What happens when your body wants to keep going, but the night says: sleep?
For Ties, officer cadet at the Dutch Royal Military Academy, this is exactly the challenge he is taking on during his world record attempt speed march over 100 kilometres.
An extreme physical and mental effort, starting at a moment when the human body would normally slow down: midnight.
100 kilometres, no pause button
Speed marching requires far more than strong legs. Maintaining a high pace for hours on end, with minimal rest, places heavy demands on focus, recovery and perseverance. Especially in darkness, when the biological rhythm naturally shifts towards rest, performance is truly tested.
Ties has been preparing intensively for months. Not only through training and discipline, but also by intelligently supporting his natural rhythm.
Light as an invisible training partner
During his training, Ties uses the PROPEAQ light glasses. Light plays a crucial role in alertness, energy levels and the timing of the biological clock. By applying the right light at the right moment, the body receives a clear signal: it is daytime, time to perform.
This becomes especially important during a record attempt that starts in the middle of the night. When natural daylight is absent and the body tends to switch towards rest mode, targeted light exposure can help maintain sharpness and release energy. Additional “daylight” at the right moment supports focus, endurance and mental resilience, precisely the factors that make the difference during such a long and demanding effort.
For this reason, Ties will wear the PROPEAQ light glasses not only during training, but also throughout the record attempt itself.
Chrono coaching by Toine Schoutens
Throughout this entire process, Ties is guided by chrono coach Toine Schoutens, who supports him in optimising performance through the strategic application of light. By carefully aligning training, recovery and light exposure, Ties is brought to the start line as fit and alert as possible.
The goal is clear: to support the body at moments when it would normally work against performance.
Follow the world record attempt
The world record attempt by Ties is an impressive example of what becomes possible when human determination and science come together.
More information about the event and its progress can be found at:
We wish Ties every success in this exceptional challenge. Through the night, towards a new record.
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Update: Ties has achieved the world record speed march in an exceptional time of 15:31:41, a performance in which preparation, perseverance and strategic light application came together.
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