Using Shorter Ultramarathons as Training for Longer Races

When training for a long ultramarathon—whether it's a 100K, 100-miler, or beyond—long runs alone sometimes aren't enough to fully prepare for race day. Instead of slogging through solo 30- to 40-mile training runs, many people use shorter ultramarathons (such as 50Ks or 50-milers) as key training tools. These races provide structured opportunities to refine race-day strategy, test gear and nutrition, and get valuable experience without the logistical challenges of planning extreme long runs.

Here’s why incorporating shorter ultramarathons into your training plan can be a game-changer.

1. Practicing Race Pacing and Strategy

One of the biggest challenges in an ultra is pacing. Many runners go out too fast and struggle later. A shorter ultra allows you to test different pacing strategies in a race environment. Are you starting too fast? Should you hike more early? How does your body handle different terrains and elevations? By using a shorter ultra as a training run, you can experiment and adjust before your target race.

If your goal race is a 100-miler, running a 50K or 50-miler lets you practice conservative pacing without the risk of complete physical depletion. You can learn how it feels to hold back early and build into a steady effort later—something crucial for surviving the later stages of a long ultra.

2. Dialing in Nutrition and Hydration

What works on training runs doesn’t always work on race day. A shorter ultra gives you the chance to test race-day nutrition under real conditions. Aid station food, fueling frequency, hydration needs, and electrolyte balance all play huge roles in a successful ultra.

Use a shorter ultra to experiment with:

Fueling strategy: Are gels, chews, or real food better for you?

Hydration: Are you drinking enough (or too much)?

Electrolyte balance: How does your body respond to salt tablets, electrolyte drinks, or real food options?

If something doesn’t work in a 50K, you’ll know before attempting it in a 100-miler—where mistakes are harder to fix.

3. Getting More “Time on Feet” Without Extreme Long Runs

One of the best reasons to use a shorter ultra as training is that it forces you to get time on feet without the struggle of a solo long run. Many runners find it mentally exhausting to complete 30+ mile training runs alone. A race environment provides aid stations, motivation, and camaraderie, making the miles feel easier.

Additionally, running a shorter ultra as a training race gives you the benefits of a super long run without requiring excessive post-run recovery. A 50K race effort will challenge you more than a solo 20- to 25-mile training run but is less stressful than attempting a 40-mile day on your own.

4. Tapering and Recovery Practice

Ultramarathons require a smart taper to show up fresh on race day. Using a shorter ultra as training allows you to practice tapering strategies without risking your main event. You’ll learn how your body responds to reduced mileage, whether you feel sluggish or energized, and how to adjust leading into your big race.

Similarly, recovery is just as important. After a 50K or 50-miler, how long does it take for you to feel normal again? Do you need extra mobility work? More sleep? These insights will help fine-tune your post-race recovery for a longer ultra.

5. Simulating Race-Day Logistics and Mental Prep

Beyond fitness, shorter ultras help with race-day logistics—managing drop bags, dialing in gear, adjusting to early starts, and troubleshooting issues like chafing or blisters. They also provide mental training, as pushing through fatigue in a race setting helps prepare for the low points in longer races.

How to Incorporate Shorter Ultras into Your Training Plan

8–12 weeks out: A 50K can serve as a strong long training effort. Run it at 80–90% effort, focusing on pacing and nutrition.

6–8 weeks out: A 50-miler at an easy pace is a great confidence booster and a final big endurance test.

Final month: Prioritize recovery and sharpening fitness with shorter long runs rather than additional races.

Final Thoughts

Shorter ultramarathons aren’t just stepping stones; they are powerful training tools for longer races. Whether it’s pacing, nutrition, or mental resilience, these races provide controlled environments to test your strategy. By strategically using them in your training cycle, you’ll show up to your goal race with more experience, confidence, and endurance—ready to tackle the challenge ahead.

Maximizing Your Aid Station Experience in an Ultra Marathon

Ultra marathons are not just about running—they’re about endurance, mental toughness, and strategy. One key aspect of these long-distance events that can make or break your race is the aid station. These stops are more than just a place to hydrate or refuel—they’re essential moments in the race where you can gain a huge advantage. In this post, we’ll discuss how to use aid stations effectively, why it’s okay to take a break, and what to look out for as you make your way through the race.

1. Understand the Purpose of Aid Stations

At first glance, aid stations may seem like simple pit stops to grab a snack or refill your water bottle. But they serve a much larger role in the ultra marathon experience. These stations provide a much-needed chance to rest, replenish, and reset. Whether you need food, fluids, or even a moment of mental clarity, these aid stations are there to keep you going.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Break

One of the biggest mistakes runners make is not taking a proper break at aid stations. It’s easy to get caught up in the competitive spirit and keep moving without pause, but ultra marathons are all about pacing. Your body will need time to recover from the constant pounding. Take advantage of these breaks to hydrate, eat, and stretch if needed.

In fact, taking short, strategic breaks can actually help improve your overall performance. A few minutes of rest can make a significant difference in how you feel later on in the race. Use this time to assess how your body feels, whether you need to change your shoes, adjust your gear, or even check in with your mental state. A quick rest can also help you avoid mental burnout and physical injuries later on.

3. Hydrate and Refuel Properly

It’s not just about grabbing any food or drink at the aid station—it’s about choosing what works best for you and your body. Dehydration and inadequate fueling can lead to a myriad of issues during the race, from cramping to extreme fatigue, so make sure you’re replenishing with the right nutrients.

Start with water, but don’t shy away from electrolyte drinks like sports drinks or electrolyte tablets. These will help maintain your sodium levels and prevent cramping. Many ultra marathons will also offer foods like energy gels, fruits, nuts, and salty snacks—each providing varying levels of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. While gels can offer quick energy, real food like bananas, pretzels, or boiled potatoes can help you feel more sustained throughout the race.

Experiment during training with what works best for you, so you know what to reach for during the race. And don’t forget to hydrate early and often—don’t wait until you’re thirsty, as that’s often too late!

4. Take Care of Your Body—Check for Issues

Aid stations also offer the chance to check in with your body. Ultra marathons can lead to blisters, chafing, and other discomforts that may not be apparent until you stop. If you’re experiencing any issues, use the time at the aid station to address them. Many aid stations provide first aid kits, Band-Aids, Vaseline, and even blister treatments.

If you notice any signs of serious fatigue or dehydration, don't hesitate to ask for help. Many volunteers at aid stations are trained to spot the signs of serious issues like heat exhaustion or hypothermia. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance if you need it.

5. Be Efficient at the Aid Station

While taking breaks is essential, efficiency is equally important. Ultra marathons can be long, and the clock is always ticking. When you arrive at an aid station, take a few moments to grab what you need, hydrate, and refuel, but try not to linger too long. The longer you spend at an aid station, the harder it can be to get back into your rhythm.

To be more efficient, consider planning ahead. Have your gear ready to go—whether it's a bottle to refill, a bag for your trash, or a plan to grab a specific snack. Try to minimize your time spent sorting through food options or chatting with fellow runners. Keep it focused, and keep it moving.

