Running 44@60 - tips, ideas and advice for your first ultra marathon or marathon

In this episode of the Running 44@60 podcast I’m sharing my favourite 6 races of 2023

I mention separately the three favourite park runs I did which were Babbs Mill on the morning of the national running show and it was also the coldest ever Park run I’ve ever taken part in, Trelissick on June 10th when I celebrated my 100th park run at that venue by donning complete cricket gear and my favourite was the Hove Promenade the day before the Brighton half which my son and I took part in and we decided that we will have a gentle run out on the park run which then got super competitive and in the end he beat me by nine seconds but it was still my fastest of the year.

So the top six are:

In sixth place Cousin Jack – an 18 mile race on the toughest bit of the Cornish coastal path

In fifth place the KVK solo

In fourth place the Brighton Half where I ran sub two hours using the Jeff Galloway walk run method

In third place Hope 24 – my first venture into a festival running event

In second place Exe to Axe -  22 pretty brutal miles and it was on my birthday!

And this year’s winner is St Piran’s Revenge – the toughest yet most spectacular five and a bit miles race I’ve ever done and I love the way it was done in a minimalist way

Don’t forget The Cornwall Running Show 2024 will be held on Sunday January 14th at the Heartlands event centre – I will be there encouraging visitors to the show to come and do a two minute recording with me about their running plans for 2024

This is episode 133 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 132 episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. 

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sale generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West.

Trevor's big running goal is now the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2025. 

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The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from  Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West 

In this episode of the Running 44@60 podcast Tracy Waite tells us all about the Cornwall Running Show 2024

The Cornwall Running Show 2024 will be held on Sunday January 14th at the Heartlands event centre which is juts off the A30 between Redruth and Camborne. 

The Cornwall Running Show 2024 will feature things you take part in including guided runs, yoga, pilates, and general exercise sessions.

They will be numerous exhibitors including wellness, injury prevention, massage, clothing, coaching, run lab analysis, soft tissue therapy, local running clubs and event organisers. 

At midday there will be a stage speaking event designed to help you prepare better for longer runs so covering everything from nutrition and hydration to using rock tape and other injury prevention steps

Visitors can just turn up - no ticket needed and can take part in the interactive events again without having to pre-book

The show will appear to seasoned runners as well as though staring running - maybe via a new year’s resolution - so if you are a runner bring some non-runners with you

For those starting out ‘SwapBox’ will be at the show. Swap Box gathers in running clothing and shoes runners no longer need and finds them a good home - often with those new to running who can then give it a go without investing in lots of kit. 

This is episode 132 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 131 episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. 

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sale generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West.

Trevor's big running goal is now the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2025. 

Send us Fan Mail

The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from  Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West 

In this episode of the Running 44@60 podcast I’m sharing my experience of running the first ever Lighthouse Marathon.

Pendeen to Godrevy on the North Cornwall Coast with a bit on at the start and finish to make it the full marathon distance. 

For me it was an ARC 50 test. With 3 months to go where am I fitness wise was the key question to be answered.

Sadly a recent achilles injury I had recovered from re-occured when I slipped / stumbled at 7 miles.

I hobbled on to the 14 mile aid station at St Ives where I had already decided enough was enough. My first ever DNF (Did Not Finish)

It also means my Arc adventure for January 2024 is over. I’ve deferred to January 2025. 

I mention the Ford Sen Mighal - its a great Bys Vyken event on December 2nd - North Cornwall Coast (Lelant) to South Cornwall Coast (Marazion) 

This is episode 130 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 128 episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. 

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sale generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West.

Trevor's big running goal is now the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2025. 

Send us Fan Mail

The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from  Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West 

In this episode of the Running 44@60 podcast I’m talking to King Alfred's Way top 5 finisher Jim Spencer. 

Jim successfully completed this one time event in mid-August 2023. 

We recorded the episode whilst setting up the Trelissick Parkrun on Saturday October 14th.  

King Alfred Way's went through 4 counties and the event, organised by Cockbain Events was billed as being 220 miles with 85 hours to complete it in. As you will hear Jim took the odd wrong turn and ended up doing 234 miles but well within the cut off time. Unbelievably one of his fastest miles was towards the event when he was looking to gain 5th place. 

It was inspiring just talking to Jim about his adventure, how he managed nutrition and some sleep and the role his crew Katie and Roly played.

