Don’t Forget Your Gels

From ordinary to extraordinary with Ivor Stratford


Listen Later

Three and a half years ago, Ivor Stratford struggled to run a single mile. Today, he’s deep in training for the Marathon des Sables — widely regarded as the toughest foot race on earth. In this inspiring episode, we explore how Ivor transformed from a non runner into an endurance athlete capable of taking on a 250 km ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert.

Discover the training, mindset, nutrition, and personal breakthroughs that made this extraordinary journey possible — and find out what it truly takes to push the limits of human endurance.
 
You can support Ivor's fundraising efforts and help him £10,000 by donating on his fundraising page here
 

If you'd like to run an event for Dreams Come True check out their events here, or email [email protected]. To run for The Hospice of St Francis check out their events here or email [email protected]

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have two channels, this one and another for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com

 

PODCAST NOTES

Keywords

running, marathon, ultra marathon, mental health, fundraising, Sahara, training, personal journey, endurance, charity

Summary

In this episode, Tim from the Sapphire Running Zone interviews Ivor, who shares his incredible journey from being unfit and unhealthy to training for the toughest foot race on Earth, the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert. Ivor discusses his initial foray into running, the challenges he faced during his first marathons, and how he has transformed his life through running and fundraising for charity. He emphasises the importance of mental health, the logistics of preparing for extreme conditions, and his future aspirations in the world of ultra running.


Takeaways

I started running in May 2022 after being unfit for years.

Running a marathon was a fluke decision that changed my life.
The London Marathon was the most fun I've ever had.
Don't wear new gear on race day; it can backfire.
Fundraising for charity made training easier and more meaningful.
Running has significantly improved my mental health.
I want to inspire others by sharing my journey.
Preparing for the Sahara requires unique training and logistics.
Nutrition in extreme conditions is a major challenge.
I have ambitious plans for future ultra marathons.


Sound bites

"Don't wear cheap socks."

"Doing it together was amazing."
"If I can do it, anyone can."


Chapters

00:00 From Zero to Marathon: A Journey Begins

11:08 The Ultra Marathon Challenge: Pushing Limits
18:56 Preparing for the Sahara: Training and Logistics
23:01 Mental Health and Fundraising: The Bigger Picture
29:20 Future Aspirations: Beyond the Sahara

 

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Don’t Forget Your GelsBy The Sapphire Running Zone