6. What to Look Out For at Aid Stations

Aid stations are full of helpful volunteers and runners all in different states of mind, but they can also present some unique challenges. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Crowds and Bottlenecks: Sometimes, aid stations get crowded, especially in large races. Don’t get frustrated—stay calm, take a deep breath, and work your way through the crowd efficiently. Patience is key.

• Temperature Management: In ultra marathons, the weather can change drastically, especially if you're racing across diverse terrains. Aid stations may offer extra layers of clothing or sunscreen, so be on the lookout for opportunities to manage your body temperature.

• Potential Pitfalls: Aid stations can become a trap if you spend too much time sitting down, chatting, or getting too comfortable. A minute here and there may not seem like much, but they can add up, especially over a long race.

• Race Etiquette: Be mindful of fellow racers. Don’t block the station’s entry, and be courteous when grabbing food or fluids. Make sure to grab what you need and move out of the way so others can have access.

7. Mental Reset at Aid Stations

Finally, it’s important to recognize that aid stations aren’t just about physical recovery—they’re an opportunity for a mental reset. When you reach the aid station, take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you feeling strong? Are there any mental barriers you need to overcome?

Ultra marathons are mentally taxing, and the aid station provides an opportunity to regain focus. Use it as a checkpoint—not just to refuel but to renew your determination and get back out on the course with a refreshed mindset.

Final Thoughts

Aid stations are a key part of your ultra marathon journey. They provide fuel, hydration, and rest when needed, all of which can make a big difference between success and struggle. Remember, it's okay to take a break, check in with your body, and reassess your strategy. These brief moments can help you run smarter, not harder, and keep you strong throughout the race.

So, as you approach each aid station, don’t rush through it—use it to your advantage. Refuel, refresh, and recharge to finish strong. Happy running!

How to Handle the Disappointment of a DNF (Did Not Finish)

In the world of sports, challenges, and personal goals, there's one phrase that many dread but must face at some point: DNF—Did Not Finish. Whether you're an athlete, a runner, a student, or simply someone who set a personal goal, experiencing a DNF can feel like a hard blow. The feeling of falling short, not crossing the finish line, or failing to achieve what you set out to do can leave you with a sense of disappointment, frustration and anger.

But here’s the truth: A DNF does not define you, and learning how to cope with it in a healthy way can help you grow, build resilience, and come back stronger. In this blog post, I’ll explore how to process and manage the emotions that come with a DNF and turn it into a learning experience.

It’s normal to feel disappointed when you don’t finish what you set out to do. Whether it’s a race, a project, or an academic goal, you’ve invested time, energy, and perhaps even your heart into the effort. Giving yourself permission to feel upset is the first step toward moving through the experience. Suppressing your emotions or telling yourself to "just get over it" doesn’t help in the long run.

Take some time to sit with your disappointment. It’s okay to feel let down. Acknowledging the emotion is key to processing it healthily. You might feel frustrated, embarrassed, or even defeated—those feelings are valid and should not be ignored. Remember, it's part of being human.

One of the best ways to handle a DNF is to shift your perspective. Instead of viewing the DNF as a failure, look at it as a moment of learning. There’s often so much that can be gleaned from a DNF, especially if you take the time to reflect on it objectively.

• What went wrong? Was it a lack of preparation? Did you overestimate your abilities or underestimate the difficulty of the task? Did something unexpected happen, like an injury or an external factor you couldn't control?

• What can you improve for next time? A DNF doesn’t erase your progress or potential. Use the experience to adjust your approach for future attempts. Maybe you need to adjust your training, break down your goals into smaller steps, or even rethink the strategy you’ve been using.

Even if the DNF was out of your control (like weather conditions, technical issues, or illness), there’s always something to learn. Reframing it as a stepping stone instead of a setback can be incredibly empowering.

Sometimes, the best way to deal with disappointment is to talk about it. Whether it’s with a friend, a coach, a mentor, or a fellow competitor, sharing your experience can help you process your emotions and gain perspective. Talking about your DNF may help you uncover insights you hadn’t considered and remind you that you’re not alone in experiencing setbacks.

Others may have faced similar disappointments and can offer advice or simply provide a space for you to vent. Venting doesn’t make you weak—it’s a healthy way to release frustration and let go of negative emotions, allowing you to focus on what's next.

It’s easy to get caught up in the outcome of a challenge, especially when it’s something you’ve been working toward for a long time. But the process of getting there—every training session, every small win, every step forward—is just as valuable as the finish line itself.

When you experience a DNF, it’s important to remind yourself that growth happens throughout the journey, not just at the end. Every step you took, every challenge you faced, and even every mistake you made, is part of your growth and development.

Remember: A single DNF does not erase all the progress you’ve made. If anything, it teaches you resilience, perseverance, and adaptability.

After the dust settles, it’s time to refocus. Setting new goals can help you regain momentum and give you a sense of purpose. Whether you’re aiming for another race, a personal achievement, or a professional milestone, create a plan that takes what you’ve learned from your DNF into account.

If your DNF was caused by a lack of preparation or mental fatigue, maybe your new goal will include better training, smarter strategies, or a more balanced approach. If you struggled with doubt or fear of failure, perhaps your goal will involve building mental toughness and resilience.

One important thing to remember is that setbacks don’t invalidate your long-term potential. Adjust your plan, stay committed, and keep moving forward. Your next attempt might be the one where everything clicks into place.

It's easy to be hard on yourself after a DNF, especially if you feel like you let others down or didn’t live up to your own expectations. But self-compassion is one of the most important aspects of dealing with disappointment. Be kind to yourself and understand that setbacks are part of growth.

Think about how you would comfort a friend who experienced a DNF. Would you call them a failure? Probably not. You’d encourage them to keep going, to learn from the experience, and to try again. Treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially when someone else seems to be effortlessly succeeding where you struggled. But each person’s journey is unique, and comparing yourself to others is often a recipe for unnecessary frustration.

Focus on your own progress. Celebrate the small victories and remember that the only person you need to measure yourself against is the person you were yesterday. Everyone has their own struggles, and while a DNF might feel like a setback in the moment, it doesn’t diminish the hard work and dedication you’ve already put in.

A DNF is just a moment in time. It doesn’t define you, nor does it determine your future. Whether it's a race, a project, or a personal goal, remember that there will be opportunities to try again. Sometimes, it takes multiple attempts to achieve something truly meaningful, and those attempts are where the real growth happens.

Take the time you need to process, learn from the experience, and then refocus on the next challenge. You’re not alone in experiencing a DNF, and many successful people have had their own share of them. What matters is how you rise from it.

Final Thoughts: While a DNF can sting in the moment, it doesn’t have to be the end of your journey. By embracing it as an opportunity for growth, being kind to yourself, and refocusing on your goals, you can transform disappointment into motivation. Remember that every great achievement requires persistence, and setbacks are just part of the process. Keep pushing forward, and your next finish line might be closer than you think.

New Year’s Resolutions for Runners: Tips to Level Up Your Training

New Year’s Resolutions for Runners: Tips to Level Up Your Training

As the new year begins, runners everywhere are lacing up their shoes with renewed determination. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, the start of a new year is a perfect opportunity to set fresh goals and adopt habits that will enhance your running journey. Here are some simple yet effective resolutions you can incorporate into your training to improve your performance and overall running experience.

