I know Rachel through the Trail Running magazine #Run1000Miles Facebook community. She was very surprised to be asked to do an interview. Hopefully you’ll instantly see why her story is such an important and positive one to share.

How and why did you get into running Rachel?

Rachel before running

I’m sure you’ll achieve it too! The trail challenges as well will be amazing.  Thanks so much. Looking forward to seeing your progress again on #Run1000Miles Challenge 2018.  

All the best

Jeff

Here he talks about #Run1000Miles, favourite places to run, preferred nutrition and more.

Eddie, what was your reason for getting involved in the #Run1000Miles Challenge?

To be honest, I’m not sure, I think part of the motivation was to get a free ruff. I subscribe to Trail Running magazine and so became aware of the challenge early on. As I reckon that I run about a thousand miles most years, unless I get injured, joining in was a no-brainer.

I didn’t really think about it all that much, but the Facebook group grew and I got more involved in the social media side of things, through that. The group was a real inspiration and it was great to read people’s stories, to meet a couple of folk from the group in real life and to see the photos.

How did you get into running and when?

I guess that it started when I was a teenager in the seventies, growing up in the North East. I did a morning and evening paper-round of about a mile and a half and I used to really enjoy running it. When I got to University and was no longer delivering papers, I started running just to keep fit. This carried on through my twenties; nothing serious, just the odd two or three mile jog to keep the muscles moving. Then my family moved to rural West Africa – no electricity, no running water, but plenty of mosquitos. At that point my running went out of the window. Twenty years later, I found myself living in High Wycombe and somehow I’d become overweight and middle aged. One morning, I decided to set the alarm for half an hour earlier and go for a run. I walked up the hill behind our house and jogged down through the woods. A year later, I was running five miles and the following year I did my first half and a year later, the London Marathon. I’m still overweight (though less than I was) and I’m still middle aged, but I am a lot fitter than I was.

You now live in Yorkshire – where is your favourite local spot to run?

We’ve been in Yorkshire for less than a year, so there is still a lot to explore, I can get onto the moors straight from our house, without ever running on roads; but kicking off with a 500 foot climb without a warm-up is a bit grim. I love running out to Skipton on the Leeds-Liverpool canal and then returning via Farnhill Moor which isn’t too high, but gives great views.

And in the Chilterns (where you were previously)?

There is a very unprepossessing footpath in an industrial estate near the football ground in High Wycombe, which goes between two grotty factories, but ends up in a nature reserve. That opens up a whole network of pathways that go off in all directions, Thirty five miles from the centre of London, I could run for twenty miles, only crossing a couple of roads with red kites, deer and rabbits for company – and hardly a human being in sight. Over the years, I grew to know every mile of those paths and they will always be special.

However, if you want to know my favourite run of all, it is from the Bays Brown campsite in Langdale, down the valley, then climbing up to Blea Tarn and up onto Lingmoor Fell along the ridge and then back town into the valley and through the woods back to the campsite, Six miles before breakfast, followed by a day walking on the hills with my wife – perfect.

Fells, trails or roads?

Anything but roads! My knees are too old (they seem to be older than the rest of me) to take the continual repetitive pounding that road running creates.

What do you most like about trail running?

It depends on the day. Just being outside on the hills, in the woods or by the canal is reward enough. I’m not much into trying to get personal bests and to set fast times; I know my best and fastest days are behind me, but there are times, that I can recapture the feeling of being a kid, running for the sheer joy of feeling my body move rough ground.

Then there are the days when the sleet is in my face, the wind is chilling me to the bone and I feel more alive than anyone sitting by a warm fireside could ever understand (though I like the warm fireside afterwards).  A few years ago, I had a t-shirt printed which said, “Running might kill me, but at least I’ll have lived”. That more or less sums it up.

Haha, brilliant! What keeps you motivated?

In 20 years’ time (perhaps ten?), I’ll struggle to walk in wild country, much less run. I know it sounds morbid, but I want to enjoy every moment that I can.

Langdales Temperature Inversion

What is your favourite pre-run and post-run nutrition?

I’m a creature of habit, so pre-run tends to be my normal breakfast of sugar-free muesli. If I’m going for a very long run; say 15 miles plus, I’ll add on a couple of slices of toast and marmalade. For long races, when I tend to be camping the night before, I go for those pots of porridge that you make by adding hot water.

Post-run, I tend to go with whatever my body tells me I need. That’s generally something with a fair bit of protein – it may simply be a coffee with lots of milk. After really long runs in warm weather, I often have a massive craving for ice-cream. Lots of long races serve vegetarian chilli at the end, which is always a good option. I’m not sure that the beer and fish and chips, which I got at the end of the St Begas Ultra last summer was the ideal recovery food, but it certainly hit the spot.

During runs, I tend to prefer real food to gels and energy bars. When descending from Grisedale on the Ultimate Trails 55 a couple of years ago, someone I was running with offered me a mini-cocktail sausage, which seemed a strange thing at the time – but I’ve never enjoyed a sausage so much in my life. Strange though it may seem, I now carry mini-pork pies on ultras. I do have the odd gel or bar in my pack, too, but they often come home with me. I’ve learned that it is important to take on nutrition before you need it and even on a ten mile run, I’ll often eat something at five miles, just for the discipline of the thing. If I know that there is a big hill coming up, I’ll try and have a gel or something about 10-15 minutes beforehand to get more sugar into my system.

What most people don’t realise is that ultra-running is basically a mobile picnic.

Start of UT55

Stickle Tarn on UT55

It is indeed! Do you ever have doubts when running?

I don’t have many doubts when I’m running, as such. However, at the start of races, I tend to be very conscious of being a bald, slightly tubby, old bloke who is surrounded by younger, thinner people who actually look good in lycra. When the said young, thin people vanish up the trail leaving me panting in their wake, I can wonder what on earth I’m doing there. But then I settle into my own tempo, grind out the miles, enjoying the views and chatting to other mid-to-back of the pack runners and I have a whale of a time. I rarely overtake anyone on the trail (did I say, I was slow?), but it’s not unknown for me to be in and out of checkpoints while others are gorging on the flapjack. At my age, you never sit down at checkpoints (unless you are changing your shoes), the danger is that you’ll never stand up again.

I love this quote on ultra running but can’t remember the source:

“If you ever find yourself feeling good during an ultra, don’t worry, it will soon go away.”

Who or what inspires you?

I could watch Nicky Spinks’ film, Run Forever, once a week and not get tired of it. She is a real inspiration and meeting her was a highlight of 2017 for me. However, the thing that really inspires me is any photograph of a random runner out in the Lake District, or somewhere beautiful. I like the hills and I want to enjoy them.

How do you get through those tough runs when you just can’t be bothered?

The hard part is getting out of the door. If I can manage that, I’m generally ok. One thing I find is running out and back routes; that means you’ve got to keep going otherwise you’ll never get home.

What are your plans for 2018?

I’m sixty this year and I have a personal goal that I’ll tell you about when and if I achieve it. It’s probably more than an overweight late-middle aged bloke should be doing, so I’ll keep it under my hat for a while. I’m desperately trying to lose weight and to get generally stronger, but I find that it’s hard to balance everything. It’s great to know that I can do ten back squats lifting 80 kilos, but it gets my legs so tired, I can’t run up hills for days afterwards.

I guess that my real goal is to stay injury free, to enjoy running and to be out along the canal and in the hills as much as I can.

Eddie thanks a million for this interview. Can’t wait to hear more about your personal goal. Also to seeing you again for our #Run1000Miles Challenge 2018. Enjoy another awesome year

All the best

Jeff

In this enlightening interview, Lynne AKA “Jogonhijabi”, talks about the importance of running and joy of #Parkrun.

