The Grand Union Canal Race (GUCR145) is a legendary 145 mile continuous race from Gas Street Basin in Birmingham, to Little Venice in London, entirely on the canal towpath.

Most people try and complete a few 100 milers before even considering signing up. The distance is a real challenge and even experienced runners struggle, with a DNF rate typically of 50%.

Rachel isn’t most people, and with a longest run of 70 miles decided to enter a race twice that distance, without a coach, balancing training around work and family, during lockdown. With few opportunities for training races this was a huge undertaking and a huge test of determination.

Hear how she got on, why you might consider a nutrition coach, and her glowing review of Milton Keynes towpath at night!

Reminder that my second book “Ducking Long Way” is out for pre-order on Amazon and includes my adventure on the GUCR145:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ducking-Long-Way-Ultra-Running/dp/1913207587

For more irreverent running nonsense head to www.runlikeduck.co.uk

For the race head to http://www.canalrace.org.uk/

A special episode where Spencer and I talk about the unmentionable side of ultras - Did Not Finish

We both failed at the recent Thames Path 100, and discuss why, what we learnt, and give advice for when you’re in the same position and making sure you really, really have to quit!

DNFs are often spoken in hushed terms like a bereavement. Many other runners offer only platitudes and weak assertions that ‘You’ve done really well anyway’ rather than speak the honest truth, you tried something hard and failed. If DNF wasn’t a possibility they’d be no challenge in the first place. We run ultras because they’re hard, things go wrong and holding the buckle at the end is not a certainty.

Important other news my second book “Ducking Long Way”  is out for pre-order on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ducking-Long-Way-Ultra-Running/dp/1913207587

For more irreverent running nonsense head to www.runlikeduck.co.uk

For the race head to https://www.centurionrunning.com/

A bumper episode with two ultra runners who have just smashed their goals this year already. Kerry has recently beat her goals at the SDW50 as part one of the Centurion 50 mile slam, and Helen galloped around the Thames Path 100 for a 5th place finish.

We talk about what it is that drew them to running ultras and possible reasons why other women tend not to move up in the distances.

Both interviewees have recently taken on coaches and they discuss the benefits that having a more structured approach brings to their training.

Helen is coached by Gary House of Runstrong:

https://www.therunstrongclub.com/

Kerry is coached by Adam at Greenlight PT:

https://www.greenlightpt.co.uk/

Important other news my second book “Ducking Long Way”  is out for pre-order on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ducking-Long-Way-Ultra-Running/dp/1913207587

For more irreverent running nonsense head to www.runlikeduck.co.uk

For the race head to https://www.centurionrunning.com/

In the words of Ross “We were on a break”. You might have noticed a gap in podcasts but racing is back and so is the podcast!

This episode features a newer addition to the ultra running calendar, The Rose Of The Shires 54 miler.

It’s a single loop of the Northampton countryside and features a varied and challenging course and is well recommended.

Despite only being held once before, the 2021 event was faultless as we’ve come to expect from Go Beyond.

I ran the event with clubmates and previous guests Eoin and Jon. For Jon it was a long training run and practice race for the SDW100. For Eoin it was a big leap from his previous longest race of 35 miles.  Hear how we got on and why Jon got up to rutting in the countryside.

For more irreverent running nonsense head to www.runlikeduck.co.uk

For the race head to www.gobeyondsport.co.uk

The Country To Capital is a longstanding fixture in the ultra calendar. A 43 mile run from Wendover to London is a great way to kick start January. Or at least a good way to realise how unfit you've got over Christmas.

Hear how Jon got on running in the mud and the canal tow path. Did he fall in? Was he chased by a cow?

For more irreverent running nonsense head to www.runlikeduck.co.uk

For the race head to www.gobeyondsport.co.uk

January is a great time to stay in the warm. Running is a summer sport surely?

If you feel compelled to get out, you could run around the coast of Cornwall, mostly in the dark, risking exposure and falling down mine shafts.

Arc of Attrition comes in 50 and 100 mile version and is referred to as the South West’s toughest footrace.

Spencer has tried the 100 twice, being crewed by Stuart. It didn’t put Stuart off and he was down to run the 50 this year until Covid caused cancellation.

For more irreverent running nonsense head to www.runlikeduck.co.uk

For the race head to www.mudcrew.co.uk/event/the-arc-of-attrition/

2020 has been a difficult year for all.

In this episode I catch up with previous interviewees Stuart, Kerry, Spencer, Ellie and Lauren to see how their year went. Everyone had big plans, and then Covid came and ruined the party.

We also talk motivation during uncertain times, how virtual races have come into their own and the reasons for even experienced runners to enlist a coach.

For more irreverent running nonsense head to www.runlikeduck.co.uk  

In this episode I talk to Olly who decided that some fast marathons were ideal prep for a race described as “The World’s Toughest Mountain Race” and entered the Dragon’s Back Race, a mere jog down the length of Wales, over 5 days. It covers 195 miles with some serious climbing, starting in Conwy and finishing in Llandeilo in South West Wales.

He has some great tips and advice on what it takes to complete this awesome challenge.

For more irreverent running nonsense head to www.runlikeduck.co.uk

For the race head to www.dragonsbackrace.com

In this episode I talk to experienced ultrarunner Steve Morris. After a catalogue of finishes he was cruelly timed out at the 85km mountainous ultra at Madeira last year.

He decided to return this year to settle the score, and escape the British weather.

Hear how he got on, find out where Madeira even is, and why you should check out the Ecotrail series.

For more irreverent running nonsense head to www.runlikeduck.co.uk

For Ecotrail Events head to www.ecotrail.com/en

The Run of 6 is a virtual event set up by Mark Cockbain of Cockbain Events.

It sounds simple –

You can only start at 6 am or 6 pm.

You must run 6x6 miles (36 miles)

Each 6 miles must be done within the hour, and you can only start the next 6 miles upon the hour.

If you fail to complete any of the 6 within the hour you are out.

You must have proof of 6x6 milers within the time limit to complete the challenge.

Find out why I joined a virtual event and how I got on.

Warning for swear words!

For more irreverent running nonsense head to www.runlikeduck.co.uk

For Cockbain Events head to www.cockbainevents.com