1. Ignore the "New Year New Me BS" and the "Online Running Binfluencers"

Let's faced it. Your social media feed will be full of this crap so swipe on past it.

2. Set SMART Goals

Before diving into specifics, start with clear, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals.

Example: Instead of saying, “I want to run faster,” set a goal like, “I want to shave 5 minutes off my 10K time by July.”

Breaking larger goals into smaller milestones can keep you motivated and on track.

3. Incorporate Strength Training

Running is a full-body activity, and strong muscles help you run more efficiently and prevent injuries. Add strength training to your routine 1–2 times per week.

Focus on core exercises like planks to improve stability.

Try leg workouts like lunges, squats, and calf raises to enhance power.

4. Prioritize Recovery

Recovery is just as important as running. Make it a goal to focus on the following:

Stretch daily: Incorporate dynamic stretches before running and static stretches afterward.

Rest days: Plan at least one rest or active recovery day per week to allow your body to rebuild and strengthen.

5.Experiment with Cross-Training

Mix up your workouts to build endurance and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Activities like cycling, swimming, or yoga can complement your running routine while keeping things fresh and exciting.

6. Add Speed Work and Hill Training

If you want to improve your pace and endurance, start including speed workouts or hill sessions once a week.

Speed workouts: Try intervals, such as running 400 meters at a fast pace followed by 200 meters of walking or jogging.

Hill training: Run short hill sprints to build strength and stamina.

7. Try a New Distance or Race Terrain

Challenge yourself by signing up for a different style of race or aiming for a new distance. Whether it's your first 5K or your next marathon, having an event to work toward can keep you motivated throughout the year.

8. Listen to Your Body

Most importantly, make it a priority to listen to your body. If you're feeling fatigued or experiencing pain, don't push through—it’s better to rest or adjust your training plan than to risk injury.

Small Changes, Big Impact

As you embark on your running journey this year, remember that progress comes from consistent effort, not perfection. Incorporate one or two of these tips at a time, and celebrate every small victory along the way. 

My personal running resolutions are:

• not put finish time based pressures on myself this year.

• get better at stretching (not getting any younger)

• write at least one of these blog posts per month (not including race blogs)

What are your running resolutions this year? 

Robin Hood 100 - DNF

In my head running a 100-mile race is the ultimate test of physical endurance, mental fortitude, and unwavering determination. It’s the kind of challenge that attracts those who are willing to push their limits and brave the unknown. But even with all the preparation, training, and optimism leading up to race day, things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the decision to drop out becomes the wisest, and perhaps most important, choice we can make.

I found that out first hand when I had to drop out of The Robin Hood 100 at mile 78. Up until mile 62, everything was going according to plan. I was cruising, feeling strong, and ahead of my pacing strategy. But then, out of nowhere, I started to experience stomach issues that would haunt me for the rest of the race. Hours of nausea, vomiting, and an inability to keep any nutrition down eventually forced me to face the hard truth: I wasn’t going to finish. The straw that broke the camels back was when I noticed blood when I went to the toilet. That’s never a good sign!

My stretch goal for this race had been to finish in under 20hrs. This was a very ambitious goal but having a time goal really motivates me. As the course was relatively flat, I felt (and still do feel) that this was achievable.

The first 62 miles went well. I ran my second fastest marathon, 50k and set a new 100k PB. My crew, Dan and Jay were amazing. Meeting me at every pre-agreed location and had everything ready for me.

It was an unexpectedly hot and humid day, when the sun went down this is when the problems started. I’m no stranger to running in the dark, but I think the sudden drop in temperature may have affected me. I wasn’t really relying on the check points for fuel as I had my crew to give me what I wanted at various points throughout the course. After filling my bottles up at a check point a grabbed a couple of biscuits and set off. As soon as I had eaten those biscuits I started retching and vomiting. I’m aware that stomach issues can happen when you run these distances, but this was the first time it had ever happened to me.

I’ve ran enough ultramarathons to know that there would be challenges. This type of problem solving is one of the many things I enjoy about them. But stomach problems are a special kind of misery. They don’t just affect your body—they completely hijack your mind. At first, I thought it might be a temporary issue. I tried various tricks to try and settle my stomach, but nothing was working. But as the nausea continued, it became clear that this wasn’t something I could simply power through. By the time I hit mile 78, I had been struggling with nausea for hours, unable to keep anything down, not even water. My body was running on empty and all I could muster was a death march. When I noticed the blood, I knew my body was shutting down and I had to stop.

Massive respect to Dan a Jay who once they knew the situation didn’t even try to convince to try and push through. We all know each other well enough now to know when one of use needs tough love and when to be safe. The only unbreakable rule when doing these crazy things is you have to make it home to the family.

One of the hardest lessons in ultrarunning is learning when to listen to your body—and when to admit that you can’t push any further. There’s a fine line between pushing through discomfort and risking serious injury or harm. I’ve always been someone who believes in grit and perseverance. I didn’t want to quit. But I knew I wasn’t in the place to finish.

It’s a hard pill to swallow, but the reality is that no race is worth risking your health over. And as much as I wanted to finish, I had to make the responsible decision to stop. That didn’t feel great at the time (and still doesn’t), but it was the right thing to do.

Before the race, I told myself that I would never give up. After all, if you're going to sign up for a 100-mile race, you should be mentally tough enough to finish, right? But in the end, I realized that there’s no shame in not finishing an ultra. Ultrarunning is brutal, and the human body has limits. Not finishing doesn’t mean I’m not strong. It doesn’t mean I’m a failure. It just means that today wasn’t the day. Sometimes, not finishing is the result of being smart, of understanding your body, and of knowing that health and safety should always come first.

One of the best lessons I took away from this race is that the real journey isn’t about the finish line; it’s about the journey you take to get there. Sure, the goal of every ultrarunner is to cross that finish line, but there are so many factors outside of our control on race day. Weather, nutrition, physical conditions, mental state—all these things can shift in an instant. I didn’t finish the race, but I gained invaluable experience. I learned more about my limits, my body, and the importance of perseverance—both in completing a race and in knowing when to stop.

So, while I didn’t finish The Robin Hood 100, I walked away with more wisdom, respect for my body, and insight into the unpredictable nature of ultrarunning. Sometimes, the toughest decision you make on race day is the one that leaves you standing at the side of the course instead of crossing the finish line. But it’s also the decision that can make you stronger in the long run.

I will finish this race in the future. I don’t know when, but I know I’ll be ready—body, mind, and stomach.

Until then, the journey continues.

The Serpent Trail - Getting the job done

It's taken me a while to gather my thoughts on this race and I'm not sure why. 

First off, the company who put on the Serpent Trail (Freedom Racing), do a great job. 

Registration on Friday was quick and easy. The level of detail they go into for their pre-race emails is phenomenal. Aid stations and volunteers are great. Nice medals. Free race photos. What's not to like.

They do a variety of distances over the weekend. 10k up to the 100k. I was signed on for the 100k. 

Training leading into this hadn't been great. Variety of reasons. Hurting my arm using a concrete breaker. Developing a niggle in my foot whilst running. And generally being lazy. All just excuses.