What has running given you?

Have you ever experienced negative stereotypes while running?

How do you handle it?

Fundraising for Gambia how can people help?

VLM whats your hope?

Lynne, thank you so much for reflecting on your running story with us. The very best of luck with Virgin London Marathon 2018 and your fundraising.

In this poignant, touching and stirring interview, Raj Mahapatra explains how running helps him cope with one of the most debilitating conditions.

In an attempt to do Raj justice, I’m writing this pretty much as the conversation between us went. Really hope you get some insight, awareness and encouragement from this

Raj Mahapatra on Lakeland 100 2015

Where do we even start Raj? How about barefoot running?

Barefoot running was the revelation for me. It happened after failing the BG 7 years ago when I analysed what happened and why I hadn’t finished. I’d used cushioned shoes by a major brand and ultimately switched to VIVO BAREFOOT shoes. It was a case of transitioning over a 3 year period and adjusting to 1 mile a day when I’d previously been running 15.

So you totally committed to barefoot?

Yes. You can’t go barefoot for running only, otherwise your feet won’t adapt properly. My foot arch came back through extensive use over a sustained period of adjustment. Barefoot affects everything you do and the way your whole body moves. For that I have to thank Paul Tierney who gave me some really sound advice when I needed it – and ‘Barefoot Aleks‘ who is a real inspiration. VIVOBAREFOOT have been a revelation. Even my son (18) is doing the Lakeland 50 in VIVOBAREFOOT this year.

Barefoot Aleks, Raj, Paul Tierney at Moot Hall

Completed BG for Raj: 23hrs 51 mins 39s

So going barefoot affects the whole body. Can you briefly describe your condition please?

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory arthritis, mainly affecting the spine. Inflammation occurs around the spine where the ligaments or tendons attach to the bone. It often starts at the bottom of the spine in the sacroiliac joints but can happen anywhere in the spine. Over time this repeated inflammation can lead to further bone formation and the vertebrae may fuse together.

At the moment it takes an average 8.5 years to get a diagnosis of AS. So our work at National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) is about raising awareness of this awful condition. AS is still largely unknown although it affects 200,000 in the UK. To put it into context, in the UK just over 100,000 people suffer with MS, which many have heard of.  If more people knew about AS that 8.5 year delay to diagnosis, and therefore access to treatment, would drop.

Simon Armitage poem about AS

When did you discover you had AS?

When I was 21, after years of not knowing what was going on! It typically takes 8.5 years for AS to be diagnosed, even though it’s at its most aggressive during the first 10 years. In my case, with the benefit of hindsight, I had been displaying symptoms since I was 16, but it was 5 years until I was diagnosed. When I finally had my diagnosis, I had no way of searching online for information at that time. There was no Google! In total I had 15 years of no running: Crutches for 3 years; walking stick for 2 years and constant failure from then on.

On diagnosis I was told, like all AS patients, not to run and to do moderate exercise. I was also told that it looked like my AS was fairly active and I would probably be in a wheelchair within 10 years.

Goodness me! How did you respond to that?

Well I’d always run and competed nationally in my youth, prior to the onset of AS. We’re designed to move and I was determined to stay active if I could. AS is a spectrum condition and I know I have it easier than some for whom running would be impossible. I’m intrigued to know “What I can throw at my body? How much can it take?”.

So you decide to do THE MONTANE ® Spine ® Fusion?!

Yes – and the Lakeland 100 within a month of that! For THE MONTANE ® Spine ® Fusion my main intention is to finish the 268 mile course within the 7 day cut off. I hope to get a good time too but that’s not the important thing. Spine fusion happens through AS and this race was too good an opportunity to pass up. I approached Scott Gilmour, one of the Race Directors, about NASS being the official charity partner and he was very supportive of this.

For the Lakeland 100 this will be my third year so I’m striving for the ‘500 up’ trophy.

What drives you?

Since my 1st BG attempt, I have never again DNFd. In fact my outlook now is that you don’t ‘DNF’, you ‘RTC’ (refuse to continue). It’s a much healthier way to look at ultra running and life in general. Whenever I have hit thatpoint in a race I have asked myself, “Are you refusing to continue?” I’ve never replied, “Yes” to that but there are challenges yet!

The ultimate catalyst was reading Feet In The Clouds. I asked, “What was it about mountain running that enables people with conditions like arthritis to run for hours and hours over such rough terrain?”. Many people with AS can barely move and that is a worst case scenario. Other AS ‘sufferers’ like me are pushing the limit of what has been traditionally thought as possible with this condition. There is an international community of people with AS who ultra run and, in fact, there is a group of US runners looking to do the Spine ® Fusion alongside me.

Ultimately, I get out running to manage the pain and having the goal of events like THE MONTANE ® Spine ® Fusion give me a positive goal to focus on. And the Peaks Sky Ultra is a possible target for 2018.

How do you go from learning to run again to completing the most challenging Ultras?

By exercising daily many things become available to you. Running is not only my medication, but also my meditation and I have been able to access more than I thought possible. I celebrate the pain of an ultra as it creates ‘good’ pain that I’m in control of. AS is bad pain. For me, that low point in a race when you’re so low you feel you can’t do any more…That’s pain I’ve created and it attracts my brain so stops me thinking about AS.

I like the isolation of running. It’s positive and meditative for me. There is so much in this country to explore.

What do you think is behind the growth of events like Ultras?

I now coach runners twice a week and a couple of them normalise ‘stupidity’ – the idea that running so far can’t be good for the body. Our cultural reference point has shifted. A marathon used to be insane and now that’s much more mainstream. Ultras are growing and that can only be good.

Raj BG Approaching Steel Fell

Raj BG – Harrison Stickle

Raj BG – Dropping from High Raise towards Thunacarr Knott

Raj BG – Dawn

Inspirational quote before last leg of BG

Raj BG Final Peak – Robinson

Who inspires you?

Well I have an incredibly understanding and patient wife and family. In terms of running, there are so many. I love how Barefoot Aleks related to his environment. For me, Aleks and his blog sum up what adventuring is all about. Also George Bate of TheRunningCharity. Their work in helping the homeless is incredible. Through running, they provide some structure, help raise self-esteem. Also Jasmin Paris who through her own feats and support of others demonstrates what a privilege it is to be part of the running community. That is what trail running is all about. There is no elitism on the start line of a trail race. It’s so much more like real life than road running. Often someone will sacrifice their own race to help another person in need. On my BG last year, some many amazing runners came out to support me, GB and Irish internationals, 100 mile race winners, successful BGers and aspiring fell runners. It was a microcosm of what trail running is!

On the Ultimate Trails event, Graham Patten gave a really moving briefing before we all headed off. He said “On this you’re all marshalls. Look out for each other. What we’re doing is inherently dangerous.” He’s absolutely right. Doing an ultra you can go for 5 hours without seeing anyone else in the night (I did on the Cotswold Way) and that really strips you down.

The Running Charity

How would you like to finish off?

Just to say that I’d love to inspire people to transform their life by taking control of their health – if they can

Raj Mahapatra & most of his BG team

A brief note from me… I hope you enjoyed reading this post. I have to say, it was very moving and humbling to meet and interview Raj. To say he has inspired me is an understatement!

Yours in sport

Jeff

Passionate about running, adventure, environmentalism, travel, mountains and so much more… Jen and Sim Benson share their experiences with us

© High Terrain Events http://www.highterrainevents.co.uk/

 

© Dave MacLeod http://www.davemacleod.com/

 

What’s the best running advice each of you have been given?

