The Unscripted Nomad

26/10/2026

Celtic Trail Training Block Update: End of Week 8 Into Week 9

Deload week done. Mileage and elevation took a dip, but another sub-60 10K and a strong Pink Run keep the momentum rolling into Peak Phase.

Week 8 was scheduled as a deload week, giving the body a chance to recover after three demanding build weeks. While I fell short of the planned distance target and recorded very little elevation gain, the reduced training load did exactly what it was supposed to do: refresh the legs ahead of the next phase of marathon preparation.

The week included a 6K interval session, an easy run, full-body strength training, and culminated with the Abu Dhabi Pink Run 10K. Despite the lighter training volume, I was pleased to secure another sub-1-hour 10K finish, providing a great confidence boost heading into the Peak Phase of the Celtic Trail Marathon Training Block.

With the deload complete, the focus now shifts to building endurance, increasing weekly volume, and preparing for the key peak weeks ahead as marathon day gets closer.

20/10/2026

Celtic Trail Marathon Training Block: End of Week 7 Into Week 8

A heavy treadmill week and solid strength work. Missed the back-to-back, but kept the discipline. Week 8 starts with intent.

A very different training week as work took me to Cairo, meaning plenty of time spent indoors between the treadmill and the weights room. Not quite the week I had planned, with a few runs needing to be shuffled around to fit work commitments, and I missed the back-to-back long run session, but the focus stayed on consistency and getting the work done.

Ultra training isn't always about perfect ex*****on. Sometimes it's about adapting, staying flexible, and making sure progress continues despite travel, long days, and a changing schedule.

13/10/2026

Celtic Trail Training Block Update: End of Week 6 Into Week 7

Distance dipped, climbs delivered. Week 6 trades miles for mountain strength rolling into Week 7.

Week 6 opened strong, but the mid‑week easy run didn’t happen, leaving the overall mileage lower than planned. Even so, the week wasn’t wasted, elevation gain stacked up nicely, keeping the climbing focus sharp and the legs conditioned for the trail.

Despite the drop in distance, strength is building. Strength training sessions are progressing better in this block than they did during the Ultra X cycle, adding resilience and balance to the running load. The combination of climbing work and improved strength training is setting up a solid foundation as the block pushes forward.

Rolling into Week 7, the plan is to bring the distance back up while keeping the elevation gains consistent, momentum continues to build.

Distance dipped, climbs delivered. Week 6 trades miles for mountai...

28/09/2026

Celtic Trail Training Block Update: End of Week 4 Into Week 5

End of Week 4 Into Week 5.
Distance locked in, legs refreshed — the build phase starts now.

Closing out the first deload week and rolling straight into the Build Phase. Legs feel fresher, volume is rising again, and the weekly distance and elevation targets are finally lining up the way this block demands.

Week 4 delivered exactly what it needed to: reduced load, controlled intensity, and enough movement to stay sharp. Now Week 5 kicks off the Build Phase with bigger climbs, longer back‑to‑backs, and the first real push toward peak mountain strength.

Big B‑races are coming fast 'Sea World 10K Run', '10K Pink Run', and the 'Al Ain Half Marathon'. Each one a chance to test pacing, resilience, and race‑day ex*****on before the Celtic Trail Marathon in December.

If you’re following the journey, this is where the work starts to stack. Onwards.

End of Week 4 Into Week 5.Distance locked in, legs refreshed — the...

21/09/2026

🏃‍♂️ Celtic Trail Marathon Training Block:

End of Week 3 Into Week 4

Week 3 is in the books, and it's time to roll into Week 4 of my marathon training block. Every run, every mile, and every session is another step towards race day.

This journey is all about consistency, building endurance, and trusting the process, even when the legs are tired and the weather doesn't cooperate.

Follow along as I document the highs, lows, and lessons learned on the road to the Celtic Trail Marathon.

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If you're training for a marathon, half marathon, or any running challenge, be sure to subscribe and join the journey.

Week 3 is in the books, and it's time to roll into Week 4 of my mar...

15/09/2026

Celtic Trail Training Block Update

Week 2 Missed the long run and carried the guilt.

Week 2 was a productive one with solid consistency, good training volume, and another step towards my ultra-running goals.

But there was one thing playing on my mind all week... I missed my planned long run.

Sometimes life gets in the way, and missing a key session can leave you feeling guilty, even when the rest of the week has gone well.

Rather than letting it become a missed opportunity, I got out on Sunday and made it count.

Not every training week is perfect. The goal is to stay consistent, adapt when needed, and keep moving forward.

Week 2 ✅
Long run recovered ✅
Week 3 loading... 🔥

Week 2 was a productive one with solid consistency, good training v...

13/09/2026

The legs are fully back in business and this felt awesome today.

Bring on the next 13 weeks training then back to Abadare in December one year on but this time for the Celtic Trail Marathon instead of the Half.

Just a couple more B races to do first. Abu Dhabi 10K Pink Run and the Al Ain Half Marathon both also one year on.

Have created a monster with a new addiction?

10/09/2026

The Beast Above Cape Town: Taking on the Table Mountain 27K Challenge

From Camps Bay to the summit spine of Table Mountain and back again, this 27K challenge is everything a trail runner dreams of and more. With over 1,700m of elevation gain, the route forces you into steep rock staircases, technical ridgelines, and long grinding climbs that test every part of your engine.

But every effort is rewarded. As you rise above the city, panoramic views spill across Cape Town, the Atlantic stretches out toward Robben Island, and the trail swings behind the mountain into vast horizons reaching toward the Cape of Good Hope.

This is more than a race, it’s a journey carved into the heart of South Africa. The terrain is tough, the gradients unforgiving, and the technical sections demand respect, yet the experience is unforgettable. Every marshal cheers like you’re family, lifting you through the brutal moments with legendary South African warmth. Every climb reminds you why you run. Every view feels like a gift.

Epic scenery, savage elevation, fantastically friendly marshals, and that unmistakable South African hospitality, the Table Mountain Challenge delivers it all. This is the beast above Cape Town, and it leaves a mark on every runner who takes it on.

From Camps Bay to the summit spine of Table Mountain and back again...

31/08/2026

Celtic Trail Training Block
Week 1 Two Easy Runs & One Big Mountain!

Week 1 of the Celtic Trail Marathon Build Phase kicks off with purpose. After last weeks pre‑training focus on time on feet and rebuilding mindset, this week marks the shift into structured progression; steady miles, controlled effort, and a clear eye on the climbs ahead.

In this update, I break down how the build starts:
• Two easy runs to reinforce aerobic stability
• Mindset work to stay grounded and intentional
• A Table Mountain long run that sets the tone for the weeks to come

This isn’t about speed, it’s about durability, discipline, and preparing the engine for the elevation and technical terrain waiting later in the block. Week 1 is where the foundation becomes forward momentum.

If you’re training for a mountain marathon, an ultra, or rebuilding your own base phase, this week shows how small, consistent steps create big shifts.

Week 1 of the Celtic Trail Marathon Build Phase kicks off with purp...

24/08/2026

Celtic Trail Training Block Update
Week 0 Before the Miles, Build the Mindset

The moment before the real work begins. This is where I strip everything back and rebuild the foundations for the Celtic Trail Marathon Training Block.

I’m tightening up my video format, re‑committing to strength training, and structuring my weekly elevation targets so every climb has purpose.

It’s about getting my head right, my routine dialed in, and my training environment set for the next 15 weeks. No hero miles yet , just clarity, consistency, and the mindset shift that makes the block possible.