On race day I was on the bus to the start line early. Another plus point of this race is they provide you with a bus to start and you run back to the finish (this is included in your entry fee). Go time was 6am.

As we set off I got into a comfortable rhythm. The first 50km of this race is where the majority of the vert is. I clocked about 2000m of ascent/ descent over the 100km and about 1500m of it came in the first half.

For the first 15 miles I felt like I was cruising. The trails in this neck of the woods are a delight to run. I've not done much exploring round this part of country but will have to visit again.

Unfortunately just after mile 15 something tweaked in my knee. Nothing serious but it meant I couldn't run how I wanted. I had to be more cautious on the downhills and use my poles earlier than anticipated.

This really effected me mentally. Instead of enjoying the race it became a painful slog to get to the finish. Don't get me wrong I expect to be in the pain cave during these things but not that early.

The next 45 miles were just breaking the race down into small chunks and ticking them off.

It was great to see my mate Jay at the half way point. There's not many people I would 100% trust to crew me on a race. In fact I could probably count them on both hands and have fingers left over.

Jay had put me up for a couple of nights (on the third floor, which was fun post race!!). He also got up at stupid o'clock to drop me off for the bus, met me at the half way point and was at finish to watch me cross the line.

All this really meant alot to me and just goes to show the friends you can make through this sport.

Thanks again mate.

Anyway a change of shoes and socks at half way and I was on my way again. By this point I just wanted the race over and done with. My knee was really playing up and running for any extended period of time becoming a problem.

I basically got into a run walk rhythm and grinded it out.

Pre race I had set a goal of sub 13hrs. I crossed the line in 13hrs 18min. Which I'm happy with but know I could do alot better.

At the end of the day it's a great race and the negativity I felt on the day was all self inflicted. 

One day I will go back and have another go.

The Lap - A jog around a pond

The Lap has been on my race wish list for a number of years.

The concept is really simple and beautiful at the same time. A Lap of Lake Windermere (England's largest lake) using some of the best trails The Lake District has to offer.

What makes The Lap special is that it caters to everyone. A generous 24-hour time limit means that the whole 47 miles could be walked. Not many Ultramarathons can offer that. And whilst the cut-off is generous, if you want to "race it," the course is challenging and will give you a good test.

Firstly I would like to say that everything ran like clockwork. Registration was simple, the pre race briefing was spot on, and the support from marshals/ checkpoints was amazing. Well done to everyone involved behind the scenes.

My goal for this had always been to finish in sub 12 hours. The injury I sustained at my previous race meant I'd had a very short build up to this. My main focus during this build had been hills. And lots of them. Up and down. The Lap has 2000 metres of elevation gain and loss. You'd better become friendly with hills!

Race start time was 6am. Nearly 800 people were on the start line, and this naturally led to some bottlenecking on the single tracks near the start.

This is something I need to work on and just settle into whatever pace I have to go. At the start of these things, you are naturally bunched together but overtake when you can and don't let it annoy you.

The first checkpoint was around 3 miles in. I'd already made my mind to go straight past this and not go in. This helped to thin the amount of runners who were around me, and I was able to run at my own pace.

Between me and the next checkpoint was a small fell called Latterbarrow. This modest fell might not have the height of some of its neighbours but it makes you work for every metre. The route up through some forest sections that had been felled made for some good running. 

Once Latterbarrow was sumitted, it was time for a steep descent off and down to Skelwith Bridge for the next aid station. I had planned on stopping at this one, so made sure my flasks were empty and ready to be refuelled.

I spent ten minutes at this checkpoint. A quick refill of tailwind, some snacks consumed, quick hello to a friend, and I was off.

This next section has the two largest climbs on the route. First up is Loughrigg Fell. This fell was the first Wainwright that I did, so it has a special place in my heart. However, I'd never gone up it via the West side before. This route up was steep with no rest. But the plus side is that the summit was reached quickly. 

A quick tap of the summit cairn, and it was down to Ambleside. I've ran this descent from Loughrigg before and knew it was a fun fast one. I wasn't long before I was joining the local Parkrun around Rothay Park in Ambleside. This was where I'd pre-planned for my wife to meet me for a quick hello. 

The effect of seeing someone you care about whilst racing can't be underestimated. I made my way through Ambleside with a spring in my step ready to start the climb up Wansfell.

Last August, I climbed this fell as my last Wainwright. Whilst it's nowhere near the biggest Wainwright, it definitely makes you work for it. The climb is steep and relentless. 

The view from the top is both magnificent and daunting at the same time. Magnificent as you get a great view along Lake Windermere. Daunting because it shows you how far you still have to go.

From Wansfell summit, the route took us along an undulating track to Baystones. Along the way, I chuckled to myself as I passed the place where my son went knee deep in a bog last year.

With Baystones ticked off, it was down into Troutbeck and the "roughly" half way checkpoint.

Here, we had access to our drop bags. I'd only packed some more gels and tailwind. I spent a bit longer here organising my kit, eating a bit more and generally just cooling down.

The temperature for the weekend had sky rocketed and was really taking its toll. I would later learn from the RD that they had the highest amount of DNF's ever due to the heat. Looking at the stats later, 38% of DNF's happened at Troutbeck.

On my way out of Troutbeck, I grabbed a slice of pizza and a coke to enjoy whilst getting back to the job at hand.

It was at this point that my friend Dan went passed me. We had seen each other at both check points but not ran together. This wasn't an issue as we were both running our own races. We shared a quick joke about keeping the pizza down and started the climb out of Troutbeck.

From this point until we got into Windermere, Dan and I kept on criss-crossing each other. As we left Windermere, we ended up running together and just started chatting.

The more I think about this, the more it proves to me how doing hard things really brings people together. At no point in the lead up to this race had we discussed running together. This wasn't a competitive decision (on my part, at least), just an assumption that we would run our own races. From this point onwards, we stuck together and didn't even mention it until that last part of the race.

As we made our way to the next aid station at Cleabarrow, we discussed finishing under 12 hours. We both agreed that as long as we kept moving with purpose, we would be able to do it. The heat was really beating down now, and it was a relief to get to the aid station, fill up water, and get some extra calories in.

We had already started breaking the rest of the course down into smaller sections. Either checkpoint to checkpoint or one place on the route to another. 

The next aid station was Cote Hill. This was only a water station, but it was nice to refill, take on extra fluids, and have some chit-chat with the marshals.

Our next objective was to get to Newby Bridge. Between us was small hill called Gummers How. Whilst it only stands at 321m, it felt a lot more with over 30 miles in our legs. 

Some "well dones" and "keep going" from the general public at the summit, and we started the winding descent around the back to Staveley in Cartmel. 

As we left the trail and hit some road, we were greeted with one of the kindest gestures I've ever seen. A family had set up an unofficial aid station with water and ice pops. The children were loving helping the runners and turning the garden hose on us. I'm sure this act of kindness was felt by the majority of the racers that day. Ice pops have never tasted so good!

A short road section, and we were crossing Newby Bridge. I'd arranged for my wife to meet us here, and as we jogged in, we were greeted with applause from people enjoying a beer in the nice weather. 

A two minute stop, and we were on our way again.

This next section was the hardest of the entire day. We climbed up to the last aid station at Finsthwaite. From here, it was another climb up to High Dam and back down to the lake.