Dom, where on earth do we start?! You’ve achieved so much recently but let’s begin with something straightforward…

How did you get into running?
I got in to running in the spring of 2011, it started with an invite from my brother to do the Bristol 10k. That was April/May time and afterwards I didn’t think much about it until a month later my partner (Katy) asked me to stand in for a friend of ours in the Bristol half, which was early to mid September. I agreed and set out training, that’s when it all really began. In between watching Eddie Izzard’s amazing run around the country, a trip to Anfield and the Bristol half, the Hillsborough-Anfield run was born.

Did you ever see yourself running the distances and organising the events you have back then?
From watching the Eddie Izzard run I knew I could do something along those lines, it really set my imagination off on what I could do, and what I can do in the future.

You’re the man behind the Hillsborough-Anfield Run. How would you describe what that has given you?
When I started out on getting the Hillsborough run going I never for one second thought I’d meet so many inspirational people, people I know consider friends. I feel very proud of what we (everyone who has been involved with the H-A run team) have achieved since the first run in 2012 and hope we have done everyone concerned proud, it may only be a small thing we do but each and every one of us have put our all in to every step taken in remembering the 96.

You’re very passionate about using running for good causes. What is your proudest moment?
There are so many but, I guess walking across from the Isla Gladstone to the start area for the first Run For The 96 5k and seeing around 2,500 people waiting to take part, just unbelievable pride. Knowing a lot of Family members who lost loved ones at Hillsborough were there and survivors too, it was an amazing sight to behold.

It was an amazing sight indeed Dom. I did it with my family and it was a very special day  

You were very recently nominated for the “Best Running Moment” in the Merseyside Running Community Awards 2015. How did that make you feel?
I was really shocked to be honest, of course I knew about the awards but never thought for a moment I’d get a nomination. If I’m honest I would have liked to see the team get nominated but hopefully I can go on to win this one and can accept it on behalf of the whole team. If not, we can still be really proud of all we have tried to do with the run and we’ll carry on doing our best.

Well I voted and certainly congratulate you on that! What are your hopes for the community legacy of “Run for the 96 5k”?
Thanks Jeff, it means a lot to get support for what we do. I just hope Run For The 96 grows and is embraced in the spirit it was intended to, bringing people together for a day to remember. So much sadness comes from Hillsborough but I know a lot of the Families had a really good day, leaving in high spirits and looking forward to next year. Hopefully some justice will have been found by then!

As if completing Hillsborough-Anfield Run 5 times wasn’t enough, you’ve achieved other amazing feats. Could you tell us about the “Ring O Fire”?
Where do I start? It was absolutely brutal, day 1 is gruelling to say the least, 35.7 miles of tough coastline trail followed by a flatter but still very tough 65.9 miles then a further 33.4 miles with a mountain and descent to finish! I’m already entered for next year, the scenery there is incredible so why not?

Where is your favourite place to run?
I live very close to the Glastonbury festival site ( a good few miles from Glastonbury) and there are some cracking hills I can take in as well as being able to look over at the pyramid stage, it’s quite some view. I’ll often finish that particular 8 miler up Paul Nicholls hill gallop where some of the greats of National Hunt racing have been trained, it’s easy to see why they have an edge!

Haha excellent  Music or silence when running?
I’ll often have music on for the shorter runs but when you get over 20 miles it can get a bit much, mostly music though.

How important are family and friends in helping you achieve what you have?
Easy this, they are massively important. All the training can be a huge strain sometimes but ultimately I have their full support.

What gives you such drive?
I wish I knew the answer to that, I’ve never been particularly driven by anything but running is different. A lot of people think I’m crazy running the distances I do but it’s easy when you enjoy it so much.

What is the worst thing anyone has said to you?
Roy Hodgson is the new Liverpool manager.

What is the best thing anyone has said to you?
Jürgen Klopp is the new Liverpool manager.

Real food or not when it comes to running?
I tend to eat what I want but I get cravings for healthy foods, I don’t really have a specific diet.

What is your favourite running #fuelfood at the moment?
I’m a big fan of broccoli at all times but especially leading up to a long run and bananas, I love bananas.

Yep, you can’t beat bananas in my view

And if you could invite anyone on your favourite run, who would you ask?
This is a strange one for me because as a personality I’m not bothered by him but, it would have to be Eddie Izzard. I’d love to talk to him about his run around Britain but more than anything I’d like to thank him for inspiring me to run these long distances.

What other events are on your bucket list?
No bucket list as such though I’d love to do the UTMB and North Pole marathon, aside from that I have a run in mind that has been in my head from almost the first day I set out on these longer runs. If I ever get the chance (it’s a huge if) I’d like to organise a team to run from the Spion Kop in Durban, South Africa to the Kop at Anfield. Whether this will ever be attainable I don’t know but if I could get the backing I would definitely do that.

I’m sure you can and will!  Who or what inspires you?
All the Families and survivors of Hillsborough have been a massive inspiration, what they have been through and continue to go through for the last 26 and a half years is a disgrace. I hope 2016 can bring some closure to them all.

#JFT96

I could not agree more…

Superb that Dom! Hugely grateful to you for doing this interview. You’ve shown what people can achieve when they really set their minds to something. I wonder how many people you yourself have now inspired to run because of your own achievements   

All the best!

Jeff

Graham, you’re probably best known for the Lakeland Trails. What is the ethos behind these?
I started the Lakeland Trails in 2004 out of sheer frustration – I’d been moaning for years that our area of the world (the Lake District) didn’t have comparable events to the all inclusive, European mountain trail running scene. I’d been lucky enough to run in some amazing trail running events all over the world, and wanted to bring something similar to the Lakes. It just so happened that I’d reached that age when competitive running was losing it’s appeal, and I wasn’t interested in chasing veteran classes. I was working part time as an Optometrist and had time on my hands, so I thought I’d put something back into the sport that has given me so much pleasure. I tried to bring all the best bits from my years of international running experiences into family friendly, festival trail running events.
The first event in 2004 had just 80 competitors, this year over 11,000 competitors will take part in our Lakeland Trails and Ultimate Trails events.

What do you think is behind the surge in Trail Running participation?
What’s really surprising to me is that it took so long! The trail running scene had been huge everywhere else in the world for more than 30 years even before I started the Lakeland Trails. I guess us Brits take some time to adapt to new things and I’m as guilty as anyone – I spent years making fun of people walking and running with poles and now I use them all the time! Now the big brands are pushing their trail running product, it looks like there will be even more growth in the near future.

Once runners get off road, appreciate the beauty of running in our natural environment, then it’s understandable that they seldom return to the mass participation road races chasing times.

Yes indeed, I myself was hooked after doing the Helvellyn 15km

Give us some behind-the-scenes Race Director insight on event day.
Each one is different, as our events take place throughout the year and move around to different locations. Being based in the Lake District, the biggest single factor for us is the weather conditions leading up to and on event day – we base every event on the maxim “plan for a hurricane, expect a heat wave”.
We also have a great team involved with the Lakeland Trails events – many are volunteers and some have been involved since we started 12 years ago! My role is really like the conductor of an orchestra – I’m there at the front, but I’m sure they could play just as well without me. Everyone knows their role inside out and I just let everyone get on with it. At some events we have over 100 marshals, stewards, volunteers, event crew etc to manage, so it’s important to have really good systems in place.