This is episode 130 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 129 episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. 

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sale generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West.

Trevor's big running goal currently is the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2024. He completed his first 24 hour race on July 8th  Hope 24, and his next long race is the Bys Vyken Lighthouse Marathon at the end of October. https://www.bysvykenevents.com/lighthouse

Send us Fan Mail

The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from  Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West 

In this episode of the Running 44@60 podcast I’m talking to first time IronMan Tim Hill who successfully completed the Copenhagen Ironman in August 2023. 

Tim worked for the LTA for many years as a high performance coach and spent seven years as a Tennis Coach in Australia which is where the idea for an Ironman first emerged. 

We talk about Tim’s planning, how he hired an Ironman coach, his balance of training for the three disciplines 

And then how it went on the day

Copenhagen seems to be a top choice for first time IronMan competitors as the swim is in a lagoon on the sea front, the biking is 2 loops and the running 4 loops so you can constantly enjoy the supporting encouragement of the crowds. 

Tim top tips are to commit to the challenge and get help in the form of a coach. Tim's coach spent 30 minutes a week with him on the phone and every Sunday evening sent Tim a training schedule for the week ahead. 

This is episode 129 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 128 episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. 

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sale generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West.

Trevor's big running goal currently is the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2024. He completed his first 24 hour race on July 8th  Hope 24, and his next long race is the Bys Vyken Lighthouse Marathon at the end of October. https://www.bysvykenevents.com/lighthouse

Send us Fan Mail

The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from  Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West 

In this episode of the Running 44@60 podcast we hear about two of the UK's most epic ultra running challenges – the Lakeland 100 and the Bob Graham Round.

Stuart Musson undertook the Bob Graham Round challenge in June 2023. You have 24 hours in which to complete the 42 peaks, 66 miles and 27,000 feet of ascent and you have to have someone witness you achieving every single peak so a massive logistical piece of pre-run planning to make sure everything is in place. Stuart completed the task in 21 hours 49 minutes.

The Lakeland 100 is without doubt one of the most iconic hundred mile races in the UK. Colin Bathe had never run in the mountains before he set off in this year’s Lakeland 100.  in the podcast Colin will talk about how he overcame about a third of the way in a feeling of wanting to give up, particularly after one of his poles broke. Colin set himself a goal of 34 hours and he came in in 33:53.

Stuart’s top tip for any would-be ultra runners is that the mental side of ultra running sometimes outweighs the physical side in terms of the effect it can have on your endeavours, so be prepared for those moments where you feel you just can’t go on, they will pass.

Colin’s top tips are to treat ultra running as an eating competition and to start slowly and then go slower.

I mention the Truro Half Marathon - to enter click here 

This is episode 128 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 127 episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. 

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sale generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West.

Trevor's big running goal currently is the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2024. He completed his first 24 hour race on July 8th  Hope 24, and his next long race is the Bys Vyken Lighthouse Marathon at the end of October. https://www.bysvykenevents.com/lighthouse

Send us Fan Mail

The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from  Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West 

Imagine taking part in a run that’s called ‘Bring out your Dead’ or BOYD for short that starts with a rather macabre leading of the runners to the start line by a guy dressed in a plague type mask and with a drummer beating the death march and has a field of only 10 runners.

And then just to spice things up this race takes place over an out and back distance of 4.3 miles which includes some horrendous up and down steps and in 2023 just to round things off took place during a particularly gruesome August storm.

Oh and by the way did I mention that during the whole event you can only stop for a maximum 10 minutes at any one point in time, you are not allowed any sort of outside help whatsoever and your sanctuary area where you go at the end of each lap to maybe have something to eat or drink or change of clothes is open to the elements.

Yes by now you are thinking you’ve got a bit crazy to do this event. No actually a lot crazy.

Or very very focused and determined. And that is how I would describe my running friend Andy Brown who completed this years BOYD which you are going to hear about on this episode.

This is episode 127 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 126 episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. 

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sale generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West.

Trevor's big running goal currently is the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2024. He completed his first 24 hour race on July 8th  Hope 24, and his next long race is the Endurance Life Suffolk 32 miler in October followed by the Bys Vyken Lighthouse marathon at the end of October. https://www.bysvykenevents.com/lighthouse

If you would like to come on this podcast and share your running experiences, tips, advice, plans, as well as specialist knowledge that will help runners then email Trevor via: [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from  Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West 

Hope 24 Running Festival

The Hope 24 Running Festival took place near Plymouth on the weekend of July 8th-10th.