By now, our legs were really feeling the effort. The descent through the woods was quite technical and made slow progress. 

Once we reached the lake shore, it was a case of keeping on going. Running the flats and down hills. Walking the up hills. 

As we came into view of the event village, the relief was real. We had done it. 

Running across the finish line together to be greeted by our families was something special.

We completed The Lap in 11 hours and 44 minutes. I'm sure we left time out on course, but given the temperature of the day, we can be very proud of achieving our goal.

This was a bucket list race for me, and after the disappointment of not being successful at the BYU, this meant a lot.

I'll finish by saying a massive thank you to the organisers and volunteers. They put on a hell of a show, and I can see why the event sells out in a matter of days.

Backyard Ultra - Its easy until its not

This was my second Backyard Ultra event and I was really keen to put to test what I had learnt at the first one.

The main takeaways from my previous go were to pace myself better, get my eating / drinking right and to get through the low mental point during the night.

I also had a lap goal of 24. This would equal 100 miles covered in 24 hours.

I'll be honest, the first couple of laps I found really boring. However these laps were great to get to know the loop. By the third lap I'd figured out what points to walk and when to run. I'd also figured out a good line through a particular muddy section which made life a bit easier.

By the fourth lap I felt like I was cruising. We had had some light rain but this had stopped. 

The two weeks leading up to this I'd cut caffeine out. This was the first time I'd ever done this and I definitely felt the difference. The next two laps were my quickest of the entire event. More importantly the constant caffeine, either from coffee or Tailwind, definitely helped keep me going through the night.

As we went into the night I knew that this was going to be the hard part. At least twelve hours of darkness and just the view from your headtorch.

Running through the night wasn't an issue this time. I'd mentally prepared for this and had some tricks to help with this. 

The first one was to try and keep to the same timing and plan for each lap. This involved walking the same sections and trying to maintain the same pace. 

Overall I managed to do this. Over the whole event my lap time was between 40 - 45 minutes (apart from the last lap). This was a bit quicker than I'd intended to go but I was feeling comfortable and decided carry on until I felt I needed to slow down.

The night laps were pretty uneventful. For the majority of them I was on my own and quite comfortable with my own company. 99% of my training is done on my own so this was nothing new to me. 

As we got closer to 2am I decided to pull out one of my plans to counter the mental side of this type of event. 

In my previous Backyard Ultra I'd gotten really low at 2am. This time I'd asked my wife and eldest son to write me a letter each that I would read at this time. 

Whilst I'm not going to share what they said they definitely helped. My motivation was full and spirits lifted.

The next few hours followed the same pattern. The temperature had dropped and I was finding I was stiffening up between laps. 

This is to be expected and it didnt take long before I was warmed up again.

My eating and drinking had been great. Each lap I was eating at least one bar of food and drinking tailwind. Between laps I was again making sure I was eating more. In fact the whole event I didn't have a single gel which I'm really pleased with. Personally I like gels but if I'm able I would rather use real food.

The last lap before the sun came up (lap 18) is where my race finished. I was jogging down a slight downhill and felt a new type of pain. I say new type of pain as I was already in pain. Covering 73 miles is definitely going to leave you with some muscular pain, this is to be expected and something that can be pushed through. 

The pain I'd suddenly started feeling was structural. The top of my left foot and left knee both started hurting every time I landed on them. The foot was the one that had me the most concerned. I just couldnt take any impact. This resulted in me walking in the last lap in a time of 55 minutes. 

As I sat back down in the tent I knew that my race was over. Any type of structural damage isn't worth risking and can / will lead to a long lay off. Considering I still had 6 more laps to do to get to my goal, it was to much. 

As lap number 19 started I stopped my watch and handed in my timing chip. This was definitely the right decision. At the time of writing this (a week later) I still cant take impact on my left foot.

Running an Ultramarathon comes with a element of risk. It's puts a huge amount of strain on your body and injuries are something you need to accept can / will happen.

I consider the event a success. Whilst I didn't achieve the time / mileage I had intended, everything was going to plan. Physically I could have carried on if it wasn't for the injury and mentally I was in a good place.

I now know I can make it through a night and cover the distance.

Backyard Ultras are a brutal type of race. It sounds and seems easy but in reality you are running someone else's race. Constantly having a hourly time pressure and not being able to run your own race.

I'm really looking forward to September where I have a 100 mile race that I can run on my terms. 

I'll end with listing some things that worked well for me:

1.Running with a hydration vest really helped. Having the ability to carry fuel and fluid meant I was able to take some whenever I wanted.

2. Having a plan for when things get mentally hard. This was the letters. I also had music and audio books ready to go but didn't need them in the end.

3. Kit. Having a change of clothes available plus extra kit was great. Being able to quickly put some waterproof trousers on to keep warm was great.

4. Shoes. For 55 miles. I used the new Inov8 Trailfly. Prior to this race I had ran 10k in them. They performed great. Lots a grip and enough cushioning.

If you have any questions about Backyard Ultras or want to know more please get in touch.

The Wainwrights and The Lakeland Fells

My love of The Lake District started in 2011. We had booked a holiday with some family members and stayed on the shore of Lake Windermere. Looking back, this is where my love of the great outdoors really started.

We spent the week doing some low level walks and visiting some of the tourist hotspots.

This trip sparked an obsession with mountains and hill walking. I spent the next few years hiking the high points in the Peak District, Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons. 

It wasn't until 2013 that I would return to the Lakes. We were staying with some family who live there and they took my fiancé (now wife) and I for a walk up Loughrigg Fell. 

Unbeknownst to me at the time I had started my journey through the Wainwrights.

The Wainwrights are 214 peaks situated within The Lake District National Park. They are from seven guide books written by Alfred Wainwright between 1952 and 1965. There is no criteria for these peaks to become a Wainwright other than the authors opinion. It is now a common challenge the people will undertake to try and visit or "bag" all 214.

During that trip in 2013, we also climbed Scafell Pike (England's highest mountain) and Catbells, which to this day is still one of my favourites.

It wasn't until Christmas in 2015 that a family member brought me a map where you could tick off each peak and add the date. From that moment on I was obsessed with trying to complete the Wainwrights.

Living in the Midlands it's not an easy trip up to Cumbria to go and hike up some big lumps. I was able to visit a couple of times each year and slowly worked my way though them. Some personal favourites being Helvellyn, Robinson and Fleetwith Pike. 

These trips became a highlight of my year. Studying maps to plot routes and working out how to link these peaks together. This really helped me learn how to map read and navigate. Both skills are required when heading up into the mountains.

In 2022 I realised that with some planning, commitment and the support of my wife I could finish all 214 in 2023.

Since my eldest son had been born, it had always been a dream for my last Wainwright to be his first. This dream extended further with the arrival of my second son and the possibility of climbing the 214th on my 40th birthday.

The first few months of 2023 had a few trips planned in. By this time I was running the Fells instead of hiking them. This enabled me to plot much longer routes and include more peaks.

I will be forever grateful to my wife in supporting this dream. I'm well aware that it wasn't easy for her looking after two young children whilst her husband disappeared into the mountains for long periods of time.