I only have limited insight having volunteered for the Ullswater 14km. How does being Race Director differ to your previous life as an international orienteer and mountain runner?
Organising and delivering an event as a Race Director is exactly the same as the preparations used when training for a big International running competition. Making a comprehensive plan beforehand, making sure everything is covered down to the smallest detail in good time before the event – this follows very similar lines to an elite training programme. Even “tapering” in the days before an event, taking time out on the hills, so I’m well rested mentally to deal with any “wild cards” often imposed by the weather. Once you know all the hard work’s been done and nothing has been left to chance, you can get on with enjoying the event and making sure you put on the best show possible. Afterwards, you can relax and enjoy a few well earned beers before the process starts all over again!

Picture from mirror.co.uk 10.09.15

Any amazing runner stories you could share from participants of Lakeland Trails or Ultimate Trails?
Yes, there are loads. There’s one happening right now. Rich Walker, a member of Kendal Mountain Rescue, three years ago helped with marshalling our Staveley event (the event supports the KMR financially). He really enjoyed it and then helped with marshalling our first Ultimate Trails, ultra marathon, camping out on Garburn Pass with his wife Zoe. Seeing all the ultra runners inspired him enough to want to take part in this year’s UT55. He’s not a runner, and he started training, and made it to the start line on 27th June. What was really remarkable, was that he was waiting for a kidney transplant and his consultant had advised him against even training for the event. Rich found great strength and focus from his training, which helped him cope with the uncertainty surrounding his medical condition. He set off on the UT55 raising funds for the Mountain Rescue, although on the day the hot weather defeated him and he took the sensible decision to retire. On 22nd August Rich had a successful kidney transplant operation and recuperated in hospital. He came home yesterday and is making good progress. I just know he’ll make the start line for the UT55 on 2nd July next year and finish off the job!

Incredible! Rich will no doubt inspire hundreds (if not thousands!) of runners with his courage and attitude

What would you say to someone considering their first off-road run?
Easy – log on to www.lakelandtrails.org and book.

Haha, well said – that’s what I did afterall!

You recently became a member of the Bob Graham 24 Hour Club. How would you describe your experience on the day and in getting to that stage?
My dad did his Bob Graham Round when I was 18 months old, so I guess it all started then! I’ve been a fell runner pretty much all my life, so the BG was always one to put on the running CV at some stage. It’s regarded very much as a right of passage for fell runners of a certain age, maybe the last big thing to achieve before going firmly downhill!!? There’s a lot of luck involved, with training, injuries, weather, etc so it was a real honour for me to achieve a sub 24 hr round in May this year. I loved every minute of it – if anything, the training even more than the day itself. If anyone was interested in the full story you can read it here.

Graham start of BGR with Ash and Helen Jackson

Graham BGR Training near Kentmere

BGR end of Leg 3, Wasdale

Graham celebrating BGR with Ash and Claire

It really was inspiring Graham….and your next challenge?
I’m pleased you found it inspiring Jeff, you’ll have to pencil the BGR in for the future!!
I am one of those people who need to have a goal and a challenge to aim for, although at my stage in life, I want to also relish every step of the way, so there’s no rush to achieve this or that. I’ve pencilled in the Joss Naylor Challenge for next year – although it’s shorter than the “Bob” it has quite a tight time limit and it’s only open to old gits like me who are over 50! For the rest of this year I’m enjoying ticking off all the Wainwright summits again (I did all of these last year). I love planning new routes, and the Wainwrights offer a chance to take me to less frequented parts of the Lake District that I wouldn’t visit otherwise. My last jaunt took in 14 summits on a perfect summer’s day with views to die for and hardly anyone about, the “high point” literally was at the summit of Grasmoor when I watched a rare Ring Ouzel close up for around 5 minutes.

Funnily enough the BGR is on my mind Graham. I’ll be sure to tap you up for advice
From who or what do you get your inspiration?
Throughout my life I’ve been lucky enough to meet and get to know some incredibly inspiring
individuals from the sporting world. The ones I’m drawn to aren’t necessarily the most successful runners, but they are those who still have that spark of life, those true adventurers who do things because they want to, because they sound like fun and a good idea at the time. I guess those people have shaped my own aspirations and ambitions.

What is your favourite trail running route?
From my house in Kendal, through Serpentine Woods, across the golf course, over the by-pass, up onto Cunswick Scar, along to the “mushroom” look out on Scout Scar, then back across the old Racecourse to Kendal. I must have run this five mile route hundreds of times and I’ve never tired of it yet!

What is your favourite sports nutrition pre-race and post-race?
Completely off the radar for me – I just eat what I feel like before and after a race. When I started running in my teens (in the 70’s) there just wasn’t any sports nutrition product available, so I’ve got used to “real” food. It literally could be anything.

Can’t beat ‘real food’. Any running / activity books you could recommend?
Plenty – I’m an avid reader and love a good book. Whilst there’s a lot of running trash out there, I just love “Born To Run” by Chris McDougall; I think “Ghost Runner” by Bill Jones is a great story, but one of the best ones I’ve come across isn’t marketed as a “running” book at all – “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand – absolutely brilliant!

What is your running mantra?
Have a good time all the time!

Graham winter training

Excellent! Graham, thank you very much for this interview. You’ve helped thousands of people to discover the joys of #trailrunning and I’m pretty certain the vast majority of us have never looked back   

Just to remind you, Graham’s story of his BGR is a superb read. Real insight to the joy and pain of preparation, the effort and rewards of success

Yours in sport!

Jeff

Renee, how did you initially become interested in sports nutrition and dietetics?
I initially did a biochemistry degree with nutrition which I found absolutely fascinating and I actually thought I would end up in research. However my tutor encouraged me to look into Dietetics as he thought that it would really suit my skill set! I decided to take his advice and was lucky to be accepted on the post graduate course in Glasgow. I qualified as a registered dietitan and started working clinically within the NHS. I really enjoyed this for the first few years and I gained so much from these years of working. However I always knew that  I wanted to work within sport. I was a very sporty child, always in the teams at school and continued to stay fit and complete challenges such as London to Brighton bike ride. After I had my two girls, I decided that I didn’t want to return to the NHS and so I took some time out to be a Mum to them but also to do a post graduate in applied sports nutrition. After the first lecture, I knew I had made the right career path. I loved being able to return to my biochemical roots and I guess the rest is history!

You say what you eat can make all the difference to your performance. How is this?
Although training is probably the most important aspect of performance, in order to get optimal results from your training, making sure you put the right fuel bore, during and after is a necessity. Training is a stimulus so if you are trying to increase speed for a 5k then your training will involve several sessions where you are working at very high intensity. You will need to ensure adequate carbohydrate before this session to actually achieve these high speeds and then post training, in order to help the muscles adapt from the stimulus it is important to re-fuel with both carbohydrate and protein.

How has sports nutrition developed, during your 14+ year career?
Its evolved significantly; it’s a science. As more and more studies demonstrate how nutrition impacts performance and recovery, it is being explored further in order to get that extra edge. Even since I qualified as a specific sports dietitian, thoughts around carbohydrates, protein, fats, hydration, energy requirements and portion sizes have changed significantly. We are seeing big differences between males and females; different ethnicities and sports which makes it a very exciting area to be involved in.

So the evidence base is developing rapidly. Look forward to reading more on that. 

Do you think food intolerances are on the increase? If so why?
I don’t think there is a rise in food intolerances but I think more people are wanting something to blame/focus on for why they may be feeling tired, bloated etc. a lot of people do not realise that actually being dehydrated is the most common reason people get bloated. Similarly a lot of people will come to me and say, “I just can’t eat pasta, it bloats me!” a gain the reality is that when we eat carbohydrate, we tend to also hold onto more water. You can hold onto as much as 4g of water per g of carbohydrate so naturally you are going to feel a bit bloated especially if you have eaten a huge plate of pasta!

