Tales of Trails, Mountains and Rocky Roads: Challenges Ahead.....

Sunday, 3 July 2011

Challenges Ahead.....

This time next week it will all be over and I will have competed in my 4^th ultra distance World Championship race for

Great Britain

. Even now it still feels a little unreal. Four years ago I’d only ever dreamt of competing for my country, and although the past couple of years have been full of ups and downs, I don’t regret any of it.

Last Thursday the new GB kit arrived and that same sense of excitement and anticipation took hold, not only about the actual running, but also about meeting up with old friends from the ultra running world and making new ones. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many inspirational ultra distance athletes since I started running “Beyond the Marathon” myself, some of whom have gone on to achieve some exceptional accolades and undertaken some extreme challenges.

For me, next weekend at the World Trail Running Championships will be another personal challenge. Although I’ve dabbled in trail running overseas in the past – the 78km Swiss Alpine Mountain Marathon and the World Trail Running Championships (50 miles) over in Texas back in 2007 both spring to mind – I have always considered road running to be my strength. However, I’m now finding myself drawn to the trails and having the urge to do longer and more difficult races that will test my limits and take me out of my comfort zone.

I’m really looking forward to the race next Saturday and want to run well, not only for the GB team, but also to give me the confidence to try different things. Next weekend is just the start, and then after that, who knows?! Trentham have entered a team for the 24 hour Thunder Run at the end of July which, whilst a team effort, will also be a test of mental and physical strength, running through the night in a 24 hour relay. Maybe I’ll attempt the Bob Graham Round, or maybe I will finally get round to running the 100 mile Staffordshire Way in 24 hours, but one thing is for certain - if this is the start of my midlife crisis, then I’m happy to face it head on and see where it takes me.

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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 :-)