By July 2023 I had visited 213 out of 214. The Peak I had saved for my last was Wansfell Pike (or Baystones if you go via the guide books).

On the 17th of August I set out with my wife, two sons and the same two family members who had introduced me to the Wainwrights a little over 10 years before.

The route up Wansfell is steep and made even harder carrying a 14 month old on my back. It was a great day to be out with views of the Fells unspoiled by cloud or clag. 

After a few hours of climbing, one knee deep journey into a bog by my eldest (who thought it was hilarious), I was stood at Baystones summit with my two sons. 214 Wainwrights done.

My wife had also contacted the Wainwright Society ahead of our trip up there, they keep a record of people who have completed a round and presented me with a certificate at the summit. 

I couldn't think of a better way to spend my 40th birthday.

It still feels strange that the Wainwright journey has come to an end but in reality it is part of a longer one I will have with the Lakeland Fells. 

My next challenges in the Lake District are The Lap Ultramarathon and the George Fisher Tea Round.

I also have aspirations of completing a Bob Graham Round.

For me personally, the Lake District is the best place on earth. Friends of mine refer to it as my happy place and they aren't wrong. Being in those Fells is where I feel most comfortable.

If the Wainwrights is something you would be interested in doing then go for it. It's a great journey, you get to see some amazing sights and everyone’s journey is different. I'm always happy to help or advise anyone as well.

Before you start, just get comfortable being out in the mountains. Some of these peaks are in remote places, so good navigation and the correct gear is essential. And, always remember to leave no trace so our children can enjoy these places as much as we do.

Knightley Way FKT

Let's go back to 2020. The UK has come out of lockdown, but races aren't allowed to happen yet.

It was around this time that I heard of the term FKT. FKT stands for fastest known time. We typically refer to it as a record in the UK.

In 2020, these records and FKT's were getting broken on a regular basis. Top athletes who had no races in the immediate future were taking on some impressive feats.

One of the most prominent of these was the Peninne Way. This record was broken twice. First by John Kelly then by Damien Hall. A film was even made about it!

Reading about these records lead me down a rabbit hole on the FKT website and I realised that a long distance route near where I live (The Knightley Way) was listed.

The waymarked Knightley Way visits Foxley, Farthingstone and Fawsley Park to end at Greens Norton, the northern end of the Grafton Way. Much of the route passes through attractive countryside formerly owned by the Knightley family of Fawsley Hall. The Knightley Way was Northamptonshire's first County Path. It was opened in 1972 on established public rights of way and it stretches between Badby and Greens Norton. The route is over rolling countryside, passing by woods, Fawsley Park and a number of farms and small Northamptonshire villages.

As it didn't have an out and back set, I emailed into them and they set one up ready for whoever wanted to do it.

By the time I got round to having a attempt someone had gone out and set a marker. Looking at the time, it appeared it was a long distance walker. In my mind I was either setting a time of under 5 hours or not at all.

I set out the week after a Spartan Ultra race. Not my smartest decision but I wanted to have a go at the route before going into a base building phase for 2024.

The first half of the route was done in 2 hours and 7 minutes. I'd built up a good cushion, but I was well aware that the previous week I'd completed a 50km obstacle course race and my legs wouldn't be as happy on the way back.

The return journey was a lot harder. The fatigue from the previous week had caught up with me. The poles had come out and it was now a mental battle to keep going. 

The return journey took me 2 hours and 32 minutes. Meaning the entire out and back (23.91 miles) had been completed in 4 hours and 39 minutes. Under my self emposed 5 hour limit.

My run has been verified and I'm the current record holder for the Knightley Way Out and Back. I have also made YouTube video of the run if you fancy giving it a watch.

What I like about the records and FKT's is that you can create your own. I've already got a few routes planned that I intend to run and submit them.

I sure someone will come along and lower whatever time I set and that is fine. At the end of the day these things are there to encourage others to have a go and share some great routes.

The Farmyard Jam BYU

The Backyard Ultra is a form of Ultramarathon where competitors must consecutively run the distance of 6.706km (4.167miles) in less than one hour. Once that hour is up you go again, and again, and again until only one person is left.

Sounds crazy, right? Well, it is, but it's also a really interesting race format (to me anyway).

The Farmyard Jam is a version of this race format but with a twist. You can choose to run a 5km lap and complete an obstacle gauntlet or, skip the obstacles and run an extra mile (making the total lap distance 4 miles).

I entered this race with the goal of running for 24 hours with the highest distance I could achieve in that time.

Race day was one of the hottest days of the year and the start time was 12pm. Whilst it was hot, I was completing the 4 mile laps in 40 - 45 minutes. This was good for being able to rest between laps, but it also meant I was working hard in the heat.

In hindsight, what I should have been doing is slowing down on the lap and walking a bit more. This would have meant I was getting some rest out on course and not working so hard.

My one man crew machine, aka Jay, was doing a fantastic job. Drinks and fuel ready at the end of each lap plus getting a BBQ on the go a few times. Can't beat a burger in the sun!

Having someone to crew for you definitely helps. I know without Jay's help I wouldn't have made it as far as I did.

As the sun set, we went into the night which was a blessing as the heat of the day left with it. 

Running in the dark is something I'm used to. The majority of my running is done early in the morning, which, during winter, means running with a headtorch on.

I was feeling fine for the first 13 laps of this race. However when I started lap 14 I wasn't feeling great. I struggled to get any type of rhythm going and also started to think a lot of negative thoughts. Things like, my son will be disappointed if I don't do the whole 24 hours. 

Looking back, I think this has a lot to do with the time of day. It was 2am which is normally the lowest someone will feel when running through the night. We are so used to being asleep at this time it messes with our circadian rhythm. 

Throughout that lap I was struggling and I finished it in 58 minutes. Whilst I could have carried on, I let my head get the better of me and called it a day with 54 miles covered.

The lessons I learnt from this will be put into practice in March when I have another go at a Backyard Ultra.

Simple things like, setting my watch different so I can see more data, listening to something for a couple of laps and being aware of that 2am demon waiting in my head.

I'll finish by saying that I think Backyard Ultras are a great way for people to achieve distance targets. Some of the people I was running with achieved their first marathon and Ultras during this event. If you have one near you, I'd definitely recommend giving it a go.

Introduction to Ultra's

Since I started taking running seriously, I knew that distance was what excited me. 

How far can you go? How much can you push yourself? How do you train to get ready for the long hurty stuff?

This mindset led me down the Ultramarathon route. 

Ultras had fascinated me for a while and it was in July 22 that I decided to attempt my first.

I'd signed up for a race put on by Rasselbock. If you haven't heard of them or follow them on social media you are missing out. Their events are lap based and you have 6 hours to do as much or as little as you want. Plus their aid stations are the best.

With a 6 hour time limit my goal was to hit the 50km mark. 

The race was held at Gedling Country Park with a lap distance of about 5km. With the added bonus of 100m of elevation each lap.

Looking back, I went off way too fast. The first mile was done in 7:34 (I was going to pay for that later). I was also treating the hills like I would in shorter distance races (free speed). Again, something I would pay for later.

All was going well for the first 25km, but then my earlier excitement caught up with me. I wasn't able to sustain the pace and the hills had taken their toll on my legs.