I think it has become very “faddy” to have an intolerance; however during my time in the NHS I worked in an allergy clinic where I saw real, legitimate allergies and intolerances and so I’m very cynical when someone tells me pasta makes them bloat!

That said I do work with individuals who do have legitimate issues, usually with a lot more severe symptoms who really benefit from excluding the culprit food item.

Do you feel we’re seeing a trend where people are returning to healthier foods and home cooking?
Yes, there seems to be a real think for “clean” eating. Personally I hate the term “clean” because it also suggests that eating food that are not in this list are “dirty”. I don’t believe in demonising any foods or ingredients because its all about balance. I do believe that if you prepare the majority of your meals with fresh ingredients then you are more likely to get a better balance of nutrients.

What advice would you offer to anyone considering going on a diet?
Don’t deprive; don’t over restrict and set realistic goals. When people embark on very restrictive or fad diets they do tend to lose a lot of “weight” in the first few weeks but the majority of this weight is loss of glycogen and fluid stores. You will also tend to lose more muscle mass which long term will be detrimental as a lower overall muscle mass will lower your metabolic rate. When I’m working with individuals who are trying to lose weight, the key is to lower overall energy intake, increase protein as this will retain muscle mass. Additionally protein tends to have a higher satiety value so it tends to fill you up for longer. I also never cut out carbs completely. I will advise on portions and timing so that no food is off limits. I usually also prescribe one “cheat” meal or pudding a week.

As part of my Lyme Disease treatment plan, the specialist advised going dairy free for a minimum of 3 months. Aside from using coconut oil as a butter substitute, what other tips could you share for anyone going dairy free?
The biggest mistake a lot of people make when going dairy free is not to replace it appropriately. With so many dairy free alternative milks available these days it can make it very confusing. I always recommend that individuals try to replace dairy with soya milk and products such as yoghurt. Soya is the closest match to dairy when it comes to protein and calcium. Many of the other milk alternatives available are very low in carbohydrate and protein so are not a good substitute. I also encourage dairy free alternatives that are high in calcium such as tahini, nut butters, green leafy veg and oily fish.

Thank you… What part does sport participation play in your own life?
It plays a huge part in my life. As I said I have always been involved in sport ever since school. I started running more competitively about 8 years ago; initially I just ran half marathons. In 2012 I was lucky enough to get a club place at London marathon; by this time I had been working with Holly Rush for a while (GB marathon and ultra marathon runner) and she offered to coach me. I took her up and was delighted by my time of 3.17. Holly has continued to coach, advise and inspire me!

Over the last few years I have moved away from road running and racing. I have a 3 year old Brittany spaniel and I love going for long exploratory runs with him surrounded by beautiful countryside. This has lead to me run a few ultras in the last couple of years and I’m hoping to go back to my favourite race, SBU35 at the end of August this year.

3.17!! That’s a fantastic time Renee You’ve got the ultra bug too which is great to hear.

Your recent feature in Trail Running Magazine highlighted 10 ‘hero’ foods. Any others to suggest for runners?
My Hero foods are definitely not an exhaustive list and they are transferable across all sports. As with all sports its not really about individual foods but more about the combination of foods around training.

What dangers are there associated with individual superfoods?
The problem with using the term “super food” is that it sends a false message –instantly individuals assume that if they include this one wonder product in their diet, it wil make them instantly healthier. However just because you have a super green smoothie every morning it doesn’t stop you from developing health problem sor stop you from gaining excess weight if you are still over consuming in other areas. It also plays to the food manufacturers and retailers because as soon as something is deemed “super” it means they instantly hike the prices up too!

You have a concern about bad advice on nutrition from bloggers. How can anyone spot this more easily?
Food and health bloggers without formal qualifications are a real concern of mine. It took me 6 years of studying and several more years of researching to gain the knowledge and practical application of nutrition that I have today. Just because you have an interest in food doesn’t make you an expert of give you the right to prescribe advice to others. One of the major problems is that the term “nutritionist” is not protected. Anyone can all themselves a nutritionist whether they have a legitimate degree in nutrition or they have done a 6 week diploma course from the internet. There are also many alternative therapy courses such as nutritional therapy. None of these course are regulated by a governing body and so the advice they provide is not usually evidence based. As a Dietitian I am regulated by the British Dietetic association but also the Health Professions council. I have to abide by a strict code of conduct and all my advice needs to be evidence based.

Having just started reading your “Training Food” book I can begin to understand that. I hope my own Fuel Food comes up to scratch btw?!
It is fine – you are not advising individuals or suggesting they make major changes to their diets such as being gluten free or removing carbs or keeping clear of fruit without any evidence for making such claims.

Phew!  How can effective sports nutrition help the mind?
I’m not sure if sports nutrition can specifically improve the mind but there have been many links with nutrition and general well being; if you eat well – a varied diet rich in nutrients, you generally reap the rewards. Some studies have shown getting the balance of n3 fatty acids can really improve cognitive function and there are many reports of how low Vitamin D levels can be linked to an increase risk of depression.

I saw in Robbie Britton’s latest blog post with ProFeet that you’re advising him.  What general nutritional advice would you offer ultra runners?
I think its very difficult to give general advice as no two people are the same. I always like to work with the individual, get to know their goals both from a body composition point of view but also from a performance point of view. This will very much shape my advice. However I guess in general terms ultra runners really need to learn to tailor their nutritional intake to their training; there is no need for big bowls of porridge or pasta if you are going out for a long run at a low intensity. That said due to the general increase in training volume and “time on feet’ ultra runners will benefit from increasing their protein intake; this doesn’t mean eating huge portions post training but its more about having a small amount of protein at an increased frequency throughout the day. Increasing essential fatty acids can also help with inflammation. The other key thing ultra runners need to pay attention to is their salt inake, particularly during long runs and races. The sodium requirements per hour for most ultras are double that of a shorter race and many branded sports drinks will have no where near enough. I usually recommend using salt caps or sticks which ensures that you meet your requirements.

And what about for those from a short walk/run to a 10k?
Again it does come back to intensity. So if you are doing a  high intensity 10K session then you need to make sure you put enough carbs in before and also replace them with protein after; however if you are walking, you will have enough energy stores within your body to meet the demands of this activity. However do remember to stay hydrated and keep on top of your salt intake if it particularly warm.

Your new book “Training Food” seems to have really tapped into people’s interest. Has the response surprised you?
Yes! I have been so overwhelmed by the response it has got but also really touched when people get in touch and let me know how much they have benefited. I also really like seeing all the pictures of the recipes they have made.

That’s pretty modest, given “Training Food” is Amazon’s #1 best seller in Fitness Training.  What made you decide to write the book?
I was actually approached by the publishing company. One of the editors had been following my blogs and article sin magazines and liked the way that I made sports nutrition practical and accessible. She got in contact and we agreed to meet. The rest as they say is history!

What other books would you recommend to anyone interested in healthy sports nutrition or a healthy lifestyle?
That’s a really difficult question and I guess if I’m honest I don’t go looking! As I said earlier I stay clear of books written by individuals who are not qualified; there are so many that are based on their individual journey with food and nutrition and while this may be interesting, I think its important to remember that “one size does not fit all”. Just because a celebrity has written a book about going sugar or gluten free because it worked wanders for them, doesn’t mean they should impose their ideas onto the rest of the population.

What is the best nutritional advice someone has ever given you?
It’s a bit of a cliché but “a little of what you fancy does you know harm!”

