Running Your Stories

Martin returns to the show to talk about completing the 270km (168mile) Pennine Bridleway Challenge! A really awesome new ultra event organised by Ranger Ultras. Really great to have Martin back on after hearing about his Paris by night ultra we have been in contact when he attempted the Dragon's Back Race in 2021 and now he needed a tough challenge to regain his confidence! He certainly achieved that!

Welcome back Howard Dracup. For many people when they see Howard's name in 3rd place on the new 160 mile race, The Spine Challenger North, they won't be surprised. Howard is a proven ultra runner with a strong track record. However, it has not been easy over the last couple of years. Howard talks very openly about his struggled with fatigue and sleepless nights. Howard's story of recognising the that he had a problem, finding the root of the problem, asking for the right help and then working hard to get back near his best is truly inspirational. We hope that it can inspire many and maybe be the nudge that one or two need to take an extra rest day or ask for some help.

Lovely down to earth chat with second place lady Elaine Bisson. The Spine Race is a gruelling 268 mile race through hills and mountains. Terrain varies from rocks, to bogs, to streams, to flagstones and even a little bit of road! A superb performance from Elaine earned her 2nd place finish! Some wonderful ideas and advice from one of the few competitors to finish with no blisters!

Dougie Zinis followed on from an incredible 2021 with 2nd place at the Winter Spine Race in January 2022! Dougie shares his story and tips in his usual very understated way. Dougie won the 2020 Spine Challenger, 5th Place at the 2021 Lakeland 100 and has run the fastest ever double Bob Graham Round!

I had only been running regularly for about 5 months when The Spine Race grabbed my attention and captivated me. 5 years later I finally got to reach the finish line and collect my medal. This is my story. I decided to tell it, to get it out before I chat with others about their race so I don't try to steal their limelight. Hopefully some useful advice for mid pack / back of the pack people looking to take on a challenge of the magnitude of the Spine. 

The Spine Race is the whole of the Pennine Way from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland, a total of 268 miles. All through the hills and mountains and in the middle of winter with only just over 8hrs of daylight from every 24hrs. It's tough, it's #britainsmostbrutal

The 26 Lake, Meres and Waters is a less known route in the Lake District. Andy recently became only the 18th recorded completion and the 2nd fastest run of all time! Andy chats about the planning, training and preparation, the amazing crew of supporters and generally what it takes to complete such an epic run! Great chat and great introduction to an interesting route. Many thanks to Andy for being very patient too with a recording issue on the first attempt! Looking forward to catching up with Andy again after his next epic achievement! 

You can find out more about the route here https://achille-ratti-climbing-club.co.uk/?page_id=411 and can follow Andy on Instagram @ottermaps 

Huge thanks from Andy to all of his support team, Paul, Tim, Matt, Guy, John, Paul, Martin, Matt, Carl, Tom, John K, Rob, Jossie, Charlie, Dougie, Amby, Andy, Tori, Matt and Sara.

Anna Troup AKA #SuperTrouper returns to the show to chat about breaking the record for the fastest lady to run the Pennine Way #penninewayfkt which was a follow on from breaking the ladies course record at the Summer Spine #summerspine and winning the Lakeland100 all in less than 3 months! 

Lovely as always to chat with Anna, we talk about the adventures, the strategies, nutrition, sleep, training and more... 

Anna wishes to thank all of her amazing Pennine Way support crew, Richard, Nick, Stu, Tom, Rob, Amelia, John, Sharon, Kev and those wonderful extra people that popped up along the way, Mark, Gary, David and everyone else!

Becky Howard joins Kev to chat about her amazing story, going from a badly broken leg to running a Bob Graham Round in 2 years! Always inspirational to hear from someone who loves the outdoors, hills and mountains as much as Becky does.

Gav gives a very honest, over sharing, insight into his brilliant 5th place at the Summer Spine Challenger a 110 mile race up the Pennine Way national trail from Edale to Hardraw!

Great chat with Carly about her running story and running philosophy. Carly shares her amazing journey from an illness that made 400 metres of walking extremely difficult to now being a very happy and capable runner. Carly has built this phase of her life around running as a running coach and nutrition coach. Such an uplifting person to chat with. 

You can contact Carly about coaching through www.existfit.co.uk

@our_running_revolution on Instagram

@Existfitrunningfitness on Facebook