The last 25km of the race were a case of 'get your head down and get the job done'. Pace was slowed dramatically, I was walking the hills and the downhills were taken alot slower.

In the end, I crossed the 50km line in 5hours and 35minutes. Still a good time but not what I was aiming for.

The lessons I learnt from that first Ultra are still fresh in my mind and I remind myself of them often.

Don't go out fast. It's a long race, so get to know what pace you can maintain comfortably. 

Fueling. As this was a lap event, I decided to run with just a belt instead of a race pack. My plan was to use the aid station each lap to top up fuel. What I should have done and do now, is run with a race pack. I've spent enough time running with one to be comfortable wearing it and it means you can carry more fuel and have better access to it.

In January 23 I would be back at another Rasselbock event with the aim of "righting the wrongs" of this race. My aim that day was to cover the 50km in under 5 hours.

Setting off at a more controlled pace and having a better fueling plan helped me achieve a time of 4 hours 56 minutes.

Spartan

I can remember the exact time I first came across Spartan race. I was sat in my car, swiping on social media to kill time before I had to go and see a customer. 

Up popped an advert for this Obstacle Course Race with awesome looking obstacles, people doing burpees and jumping over fire. Now that got my attention.

Some searching online lead me to sign up for a trifecta in 2020. A trifecta is completing all three Spartan race distances in one calendar year (Sprint 5km, Super 10km and Beast 21km). 

We all know what happened in 2020 so these races were pushed back to 2021. 

July 2021 saw me stood on the start line for the Super at their Midlands venue. I was taking part in the open category which isn't competitive, but in my mind I was either doing every obstacle or penalty. 

I was hooked! I loved it! The whole running on technical terrain, obstacles designed to wear you down, the community, everything about that first race was brilliant. 

The day after I went back to do the Sprint distance, and in October 2021, I completed the trifecta with the Beast race.

First trifecta done. Sign me up for more. I was all in for 2022 with a season pass purchased and a step up to competitive racing in Age Group.

The Age Group racing Spartan used to have was brilliant, in my opinion. You would race against people in the same five year age bracket. This gave people like myself a sense of competition and pride when we stood on the start line. We were held to the same standard and rules as the elite runners. We just weren't as quick in most cases. I think it's a real shame they have changed how they are supporting Age Group racers now.

During the winter of 2022 and 2023 I trained hard to be ready for the season. Unfortunately, an injury (a tear in one of my shoulder tendons), I had picked up during the Beast race meant I had to defer my season pass to 2023. 

A few months of rehabilitation and I was on the start line of the Super at Midlands once again, but this time in the competitive wave. I was back doing what I loved to do. This was also the weekend that my eldest son took part in his first Spartan Kids Race. Very proud Dad moment.

Roll onto October 2022 and the UK were hosting the Spartan European Championships. Whilst I will admit I had no expectations of being competitive, it was great to be on the start line with athletes from all over Europe to compete in the Beast distance. The Sprint followed the day after and another trifecta completed.

2023 was the year I was all in on Spartan racing and also taking part in the Ultra. The Spartan Ultra is a 50km version of their races. Basically, two laps of the Beast course with an extra loop.

By this point I had already ran a few non-OCR Ultramarathons and knew this was where my passion lay. Something about the grind of long distances really appealed to me.

The year started off with a trifecta weekend at Henly on Thames. The venue and the course were brilliant. All three standard distances done. My plan for the year was to enjoy the races whilst getting practice in for the Ultra in October.

The next race weekend was Midlands but at a new venue. For those that don't follow OCR, in 2020 Spartan purchased Tough Mudder. These two brands are the "powerhouses" of OCR. Unfortunately, it seems that in the UK Tough Mudder are calling the shots not Spartan. This new venue has been a Tough Mudder venue for a number of years and the weekend before this race had hosted a Tough Mudder event.

Whilst I have nothing against Tough Mudder, in my opinion it is completely different to Spartan. Tough Mudder is advertised as non-competitive, whereas Spartan is competitive. Helping others is encouraged in Tough Mudder. In the competitive waves at Spartan it is against the rules to help other competitive racers.

This new venue did not have a Spartan feel to it. Next to no technical running and the reuse of Tough Mudder obstacles lead to a very frustrating weekend. But all three race distances completed again. Trifecta number two for the year.

August was the third race weekend of the year. Again this was held at a Tough Mudder venue, the day after a Tough Mudder event. I will give credit to Spartan they did a better job this time. Minimal use of Tough Mudder obstacles and better penalty loops led to a enjoyable Beast race.

Now it was onto the "A" race of the year, the Spartan Ultra at Pippingford Park. Pippingford is my favourite Spartan venue in the UK. It has loads of hills and technical running. Just what I like. 

I won't go into too much detail on the Ultra as I've already done a long Instagram post on this, please check it out if you want to know more on the race. In short, it was hard and I overcame some mental battles to finish. But finish I did, and I'm very proud how I turned the race around.

The Spartan Ultra feels like a good ending to my Spartan journey. Whilst I will still do some races, I can't see myself ever chasing the whole race series again.

The Fan Dance

The first time I ever heard of The Fan Dance was whilst I was watching one of the early episodes of 'SAS Who Dares Wins'.

The Fan Dance is part of the SAS selection process, the route involves going up and over Pen Y Fan, twice. The total mileage is about 15 miles and during the selection, candidates must complete it in 4 hours and 10 minutes, all whilst carrying weighted packs. It is designed to test if candidates have the physical and mental aptitude to complete selection.

It was during the dark days of lockdown that I came across a company who ran this test for "civilians" to try. You could either sign up for the full weighted version (like in selection), or a "clean fatigue" version which was designed for runners. 

Having spent a lot of time in the mountains with a weighted pack, and really wanting to test my mountain running, I opted for the clean fatigue version.

The original date for this race was January 2021, due to COVID restrictions it wasn't until March 2022 that I finally found myself stood at the iconic red phone box for the start.

It was typically Welsh weather with wind and rain in abundance. As a clean fatigue runner, we were able to set off ahead of the full weight competitors. 

The first climb took us up Corn Du with all the wind and rain to go with it. The climb itself was manageable with some sections that required some power hiking. A bit of a nav error saw myself and another take a wrong turn here, but we soon rectified this and got back on the correct path to Pen Y Fan. Just goes to show how tricky nav can be when moving in the mountains whilst in clag.

The Summit of Pen Y Fan was reached, but no time to stop and definitely no views. Now it was time to get down and get to the turn around point. 

After Pen Y Fan, we followed the Beacons Way to around Cribyn then took a sharp right at Bwlch ar y Fan (yes that is correct, check OS Maps). This was a gradual decent which was good to run and led us to the half way point at Torpantau Station.

Knowing what the climb back up was like, I spent a couple of minutes taking some layers off and headed back up.

The climb back up was punishing. Even though I'd just ran down this it was energy sapping on the return leg. The positive was that the weather had improved slightly. Some of the views over Upper Neaudd Reservoir were stunning.

The Brecon Beacons isn't a place I've visited very often and I'd definitely like to head back and do some exploring.