Renee thank you very much indeed for this interview. Here’s to continued success for you and your “Eat Well Feel Fab” brand  

Jeff

Sarah, can you tell us about your love of the outdoors?
I just love being outside really! I find sitting about really boring, even if I’m busy and have things to do, I find I start to get twitchy and need to get outside to energise myself and clear my head – it just makes me feel so much better. Over time though it’s evolved into something much more than just a love of being outdoors – I’ve seen such an abundance of wildlife, sunsets, landscapes, history – I’d never have experienced those things from an armchair. I’ve come to realise that life is about experiences, and my ‘fix’ comes from the outdoors. Many of the people I’ve met along the way have influenced my love of the outdoors, and I love the lifestyle that comes with it.

What part does running play in this?
That’s kind of hard for me to define, because I do lots of other things, like climbing, skiing, biking, sometimes walking, and like those things, running is just a part of my life. That said, I do a lot more running that any of the other things these days, and it’s allowed me to explore many corners of the globe that I’ve travelled to – there aren’t many things you can do alone, anywhere, just by slipping on a pair of running shoes, and I suppose that is one of the best things about running – you can enjoy the outdoors, at whatever level you are capable of, anywhere. 

You’ve taken on some real challenges lately, including planning for the incredible Breo Hero 700 mile challenge! How would you describe such experiences?
The 700 miler, Running North, is actually on hold for the moment – during the Coast to Coast (which was 200 miles or so…), Laraine and I realised lots of things, and the main one was that we just weren’t ready for such a big undertaking – what really swung it was the realisation that Scotland isn’t all sunsets, wildlife and scenery, even in summer, it’s a really harsh environment. So, to better prepare ourselves, we’re running a series of long-distance routes to allow us to hone vital elements like kit, clothing, what we eat and what we use for sleeping! Aside from that Laraine ended up with extreme plantar fasciitis in both feet, and I was offered a full-time research post, so logistically, it would have been put on hold anyway.

How seriously do you take nutrition?
Because I do so much yoga, I’ve become a true advocate of being balanced, and I definitely take a balanced approach toward what I eat – every day I load up with fruit and veg in the form of green smoothies and salads, and eat very little refined or processed food – I guess most people would say I’m a super healthy eater, and I do notice a difference if I’ve had to eat food that I view as not so nutrient dense. For example, if I’ve been on the hill for a couple of days and had to carry all my food, it’s generally dried or there’s lots of sugar and salt added, and that sort of food makes me lethargic. I make a lot of my own food from scratch when I can – houmous, pates, birchers etc are good for packing lots of good stuff in. But, I generally have a bit of a naughty, mischievous nature and this definitely applies to what I eat – I love sweeties, cheeses and craft beers – however, I do believe the good balances out the treats! I drink gallons of water, and Yogi teas are a favourite, but I have to admit, without a good strong espresso first thing, very little happens!

What running fuel tips would you pass, particularly for long days in the hills?
I’m not sure I’m the best person to ask for a solid answer on this, because I tend to go for long periods on the hill without refuelling, and instead load up before, when I get home, on rest days etc. There’s different schools of thought on what the best approach is – some think it’s better to train the body to operate on little food, and other believe in eating as often as possible. For me, I struggle with eating while doing intense activity, but I think 100 calorie boosts are good and easy for the body to manage while on the go. With hydration, again, I am not so good, and probably could learn a better approach – I think this could be down to spending so much time running in the Alps, where I carried nothing more than ID and a few quid, because it was always possible to get a sip of water from one of the many, many water troughs that are dotted all along Alpine trails – I even had a sip of glacier water once! In Scotland, I do carry a small bottle of water in my waist pack, but could definitely carry more. I like the Nakd bars and nibbles – they are light to carry and offer a good, nutrient dense, energy boost. I think it’s wise to always carry some food and water for any runs over 10km, especially so if going into the hills. However, fuel is such a personal thing, trial and error is the key to learning what works, as every runner is completely different.

What is your favourite pre-run and post-run fuel?
Before a run, I just try to eat as much as I can but allow myself plenty of time, say a couple of hours, to digest. I now have a good idea of what my body needs, but that’s just come with experience. I generally eat a lot of fruit, veg and proteins before running – sometimes I have carbs, but usually, these are reserved for treat/rest days! I’m a caffeine fiend, and struggle to operate until I’ve had a good strong espresso, followed by a green tea!  Oh – loads of water also!

Post run – I eat what my body tells me it wants, but my favourite thing after a long day on the hill is a gourmet burger with a craft beer! Even better – in the sun!

Where does your boundless enthusiasm come from?
Coffee! Just kidding. It’s just the way I am – I probably have too much energy, and am easily bored, but it feeds my thirst for knowledge and I love that I am one of those people who always wants more, wants to learn more and wants to experience more.  I would hate to be a couch potato! That said, there’s plenty of times I’ve totally burnt myself out, and spent a few days in bed catching up on sleep. As I get older, I’m learning we all have limits!

How did your support from @Breofficial @sealskinz and @SkiAscent come about?
With all these things, social media plays a big part and that’s effectively the common dominator for all the companies and brands I’ve worked with – it can be hard to maintain a social media presence, and mine definitely ebbs and flows! But that’s really where all these connections come from, and most people I know who work with brands have built their relationships in the same way. I’ve been involved with Breo for a long time now, and I hope I continue to be for a long time to come – they have been a great company to work with, and I’ve really enjoyed being part of what they do. Sealskinz has been a more recent connection, and that came via one of the media representatives who I’d spent a bit of time with a few years ago doing some Gore Tex things.  SkiAscent – I helped set up the company, but for various reasons, I’m no longer involved. I suppose that’s the downside of these things, not every connection you make will be the right one for you, and when it becomes a full-time job in itself, it can loose it’s gloss! For the most part though, I’ve been really lucky and I work with other companies and brands too who allow me to dip in and out of things, as and when I have the time.

How do you find blogging?
I’ve always loved writing, and I actually took a minor in Journalism when I was doing my undergrad degree, but I lost touch with it for a while when I focused on being an ‘artist’, and screen printing, photography and design took over. Then I moved to Aviemore and took a temporary post with Wilderness Scotland – part of my role was to mange the blog, and I got some really great feedback for the blogs I was writing – I think one of my wild camping posts is still one of their most popular blogs! I realised that I enjoyed blogging, it was a lot less pressurised than I found traditional journalism to be, and the style fitted my approach to writing. I contributed to a few other blogs, and then started my own. Recently though, I’ve been eyeballs deep in writing my Ph.D thesis and academic research papers, so it’s been hard to keep up to date with my own blog – it’s probably become a bit of a photo blog to be honest, but I’m ok with that, and I always think it’s good to step away from things so you can find the joy in them once again.

Sarah’s blog is A Squirrel Goes Touring btw

You overcame Lyme Disease – could you tell us a little about your battle?
It’s very hard to communicate just how awful Lyme disease can become, there was a period of time, for me, when things got so bad I couldn’t get out of bed, and that was a really bad experience. I was also living on my own at that point, and it was quite scary not knowing if I would be able to get help if I needed it urgently. Prior to that I’d had quite a bad initial reaction to the tick bite, but it wasn’t until the bite flared up again and quite literally started growing out of my leg that I seen a doctor. I was lucky that I was living in an area where the doctors are familiar with Lyme, and are happy to treat it asap – I know that in some areas there are doctors who aren’t quite so clued up on, and perhaps aren’t even aware it exists.

