to my mental tool kit “I repeat the following mantra “IN MOMENTS OF WEAKNESS YOU MUST FIND STRENGTH” Followed by the repetition of the word “Be” “Be” “Be” “BECOME THE BEST YOU” this small mantras change the course of my thinking, I take control and move on. 

As I push on through this forest I stop again and rest on a tree but this time not because I want to give up because I see a view I have to take in, It is the whole of Chester, and all I can see is a lit town but what stood out to me the most was the silence. I am in a pitch-black forest and it's silent, in that split moment as tired and in pain as I was, I felt at home, I felt at peace, and I felt happy.

Lesson: Use mantras to direct your focus and thinking. Don't let the mind control you, you control the mind.

Checkpoint 12: 90 Miles -

02:47 am


This was the last checkpoint of the race and I was around 12 miles/19 km away from the finish. On a normal day or at the start of the race this doesn't seem much but at this point, it seems like an uphill battle. I remind myself to break this down into 10kms but even this feels like I stretch so I break it down into 5km, only 4-5 km to go. 

This now seems achievable more than ever and I know I'm close to victory, I make this checkpoint a quick stop and I hit the road. 

As mentioned my body was struggling but the next 4km was a breeze. I was off trails and on the road and mentally and physically I felt great. I push this next 4km like I was at the start of the race. 

15km to go and I am back off the road and onto the trails! Running through rough terrain, uneven floors and close to a canal. I take it slow, I know any mistake at this point could be costly and I am not willing to lose focus now.

Lesson: Your body will give in before the mind.

 

Something Unexpected Happens


As I make my way through a dark cold field surrounded by nothing but staring cows who move with every step I take, I'm off track and get lost. I manage to navigate myself back on course but then something unexpected happens. My watch died! I remained calm, this was no time to panic. I know I am not far from the end but still have no route to follow but thankfully in the dark of the night, I notice a couple of torches coming my way. I breathe and I tag along.

One stayed behind and I followed the person in front, although I was thankful for the help. I was gutted that my watch died because I wanted to push the last part alone but I had no choice but to adjust.

Lesson: Remain calm when faced with adversity.

104 Miles In - 05:00 am


II ask the person in front how long we have left. “He says around 3 miles.” How long have we done? He replied 104. I pat myself on the back, I celebrate I've completed 100 miles but the job is not over. As we hit the road I stop following because I am now clear of the route back. I would like to say it was a fast finish like I imagined but it was slow, steady and calm. I knew I had time to hit the finish sub 24hrs, so I took myself home.

Lesson: like I said in the beginning run your own race

 

108 miles - Finish line - 

5:23:23 am 


IAs I enter the race track I see my family waiting for me cheering! I run my final loop of the race track to finish. As I am running around this track I feel a sense of relief, Joy and it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I'd worked so hard to get to this final moment and put a lot of pressure on myself. I've overcome fear, self-doubt, injury, and sickness but why this moment was important to me because I want to live and breathe what I teach and at this moment I don't exactly that - I keep running and I repeat these words “I AM WHO I SAY I AM” well done Jack.

I crossed the finish line at 5:23:23 am. 

I'm handed my gold buckle and I look down and smile. This moment should've felt new but I had visualised this moment in my mind day and night for the past few months. So, It felt like I had already been here, next came the winning photo, another moment I had visualized in my mind, at this moment I smiled and sunk in again that the job was complete! 

The stats 

Finish: 108 miles in 23:25:02s 

Overall place: 25th/100

Total elevation gain: 1,549m/5,092ft

Lesson: We become what we think, feel, say and do!

 

Reflect And Review


I spent the next few days in the peak district with family, relaxing and reflecting on such an amazing accomplishment.

I was overwhelmed by the amount of messages I had received from people calling me an inspiration and a role model. This made my mission feel even more complete, my purpose is to inspire people through my actions. I want people to believe that whatever is possible for me it is for them to, I believe this achievement has done just that and although I take these praises on board the biggest acknowledgement was from myself. I felt proud of myself and what I had accomplished. I spent a lot of my life not feeling proud of myself so achieving this goal meant a lot to me.

As the days pass by and I reflect on the journey I laugh to myself, when I finish the race I wonder why would I want to do that again but as I reflect back I realise that is when I am at my happiest. When I am challenged, when I am overcoming fear, adversity and doubt, I am at my happiest. 

So, I sit down and I get thinking, so what is next?.........

Lesson: Recognise yourself for the good that you do, it builds undeniable self belief and confidence.

 

Thank You


There are a few people I'd like to thank who made this possible

I'd like to thank myself for never giving up and staying committed to the best version of me.

My girlfriend Cathereen for always being my number 1 supporter.

My family My Dad, Step mum, Conor my brother and his Gf Justina for being the best support crew there is 

Morgan for being a part of that crew but also capturing every part of the journey https://www.instagram.com/morganjfilm?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

For everyone who donated to the cause, I raised £1750 for samaritans https://www.justgiving.com/page/jack-salmon100milebe 

And to whoever is reading this now, I hope you enjoyed the journey and took some valuable lessons from this. 

Become the best you