Rejoining the Beacons Way, the route took us back up Pen Y Fan via the infamous Jaccobs Ladder. This is the last section of the climb up and you are reduced to a plod. The gradient is horrible and you are relieved when it's over.

The return leg takes you around Cribyn's summit and then it's straight down to the finish.

The decent down to the finish is around two kilometres of downhill on a packed trail path. Great for running on, just watch out for people climbing up and the drainage channels. I love downhill running and this section was great after the climb up.

All that was left was a quick dash across a bridge and into the finish.

Finishing time was 2 hours and 45 minutes along with a 5th place finish.

How I started running

Hi, my name is Colin and if you're reading this you’re either curious about who I am, want to know about some races, or bored!!

I'll start by giving you a short backstory about my fitness and running journey.

Back in 2016, I was not happy with the person I saw in the mirror. Everyone says I wasn't overweight, but I felt like I was.

At the time, my wife was pregnant with our first child and I decided I wanted him to grow up thinking it was normal for people to exercise and take care of themselves.

I purchased an elliptical machine and some home gym equipment, and on the 1st of January 2017 started working out regularly. I didn't follow a plan, just did some cardio and lifted some heavy stuff.

Low and behold, I lost some weight and felt great. Who knew exercise could make you feel so good!!

This continued throughout 2017 and at the start of 2018 I wanted to test myself and signed up for The Wolf Run.

For those that don't know, The Wolf Run is a 10km Obstacle Course Race. I'll do a separate blog about The Wolf Run but, long story short, I was hooked. I loved it. Running round in nature, climbing over things and getting muddy. What's not to like!!

I quickly signed up for another Obstacle Course Race and I knew I was onto something.

I loved it, and I especially loved getting off the roads. For me personally, trail running is one of the most joyful things you can do. Whether that be running in the mountains, in the woods or by the sea. Being out in nature and seeing its beauty.

I will do some separate blog posts about my favourite races, so please give them a read.

That’s me in a nutshell. 

Thank you for reading.

2019 - Alpha Wolf

The OCR bug had definitely taken hold and I happily signed up to attempt the Alpha Wolf challenge in 2019.

The Alpha Wolf is taking on a Wolf Run in each season on the year.

April was the first one, (Spring Wolf) and it was COLD! I did this with my brother and a friend. All of us enjoyed it, apart from the lake swim. I’ve never been that cold before or since. Seeing people in foil blankets definitely made me run harder than normal just to warm up. One down, three to go!

June was the Summer Wolf and it was a great day out. This was the first Wolf Run I did on my own, and therefore was able to move at my own speed. The atmosphere was great as this is normally their busiest event of the year (good weather helps). Half way through the challenge and onto the next one.

Next up was the Autumn Wolf Run, in September. Since the summer event I’d started to run more and really train for Obstacle Course races. I went into the race feeling really good and wanting to push myself. The weather was perfect for running, and I was able to achieve a PB. One more to go!

Last, but, definitely not least was the Winter Wolf, in November. Whilst it wasn’t cold, it was a miserable day. Constant wind and rain made it a “get your head down and get on with it” type of event. What made it more special was that my wife and best friend braved the weather and were at the finish waiting to cheer me over the line.

Alpha Wolf complete and I was already on the look out for more challenges going into 2020!!

2020 - How I used the pandemic

Going into 2020 I was ready to have a great year, race wise.

After finishing the Alpha Wolf the previous year, I really wanted to push myself. In total I had 10 races in the calendar and was ready to go.

We all know what happened that year and I know we all found it hard for a lot of reasons. What I want to focus on is the positive I was able to take from that year.

When the first lockdown was announced, and it became clear that no races would be happening for the foreseeable future, I decided to jump on the virtual race band wagon that was going on.

This enabled me to constantly have something to keep my motivation up and keep on training. To begin with, these challenges were to run the same distance as the postponed races, but, as the year went on, they got a lot harder.

In May of 2020, I ran my first ever half marathon. July saw me accumulate the height of Mount Everest over the month. And August was my first marathon and had my son waiting for me at the finish line. Still the best finish line I’ve ever crossed!

I also used the time to really research training. I read everything I could find online about how to structure training. What types of sessions promoted the best responses. In short, and unknowingly, I’d started my journey to become a coach.

2020 was also the year that I started to connect with people via social media who shared my new found passion for running and training. I’m pleased to say that a lot of these people I now class as good friends. To me, this shows one of the positive sides of social media and the pandemic (if that’s possible).

In October of 2020, I was finally able to take part in a proper, in-person race. Whilst it didn’t have the normal feel, with staggered starts and social distancing it was great to get out on a course. Amazingly, I was the first person to complete the race (personally, I don’t class this as a win as it wasn’t chip timed). For someone who had next to no athletics background apart from playing football occasionally, this was a massive achievement.

As the year drew to a close, I continued to train consistently and finished the year having ran over 1000 miles.

Man vs Trinity

I’m sure I’m not the only one that went down some rabbit holes on the internet during lockdown. One such rabbit hole led me to Rat Race’s Man vs Trinity series.

This series consists of three different races. Man vs Coast, Man vs Lakes and Man vs Mountain. As the Man vs Lakes race is based in the Lake District (my favourite place on earth) and in 2021 being the last time they were putting on this event, I felt compelled to sign up.

The first in the series was Man vs Coast. This event takes place in Cornwall and is a 25 mile race starting in Marazion and goes around the Cornish peninsula to Lands End. The day started off very overcast and wet but the sun would soon come. Running along the coastal path was beautiful and brutal in equal measure. I made the stupid error of admiring the views and took a nasty fall which left me with one smashed up hand. I finished the race in just over 5 hours then had to drive straight home. Rat Race still do this event and I’d highly recommend it.

Two weeks after the trip to Cornwall I was up in The Lake District to take on Man vs Lakes. This race starts with a crossing of Morecombe Bay (on foot!!) then making your way through the southern Lake District to Coniston. Apart from the typical Lake District terrain (hills, hills and more hills), what made this hard was the heatwave we were experiencing at the time. The race started at midday with the crossing of Morecombe Bay to coincide with the tide. This was a very strange experience as you could feel the ground moving under your feet. Through the Lake District we went, with some water challenges thrown in for good measure. These were a great way to cool down in the heat. After nearly 7 hours and 29 miles, I crossed the finish line in Coniston for the last ever Man vs Lakes.

September of 2021 was supposed to be the month to complete the Trinity. Unfortunately, the race got called off due to the local council refusing to grant permits due to COVID. With that, the race was pushed back to September 2022. The week before this race I had been extremely unwell. Despite knowing running up Snowdon wasn’t the best idea I was determined to finish this challenge. The race starts at Caernarfon Castle and takes you to Snowdon Summit. Amazingly, once I started running, I felt good. Despite thinking I would end up hiking the majority of this race, I was running well. The route up Snowdon was hard, but the views were amazing. Snowdonia really is a beautiful place. After summiting Snowdon, we made our way back down to Llanberis but the race had one last gift to give. The vertical kilometer. One kilometer of constant uphill. After tackling this, all that was left was a fun run downhill to the finish. 22 miles with 1600 metres of vert in 5 hours and 1 min. That 1 minute really annoys me!!

Man vs Trinity completed.