Unfortunately though I got the antibiotics after the disease had started to get into my system. Of course, I didn’t know this and assumed the treatment would sort me out in a couple of weeks and I very foolishly keep active when I should have been resting. My early symptoms – fevers, racing heart, cold/flu and fatigue got so bad that I was ordered, by the doctor, to do nothing more than walk to my local corner store if it was critical for me to do so! At the same time, I started my Ph.D, so I couldn’t really sit around for long. Eventually my symptoms got so bad that I was having heart and muscle problems, I was always exhausted and stressed, but the worst thing was the brain fog – especially since I was doing research and really needed to be on the ball! Things came to a head after a trip to Vancouver, I wasn’t myself for the duration of my trip, but on the ten-hour flight home I had a really bad reaction to some blue cheese I’d eaten the nice previous, I don’t know if this was related to having Lyme or not, but it’s not something that had happened before. I literally thought I was going to die, it was awful – I don’t know how I got through boarder control at Heathrow and have no idea how I got through the flight back up to Scotland.

It took a couple of weeks to get over that, and I then went winter climbing in the Cairngorms for a couple of weeks. This was the last nail in the coffin and I was unable to get out of bed for about a month following. This made me realise I had to do something radical to get a normal life again.  Antibiotics just weren’t working, and I was living in an area where the doctors just didn’t want to help – I was continuously told that I was stressed because I was doing a Ph.D, and that I should find ways to relax! As a yoga teacher, I was well aware of ways to manage stress, and I found this both frustrating and angering.  Regardless, it was quite clear the doctors were not prepared to help me. So, I explored lots of things, and I found that diet and probiotics were the two things that started to made a difference. I started climbing again, and then running to get fit for climbing, I thought that running would send me on a downward spiral of exhaustion again, but it did the opposite and really seemed to help me get well again – perhaps it was all the sunshine! Now, I still have to be really careful that I don’t overdo, I get tried really easily, am susceptible to colds, and have lasting heart, lung and muscle problems, but a good diet and plenty of sleep seems to have been my saving grace!

That is some story Sarah and I can identify with a lot of it, having contracted Lymes myself.

Who and where do you draw your inspiration you?
Being in nature, of course. I also love the sun, snow, mountains, water – it’s usually quite hard to get all four at the same time! In terms of people, I think people who work hard to overcome hurdles, whatever they may be, are very inspirational – anyone with a positive, optimistic outlook on life I suppose. I really hate being around negativity, I find it drains me and zaps my energy, and I try to avoid neurotic people who should probably do a bit more yoga or something! I like to keep things simple and be happy with what I’ve got – I’m not interested in awards or achievements, and I draw inspiration from anyone or anything that has the same ethos as me.

What’s on your bucket list?
I don’t actually have one – my personality is such that I really am quite unpredictable and hard to pin down, I get an idea in my head and either go off and do it, or get bored waiting for it to happen! When I was younger, I was desperate to explore every corner of the globe, but that’s faded as I’ve gotten older. I’d love to spend a bit more time in Norway – my current dream is to buy a boat and live on it for a bit, touring the coastline and skiing further north of the country. I’d love to spend some time above the Arctic Circle, it’s an area that’s always fascinated me – I love the culture, the clothing (my first degree was in Textiles) and the people – I guess that would take in a lot of Siberia and Alaska as well.

Other than that, I’m very much enjoying being in the Highlands of Scotland at the moment and am struggling to find a reason to leave as there’s so much to do here – my next stop is Orkney. For the winter, I’m hoping to build on my very, very basic ski touring skills and spend lots of time in the Scottish hills on ski, doing a bit of hut-to-hut touring, bothy style!

Lastly, what is your running mantra?
I have a few:

– anything is better than nothing,

– just do it, and;

– good things happen when you wear the right shoes.

Fantastic stuff Sarah! Thank you so much for this interview. Your enthusiasm for life experiences is infectious believe me. Can’t wait to hear more about your future adventures  #ThisGirlCan

Jeff

The Build Up

Friday lunchtime thoughts started wondering to the Saturday and that’s when I seriously began to worry and get excited about what was in store. Would I get round? Was I being stupid even trying? Was I putting people through worry? The answer to all three I knew would be yes. The latter because treasured family and friends knew what I’ve been going through since May 2013 onwards – as my Lyme Disease post revealed. My wife, parents and friends had all ‘had words’ with me saying I should not attempt it if my body was feeling low, or to pull out at a checkpoint if it was too much. I promised them and myself I would – and I really meant it.

Fortunately Train Running Magazine shared this inspiring video on Friday. In it, Matt Williamson, elite ultra runner says: “You’re never going to know what you’re capable of unless you ask your body to do it. And if you ask your body to do it, the amount of satisfaction you can get from that is unlimited.” These words were to ring so, so true.

Pre-event earworms and euphoria

I had words of wisdom on repeat in my head – honestly couldn’t help it.  Two earworms in particular looped:

“We were born to run; we were born because we run.” Chris McDougall, Born To Run

“Endurance is what we were built for.” Matt Williamson, Endurance Video
(Note: This doesn’t mean I believe I’m built for endurance!)

After travelling up Friday evening, I knew I’d wake early Saturday so decided to register 07:30. On heading back to my accommodation I felt strangely euphoric – singing my head off in the car as peaks appeared above cloud, a lovely breeze etc. I knew it would be special on many levels. Little did I know how much the heat would take its toll.

What I did know was I was woefully under-prepared in terms of a total lack of regular ultra training and recce runs. With the ongoing recovery, the longest run I’d done had been one half marathon trail run in Coniston!  In fact I’d only ever done one marathon back in 2011. Yet, bizarrely that wasn’t really important to me. What was most important was I’d been able to make it to the start line. So I joined five other Rochdale Harriers, each of us ready to undertake something we hadn’t done before.

Nice legs, shame about…

Some apprehensive faces?

Fuel regular and often

Nicky Spinks had stressed the importance of eating regularly, even if you don’t feel like it. So I worked on eating something every 30-40 mins, packing 6x date bar slices and 4x power energy balls, plus the banana slices etc I knew I could pick up at each checkpoint. Not forgetting the mini feast the organisers had told us would be waiting at CP5 – Stickle Barn Tavern!

I stuck to this rigidly. On several occasions I didn’t feel hungry at all but knew from every ultra story I’d read that regular calorie intake was critical. Ditto fluids. Sipping water and/or electrolytes very regularly, particularly during uphills. I have never sweated so much, so relentlessly as I did on Saturday. My top half was literally drenched from 5km onwards. Thank goodness for wicking fabrics! Every feed station I made sure of filling my bottle again with either water, Nuun energy drink or half of each. Volunteers at every checkpoint constantly cheerful and encouraging. They really entered into the spirit of things. Over the course I burned about 4,300 calories, so didn’t stop refuelling until 8pm Sunday!

Strategy for the Day

Again, based on advice from Nicky Spinks, the approach was to walk every climb, run the flats and walk some descents. I love rapid descents but had been warned that your quads can suffer massively if you don’t ease off earlier on. I did ease by walking up ‘The Struggle’ to Kirkstone Pass and held back quite a bit on the descent towards Brothers Water and Hartsop. What a view too!  That beginning climb of almost 1500 ft was certainly a welcome to ultra territory!

Descent towards Brothers Water

My lack of any recce was a nagging doubt that came to mind on several occasions… Did it make much difference? Yes and No. It would have helped knowing what was in store. But the further you go it just becomes a case of keeping going no matter how far is left or how much further the climb. All ifs, buts, maybes which would make no difference to me on the day so I just got on with it.

