Ultra Mum

Dursley Dozen for me today. Not my usual race but wanted to test my hill legs, but wow it was muddy!! Was happy with my result considering I’m not particularly fast, just like to plod forever normally. It was so lovely to see so many familiar faces; fellow runners, marshals and supporters alike. Reminds me how friendly the running community is. Well done to everyone who took part 👏

Thanks to Dave Urwin of Albion Running for arranging an inspiring evening with ultra runner Beth Pascall. Look forward to the next….

Lovely evening with Nicky Spinks, such an incredible ultra runner, very interesting talk and pleasure to meet.

A great morning out on The Malvern Hills with wonderful group of runners. Nice to catch up with you all again and meet a few new faces. Was surprisingly warm for December, considering last year was snow and ice ❄️

A great run at Church Stretton yesterday on the Long Mynd Skyline. We had every weather thrown at us; wind, rain and the most amazing rainbow 🌈 Some tough hills and fantastic company!!

When life puts you in the deepest black hole, you have to pull out the positives, let go of the negatives and emerge a better, stronger person of yourself!!!
These last few months have been tough but I have finally found the new me and conquering Cotswold Way Century this weekend has proved that my hard work has paid off, bagging myself First Lady in a very pleasing time of 27hrs 13 mins for 102 miles💪
I went into the race to finish, after my DNF at Wotton 2 years ago, secretly hoping for 28-29hrs. 2 weeks clean eating, cutting caffeine and bagging extra sleep each night certainly paid off. Fairly early in the race I realised that I could have a podium finish, then playing cat and mouse with First Lady made me think it could be mine. At the half way CP she left as I went in, I was now on home turf and knew I had a strong night ahead of me, I caught her at Uley but then my torch died so whilst switching batteries she took the lead again. Wotton CP at mile 70 was my nemeses, I was home, but this year my focus was Bath Abbey, I left before her but knew how close on my tail she was. I found it tough going to mile 80, always the hardest part of my 100 mile races but once I’d pushed through Horton CP I was on fire 🔥, finish line was getting closer. 10 miles to go I was told she was closing in on me again, I had run the whole race on my own, she was at an advantage running with 3 guys all working with her, I had to put my foot down and open the gap. The rain started to pour and my pace increased, Glenn met me at Weston for the last few miles into the city, still feeling good I managed to run into the Abbey through the crowds and music to an amazing team of support cheering me in 🏆👏!!!
Thank you everyone for your support this weekend, I think I have thanked you all personally now so not going to name names in this post but you know who you are. I am very lucky to have so much support and so many great friends ❤️