Hitting the Wall: What it's like to (almost) run 100 miles at the Berlin Wall 100 Ultra

Running 100 miles in one stint is tough. I've only ever done it once and the day after I was in A&E making nurses wince with my beaten up feet. It's taken me a while to muster the courage to go back to the distance and when I heard about the Berlin Wall 100 (100 Meilen Berlin), with its unique history, from a fellow runner at the Comrades, I felt the race - and the time - was right. So I went and gave it a shot. Here's what happened when I tried running 100 miles at the Berlin Wall Ultra.
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[@hexbyhex]

The coverage of the race itself is tremendous, but the post-match analysis is fascinating, honest, generous. For those of us who will never get near such an achievement, it's great to experience this vicariously through you.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Joe. Glad you enjoyed it. It was another great adventure. Always been fascinated by Berlin. Was great to see so many new sides to the city.

[@arsebiscuitsandwine]

Oh holy crap i chatted to you just after you shot that intro! I was the English guy but that probably doesnt narrow it down much! I had the opposite experience - i had a big DNF at a 100k in the lead up to the Berlin 100, and i wasn't feeling too confident. I managed scrape myself over the line in just under 28 hours.

[@Manvmiles]

Sorry, just seen this. Congrats on the finish. I'm heading back this year for another bite.

[@guymonty]

Well done, you still did better than most of us will ever do. Though I'll be very happy if I never hear the word dehooded again!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks for the kind words. It was a great adventure either way. And I hope I never have to say that word again!

[@trailrunningphil]

More runners should really take a look at foot shaped shoes! So much less grief with blisters, rubbing and toes pointing in the wrong direction! This look like a great event btw. i loved Berlin when I visited a few years ago and this looks like a great excuse! Great video mate. Unlucky not getting to the end but that's all part of it right?

[@Manvmiles]

I think I need to look seriously at Altra. And also pay more attention to my feet in general. Toe spacing etc. If I want to run these distances I need to find a better way. Definitely recommend this race. It was fantastic. You'll need to like it flat and a bit of urban sprawl but it was a really positive atmosphere. I think I'll be back. All part of the fun having unfinished business.

[@trailrunningphil]

@@Manvmiles Altra have a great range of road and Trail shoes and I have even heard they are bringing out a Non zero drop shoe soon as well! Yes I live in a very flat area of the UK and so flat would be fine for me!

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Much respect, it says a lot to even accept the challenge and toe the line. Looking forward to your next challenge 🤙🏽 God speed in your recovery.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. The adventure was great even without the finish line.

[@antidepressants9232]

Much respect! Fantastic attempt and very mature post-race analysis! I find myself in a similar situation - I started my running life with Altra, then moved away from them and now I really think I should move back to them.

[@trailrunningphil]

Do it!!

[@Manvmiles]

I'm familiarising myself with Altra. And interested to look at Topo as well.

[@saytani]

Good going! You'll be better prepared and stronger next time!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks I hope so1

[@lesegobrinomoalosi9606]

Proud of you top runner, especially that you just ran the Comrades ultra only 2 months back...💪🏾🏃🏿

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much.

[@doncarlospipely8852]

Well done on a cracking effort Kieran. Loved the perspective at the end too.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@petergibbs6993]

Kieran - only on the beginning of the video and I am SO pumped 😂 good stuff so far. 68.4 miles Oh man - now I am crying - the emotions - jeez. Finished the video - mate I love your videos and attitude - I am striving to get a decent Marathon time but you always make me wonder if I can do a 50km 🤔 Great effort and I hope you get those toes sorted

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Peter. Glad you enjoyed it. One of the things about going to the 50km from the marathon is it can free you up from the pressure of thinking about times. And if you can run a marathon, you can run 50km.

[@jeen-lio]

So sad to hear this man. Was waiting to see you at the finish line - it was such a hard day, especially with the temperature in the first 8 hours really draining the energy. Respect for making it that far, thrilled to see you taking on your next adventure !

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks mate. I had a great adventure anyway. Congrats on your race. I’ll be back to this one I think.

[@lecristoph]

Well done and great effort still!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks. Appreciate the support. And it was a fantastic adventure even without the final 30 miles.

[@jonathanwatkins447]

Way to give it a good go. I'm sure you made the right call. Also you did 70 miles. That's insane. Rest up and keep up the good work. Loved seeing the comrades hat😁. Good luck with the marathon

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Jonathan. Gave it what my body was gonna let me give on the day. And despite not finishing, I loved the run. I might be back next year! Right after I've cut these toes off!

