Martin Parnell has 7 weeks to train for his 150km run in honour of Canada's 150th birthday.

Breaking in some new sneakers this week, Parnell says the magnitude of what he is training for is starting to set in.

"I am getting a bit nervous now, it's not that far away. At the moment I am doing 100km weeks and my longest run is 40k and then I think I have to run 150km in one go."

Although this is not the first long distance run for Parnell, he says the time constraint on this one is challenging.

"My biggest concern is the cutoff time, I have to do the first 100km in 13 hours and then the last 50 is the start of the Calgary Marathon 50km race, and I have 6.5. I think to be frank I have a 50/50 chance of doing it but I will give it a good go, it's all I can do."

While Parnell is feeling good, and knock-on-wood has not experienced any injuries, at these long distances one wrong move can put him out of the race. "With these runs, one little twist of the knee and that's the end of it."

In order to keep himself in optimal tip top form, nutrition and hydration are key, which is Parnell's tip for this week.

"I think it is best to start right off with carrying a water bottle, make sure you got one with you. I do 9s and 1s, I run 9 minutes and walk 1 and have a drink so take water with you. Also take nutrition, gels or bars or bananas just something to eat along the way; that is key to  running a little bit longer and a good habit to get into."

Parnell, like his run, has a ways to go on his fundraising endeavour; currently sitting at $1350 of his $5000 goal for Right To Play. While many donations don't come in until closer to race day, donations along the way are always motivating.

This week Parnell will be doing another 100km with two 30km days back to back which is the heart of his running program.

To donate to Martin's cause go here.