The Hope 24 Running Festival consists of a choice of 12, 24 or 36 hour timed runs during which you complete as many or as few circuits of a 5 mile off-road course as you wish.

There are also various relays from a team of two right through to a team of eight.

This was my first ever venture into a 24-hour running event and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A big thanks to the organisers GB Ultras and to the local Mountain Search and Rescue team who manned the only aid station on the course at the 2 mile point.

I stuck to my plan and completed eight laps and 40 miles

I did four laps between 12 noon on the Saturday and around 5:45 PM with a 20 minute or so break between each lap to go back to the tent and eat proper food and drink green tea

I then had a break until I started lap five at around 9:15 PM with a further break and then a final lap that day starting around 10:40 PM

Then up for a starting time of 5:15 AM and 7 AM for my last lap

I was very tempted to continue on two more laps to get to 50 miles but that wasn’t part of the plan so I didn’t do it

Next year’s event is scheduled for the same weekend

This is episode 126 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 125 episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. 

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sale generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West.

Trevor's big running goal currently is the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2024. He's doing his first 24 hour race on July 8th  Hope 24, the Black Rat in August and the Endurance Life Suffolk 32 miler in October followed by the Bys Vyken Lighthouse marathon at the end of October. https://www.bysvykenevents.com/lighthouse

If you would like to come on this podcast and share your running experiences, tips, advice, plans, as well as specialist knowledge that will help runners then email Trevor via: [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from  Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West 

The Isle of Wight Ultra challenge took place at the end of April 2023 and in this episode of the Running 44 at 60 podcast one of our stalwart listeners Steve Perkins shares his adventure in taking on the 106 km challenge over two days – 52 km on day one and 54 km on day two.

To put this in context prior to taking on this challenge Steve, who is in his mid-50s, had only run competitive half marathon distances.

He also raised quite a lot of money for CALM 

We talk about overnight stops in races, food & drink and Steve dealt with an injury on the second day.

Steve came a fantastic third overall in the men’s category and fifth overall in the entire two day challenge.

In 2024 the event takes place on the weekend of May 4th and 5th.

Find out more here: Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge

Steve also mentioned the New Forest Marathon and Race to the King 

I mentioned the Truro Half Marathon Festival which is taking place over the weekend of Sept 15-17th with the half marathon on Sunday 17th. Enter here: Truro Half Marathon

This is episode 125 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 124 episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. 

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sale generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West.

Trevor's big running goal currently is the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2024. He's doing his first 24 hour race on July 8th  Hope 24, the Black Rat in August and the Endurance Life Suffolk 32 miler in October followed by the Bys Vyken Lighthouse Marathon at the end of October. 

If you would like to come on this podcast and share your running experiences, tips, advice, plans, as well as specialist knowledge that will help runners then email Trevor via: [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from  Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West 

James Skeplorn is a gig rower who had a go at triathlon and then joined  a running club to improve his triathlon.

Now he's an ultra runner and a former rower and triathlete!

In this episode of the Running 44@60 podcast James shares his adventure of running 3 major events across a 10 week period from the beginning of March to the middle of May.

James started with the Green Man Ultra then ran legs 1 and 3 in a 3 leg relay of the South West Traverse and finished with the Scillies 60.

The Green Man Ultra is a 45 loop around Bristol. It's is run twice a year : March and August alternating in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. It has pacers and if you complete you are known as a 'Woodwose' - a term associated with the wild men and wild women that haunted the imagery forests of medieval Europe.

The South West Traverse runs on the same route as the Classic Quarter.

The Scillies 60 is a new race for 2023. 60km spread over 6 legs on 5 of the islands of the Isles of Scilly - starting and finishing on Tresco and following the coast path to complete a lap of each island. 

This is episode 124 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 123episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. 

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sales generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West.

Trevor's big running goal currently is the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2024. He's doing his first 24 hour race on July 8th  Hope 24, the Black Rat in August and the Endurance Life Suffolk 32 miler in October followed by the Bys Vyken lighthouse marathon at the end of October. He's planning to spend June doing more recce 's of the Arc 50 course. 

If you would like to come on this podcast and share your running experiences, tips, advice, plans, as well as specialist knowledge that will help runners then email Trevor via: [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from  Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West