Project Trans France '26

Training

As I continue preparing for my self-supported run across France in 2026—over 1000 km at a pace of 60 km per day—each training session is becoming more crucial. The physical, mental, and logistical demands of this challenge are immense, and my approach has been a constant process of adaptation and refinement.

Mileage and Adaptation

I have been increasing my monthly running target by 10% month over month, though I felt challenged to meet the target in January. Building up the necessary endurance has been the primary focus. My weekly mileage has steadily increased, emphasizing time on feet rather than sheer speed. Instead of traditional marathon training, my runs mimic the multi-day nature of the event, pushing my body to recover while still moving forward. I am looking forward to incorporating back-to-back long runs into my training soon, gradually building them up to handle the demands of the challenge.

Strength and Conditioning

I have been increasing my monthly running target by 10% month over month, though I felt challenged to meet the target in January. Building up the necessary endurance has been the primary focus. My weekly mileage has steadily increased, emphasizing time on feet rather than sheer speed. Instead of traditional marathon training, my runs mimic the multi-day nature of the event, pushing my body to recover while still moving forward. I am looking forward to incorporating back-to-back long runs into my training soon, gradually building them up to handle the demands of the challenge.

Gear Testing and Refinement

With Luna Sandals as a sponsor, I’ve been refining my setup to ensure my feet can handle the relentless pounding. Transitioning fully to sandals for long-distance running has required patience, but I’m now confident in their performance over extended distances. Every training run is an opportunity to test nutrition, hydration, and pack weight, ensuring that on day one, everything is dialed in.

Mental Preparation

Beyond the physical aspect, this project is a mental test. Training alone for hours, sometimes in less-than-ideal conditions, is a necessary part of strengthening my resolve. The solitude and repetitive nature of ultra-endurance efforts demand a strong mindset, and visualization techniques have helped me mentally prepare for the inevitable lows during the run.

Additionally, I am following the philosophy of the book The 4 Season Solution by Dallas Hartwig, which emphasizes aligning training, nutrition, and recovery with natural seasonal rhythms. This approach has helped me structure my training blocks more effectively and balance periods of intensity with necessary recovery.

What’s Next?

With the months of preparation ahead leading up to 2026, my focus is on refining the details—pacing, recovery strategies, and logistical planning. I’ll continue increasing my multi-day mileage while ensuring my body remains in peak condition. The countdown is on, and each day brings me one step closer to setting off on this incredible journey.

Stay tuned for more updates as I push through the final phases of training. The challenge is massive, but the excitement of what’s ahead fuels every step.