[@bev9708]

Bloody WELL DONE Kieran!!!! LOVE how you pushed on , 16 hours I can’t even imagine!!!🤯 AND this will make it all the sweeter when you finally do get it completed, I bet this puts a bit of fire in the belly!! The real truth is that just getting to the start line is already a massive achievement , and getting to the start line of not one but TWO 100milers in 2 months is definitely pushing the envelope!!! Some of us are even kinda relieved that you are human after all !!😂😂 I forgot, do you use the Injinji toe socks?? You’re such an inspiration !! 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Bev. Your support is always much appreciated. And I think I’ll definitely be back to give this another go. It was a great adventure. So I don’t think injinji would solve my problem. It’s a bit more tricky. But I’ll find a way. Think some toe separators are in order. 🦶🦶

[@bev9708]

@@Manvmiles yeah have often thought of trying toe separators myself but so far haven’t brought myself to actually cut my shoes for them … plenty swear by them so hope it works for you!!!

[@gilbertblythe1011]

I'd love to hear your thoughts (pros and cons) on the On Cloudsurfer 7 and Saucony Kinvaro Pro given you switched out of both shoes and reverted to your trusted Speeds during the run. Great video and I hope your toes recover quickly!

[@Manvmiles]

Hi... I'll be doing a race test video on exactly this over on The Run Testers soon. Fascinating to use three different shoes in a race like this. You really get to feel the difference.

[@SimonMountjoy]

First of all, well done mate. Still a really good effort and it looks like you had an overall positive experience, which is the main thing. Secondly, I actually think this idea that you are meant to suffer is actually quite a toxic aspect of the ultra scene. Sure, there will be difficult times, and you have to learn how to overcome them, but suffering should never be the aim. A couple of questions. Do you ever make use of caffeine? I hit a bit of a struggle after about 9 hours of my recent effort, but a can of monster later and I was feeling great again. Also, have you ever tried those silicone toe spacers? Just an idea, but they may help to stop your toes rubbing on each other. Anyway, great video, keep up the good work. Any more plans for this year or time for bit of an easier period?

[@Manvmiles]

thanks Simon. Appreciate the kind words mate. And I think you're right about the suffering at all costs. I guess one thing I've realised as I've done more of these things is I don't really have anything to prove to people or myself. I'm just in it for the adventure, the people, the experience. I definitely use caffeine and had I carried on I was just about to unleash the coffees or similar. When I ran the Thames source to see a black coffee with honey was a godsend. And my search history is currently all about toe spaces and silicone hoods!!! I mean one thing about the toes is that I at least have another puzzle to solve. All part of the fun! Rest of the year got a few marathons and the odd half. Might go to the track for my solo mission as well But we'll see. Got a potentially massive challenge incoming in 2024. One that I might need your help with. It's one that could freeze the beard!

[@SimonMountjoy]

@@Manvmiles nothing to prove at all, mate. Frozen beard sounds very intriguing! Definitely something I've found out about the last couple of winters.

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

Regardless of outcome , great vlog , great adventure , dont let post run reflection when you are feeling better fool you. You made the right call , perhaps when you take it on again (and you will) depending on the year, you mighr have an old Yank at your side who never stops talking 😉

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks John. And your kind beer tokens were spent wisely on a small beer and a schnitzel 👍👍 next time I’ll buy you in Berlin! But you have to run the 100 😉

[@alb6891]

I have wide feet and have to say you could do lot worse than Altra. I did 'The Wall' (70 miles) in Escalante Racers with Injinji toe socks. Both shoes and socks equally important in staying blister-free. Would highly recommend! Best of luck in your next one.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks for the insights. I've tried Injinji but they don't solve my problem sadly. But I think I need to look at Altra and maybe Topo for these distances. Did you run the full 100 on the Wall?

[@alb6891]

Apologies - I meant the UK one, along Hadrian's Wall. It's 69 and a bit miles and I stopped at the finish, so didn't do 100. Never done that distance and am thinking seriously about it. Probably the Thames Path. So I'm very appreciative for your content as its motivational and inspirational and realistic all in one. Also apologies for telling someone that tests running shoes for a living about what shoes and socks to wear... but they changed my running life so substantially I tell anyone that'll listen! Thanks for the content.

[@paulk7663]

The running equivalent of an Everton Season Ticket. What have you done to your child Kieran inflicting that on him? UTFT Paul 💙

[@Manvmiles]

😂😂 Running 100 miles is much easier than being a Toffee. Had hoped this season might be different but not looking like it. Anf the 8-year-old only knows relegation fights.