The last 10km I felt strangely strong again. 2 big climbs apart (one of which was Loughrigg) there were a number of flat parts. I was really able to get into a relaxed rhythm and build up my pace again – at least that’s what I told myself, my Garmin battery had died at about 50km! Results later revealed, that out of 521 listed starters, 311 finished and I placed 95th in 8:52:59. My fellow Harriers all did better placing between 27th and 53rd.

What Got Me Through?

Matt Williamson’s mindset of breaking things into small chunks worked a treat. I’d began to run for some time with club mates Mark & John and unintentionally ran a little quicker than I should have. Checkpoint 2 (17km) came 10 mins ahead of schedule and the three of us enjoyed a very welcome top up of fluids, some banana and a brief chat. We knew the biggest climb of the day was next so took our time.  The initial 400+ft climb out of Glenridding was relatively comfortable, being mostly in the shade of the trees. But after a descent and undulation came the 1200 ft climb past Grisedale Tarn to Grisedale Hause. My quads cramped really badly from about halfway up and I almost fell backwards twice. Remarkable views back down towards were some compensation – as was the fact I knew the pain would subside at some point. Nausea was a sensation I was to experience for the first of several times during each climb. As Robbie Britton has said, it’s part and parcel of any ultra.

The descent from Grisedale Hause saw us drop about 1600 ft in around 6.5km. The marshall at the top ensured I didn’t mistakenly take the 110km route and offered a friendly warning to take care on the descent with it being very rocky and in places slippy, despite the incredibly hot weather. So I took my time though my quads took another bashing. Cramps again heading downhill and I wasn’t even halfway round the course

Looking back on climb out of Glenridding

Grisedale Hause descent to Grasmere

By the time I reached Grasmere I was in a pretty bad way. Trying to relax very tight thighs, calfs and hamstrings while trotting along part of the A591 south, I was nearly overtaken by an enthusiastic 5 year old! Had a laugh with his dad about it because again this encouraged me to keep going. Same as kids applauded myself and others as we ran across the lush field just before getting into the Grasmere checkpoint. That stop at 29.3km was so welcome. It was at this part that I did question whether or not I could continue. So I took time to consume and top up fluids, grab a bite and briefly chat to fellow runners. Yet again, feed station volunteers, particularly the little girl, were infectious in their enthusiasm. Part of me genuinely wanted to stop here but I resisted this and made myself step out of the school building. Two friendly faces in the shape of Chris and Karen gave me the chance to stop, say hello, ask how the others were doing and to adjust my laces. (Anything for a few extra seconds rest!)

Looking back towards Grasmere & Rydal Water

Chatting to a fellow runner I discovered I wasn’t the only one questioning myself at this point. In her case, her other half walked with her out of Grasmere and reminded her how much she’d achieved getting this far, so to continue. We soon passed one fellow runner who said the heat was simply too much for him. I’d already decided to just deal with each section, in this case Silver How which was a bloody climb of about 600 ft in around 1.5km-2km! At this point, we reminded ourselves the next checkpoint was only around 8km away. This helped me deal with each and every undulation I was to ascend / descend. Hardly any flat here and plenty of slate scree. The marshall was revelling in the incredible 360 views up here, proudly suggesting he’d got the best spot of the day. It was hard to disagree One fantastic moment of distraction came when hearing and seeing overhead fighter planes. Someone, somewhere kindly videoed this and shared on Twitter.

Vulcan XH558 passing over Bassenthwaite Lake @cumbriatourism @CarlisleAirport @keswickuk @XH558 #Keswick pic.twitter.com/DVHFsUAL0E

— Antony J Cross (@antonyjohncross) June 27, 2015

From just before the halfway point, my mantra became “Ask the question”.  At every incline I’d walk. Then on approaching the crest, my inner voice would utter “Ask the question” and I’d force myself to jog off again. Every single time I made my body respond. The ultra really became a metaphor for life – and for my own journey since May 2013. Breaking things down into achievable goals: The next checkpoint; drink; over the next boulder; to the top of the ridge; drink; get to the next gate; food; run past applauding spectators; one foot in front of the other…

At every opportunity I tried to encourage others, whether they passed me or I passed them – sometimes repeatedly with the same participants. Just before checkpoint 4 at Langdale my mate Luke caught me up and after a brief chat seemed to effortlessly pull away – git We wished each other luck at the checkpoint while enjoying another top up of fluids and fuel food.

Circling the Langdales

Sucking up more suffering was inevitable. Blisters had been forming on my right foot and I took the opportunity to tend to them – and have a 5 min sit down! Not sure what the passing tourists made of me snapping a pic of my foot?! Many fellow participants were to endure similar.

Approaching Stickle Barn was another very difficult phase for me. Across very boggy ground, up bridleways, down steep very rocky terrain. I felt like I had very little left physically. But like others, I was determined to push on… “Ask the question“. Lakeland day trippers applauded us into the pub. I fuelled up with flat coke (I never usually drink coke), some leek and potato soup, plus a few fat chips! Sat down and chatted to a few 110km participants and voiced my admiration. So I felt the least I could do was get through the final 12km over Loughrigg and into Ambleside. I will never forget leaving Stickle Barn to the sound of cowbells and cheers ringing in my ears. Neither will I forget the bloke behind me muttering “Now that climb is just taking the piss!” as we began ascending the penultimate major ascent Slightly less of a surprise was James Kirby hiding in the bushes ready to take a snap – he’d been on duty for about 24hrs!

Let me finish on a huge positive:

Endless encouragement

I’ve always felt there is a joy to running with and against others. But I now know the true meaning of Chris McDougall’s words: “The reason we race isn’t so much to beat each other,… but to be with each other.”

Every single clap. Every smile of a pub goer or rambler. Every child shouting out “Keep going!” “Well done!” as they held their arms out for a high five. How I enjoyed returning the favour every time!

As I came back towards Rothay Park, I still didn’t know whether I had 1km or 400m left. But one little girl made a massive difference and I will never forget her enthusiasm. Standing on the grass verge, she clapped me and shouted “The finish is just round the corner!” I smiled and said “Thanks!”  Immediately I was running between lines of spectators who all applauded and shouted encouragement. I turned the corner around the hedge and there it was: “Ultimate Trails” writ large on the big black inflatable! My eyes scanned the finish to check I was really at the end – and to the right I saw my wife and kids star jump, massive smiles on Louis & Izzy’s faces as they shouted “Dad!!”. The MC welcomed me back and said something along the lines of it being an epic achievement for me given what I’d been through – my face as the medal was placed around my neck was probably one of immense pride, relief, fatigue. Anne Marie’s face was pure relief and she thrust a latte and flapjack into my hands. For some reason I developed a Latte craving that next 24hrs!

I later discovered the last finisher came in around 01:40 Sunday morning. What an achievement to get through! Fellow Harrier Jill completed the 110km with Davina – a feat I struggle to get my head around…

Would I do another ultra? Well I certainly haven’t uttered the words “Never again” so perhaps I will I’d kept telling myself I was no Ultra runner but actually I got round, got through severe quad cramping, nausea etc etc. People got me through it and I hope I helped others achieve too Ultra marathon entry next year then?

So to every single marshall, to every volunteer, to every person in the parts of the Lake District we passed through: “Thank You!”. There was the fella I saw on a bike three times. The lady I saw three times in the last 15km: She appeared at the top of the last climb before Stickle Barn Tavern, clapping and shouting encouragement. She was there when I exited Stickle Barn. She was there clapping me at the finish line. I began to wonder if I’d been hallucinating! Possibly having run 58km of mountain terrain…

My main thought from the experience? “Ask the question.”  You’d be surprised at the answer

Yours in sport!

Jeff