Tales of Trails, Mountains and Rocky Roads: Good Start to 2011

Friday 25 February 2011

Good Start to 2011

Compared to the past couple of years, 2011 has started off pretty well in running terms, and since the New Year, I've raced every week. Most of these races have been at cross country, strange really considering that mud, hills and off road are not a normal part of my vocabulary.

Thankfully the road running season has now started, and I'm back to what I feel most comfortable with. At the end of January, I did the Gloucester 50km race and I'm pleased to say that I won it in a time quicker than I did for the distance last year - 3.37.10 - nowhere near a PB, but considering I was only just getting back properly from injury, I'm really pleased with how the race went. The race also served as the England Team selection race for the Anglo Celtic Plate 100km at the end of March so now want to have a stab at that to see how I do.

I then raced a little closer to home - the Alsager 5 at the beginning of February. 5 miles is way too short for me, but it's always good to have a bit of a blast and blow off those cobwebs. Not a bad run considering, and finished in 31.58. It was actually quite nice to run alongside some familiar faces from the local clubs, and it was great to see so many of them having a great race and getting their own PB's.

Since then, training has been going ok. We did have a new puppy about 3 weeks ago - young Wilson, a collie x whippet - so he's been keeping us busy and taking up a lot of our time, but we wouldn't swap it for the world. He's now started to settle down a bit, which means I'm now starting to get some proper sleep and can focus on my running again and my next big race on Sunday - the Barry 40 mile Track in South Wales.

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A Little Bit About Me

Now living in Alberta, Canada, I was born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent in England, and have been a competitive runner for over 40 years. I began my running career as a track and cross country runner when in my teens before turning to marathon running in my 20's, and then ultra running when I reached my 30's. Although starting out primarily as a road runner, I now consider myself a trail runner and mainly compete in trail races in Canada and the U.S. Over the years, I've completed almost 200 marathons and ultramarathons, and have represented Great Britain at ultra distance world championships numerous times in the past, as well as representing Team Canada at Big's Backyard Ultra World Championship in both 2020 and 2022. More recently, I ran my furthest distance to date when I completed my first 200-mile event -The Divide 200 - in the Rockies of Southern Alberta, finishing in 84 hours and 28 minutes. I still have that drive to be a successful runner, and I enjoy being competitive and training for races. Running has been and still is a huge part of my life, but I couldn't do what I do without the support of my husband Andy who has followed me everywhere to crew and support me at the many races over the years. I am also completely obsessed with my wonderful dogs - Wilson, Tillie and April. These pups continue to be my lucky running mascots and have been to prmlalmost every race with me. They are also my training buddies and I've spent many happy trail miles with them, talking race tactics and seeking advice since they joined our family. After many years of being a successful athlete, these days I am just happy to still be able to run and enjoy what I do - race victories and unlikely PR's are definitely a bonus :-)