At the end of the day, the result matters less than being able to look in the mirror and say, “I gave it my all.”
Diary of a Crew – By Rachel Lindley
Rachel, one of my amazing crew at Winter Downs 200 wrote about the experience & has kindly allowed me to publish it here on my blog. It's almost like the behind-the-scenes action from my own story! Winter Downs 200, December 2023 There was a kettle that plugged into the car. A boot-full of snacks and … Continue reading Diary of a Crew – By Rachel Lindley
Winter Downs 200
The Finish At the bottom of Box Hill, I pause & look up. There is just one mile & one final 300-foot climb standing between me & the finish line. This. This is what I have trained for. This is what reps of Box Hill in all weathers was for. This is what running up … Continue reading Winter Downs 200
Sprinting along the Spine of Britain
In the summer of 2022, I discovered the beauty of the Peak District. I know, late to the party. Somewhere I had intended to visit for many years but had never quite made it that far north. One Friday in mid-August, I looked at my diary & realised that I had an unexpectedly clear week … Continue reading Sprinting along the Spine of Britain
Wendover Redemption
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again, because in the words of Elizabeth Day, “learning how to fail is learning how to succeed”. Two years ago I DNF’d (Did Not Finish) Wendover Woods 100. As I sat wrapped in all my clothes trying to keep warm after calling it quits mid-way through lap … Continue reading Wendover Redemption
ARC50: Dancing on the South West Coast Path
Two & a half years ago in the summer of 2020, I fell in love with the South West Coast Path. I borrowed a tent & a camping stove. Dug my 20-year-old sleeping bag out of the loft & between lockdowns headed off on a mini-adventure. I pitched the tent in a deserted campsite just … Continue reading ARC50: Dancing on the South West Coast Path
Autumn 100: The one that went right.
29 minutes in & my watch beeps at me. I stop & slow to a walk as a steady stream of runners pass me, several pausing to ask if I’m okay. I guess they’re not used to seeing someone walk quite so early on in a race & I appreciate their concern. My walking is … Continue reading Autumn 100: The one that went right.
Thames Path 100: A race of three thirds
It’s mile 51 & I’m having a one-woman sit-down protest. I’m sitting on the grass by the river in Henley refusing to move. I’ve spent the previous ten miles listing all of the reasons why I’m stopping. It’s too hot. My legs hurt. I’ve fallen behind my target & so won’t hit my goal, therefore … Continue reading Thames Path 100: A race of three thirds
The Vanguard Way
The Vanguard Way (VGW) was where I discovered trail running in 2016. Before the Vanguard, I was a road runner pounding the pavements of Croydon day after day. I knew no different. One evening early in the summer, the club run took us off the roads & onto the trails of Croydon. I entered a … Continue reading The Vanguard Way
Wendover Woods 100: The one that didn’t go to plan
I shout about the good ones so it’s only right that I also shout about the ones that *don’t* quite go to plan. At the end of 2019, I ran the Wendover Woods 50. The hilly woodland trails were everything I love about running & it instantly became one of my favourite races. When Centurion … Continue reading Wendover Woods 100: The one that didn’t go to plan
