BEHIND THE LINES
bigger events such as a world record. I enjoy the buzz and atmosphere
of racing, competing against other people and seeing if I’m capable of achieving what I set out to do in a particular event, I always have a goal whether it’s a time or going for a podium place, but world records are very different, it’s just me, there is no one else to chase or be chased by, I’m running against the clock and the invisible person who had previously set the record. I’m not only having to beat a time but manage my time, when do I sleep, eat etc. That gives me a real buzz, keeps me focused and drives me forward.
What’s coming up in the near future? Well I’ve just taken part in the inaugural Mountain Ultra in the Rockies. The race is a 230 km self- ever mountain staged race and it was a real toughie! In September I’m off to Greece
to take part in the Spartathlon - a 153-mile non-stop race from Athens to Sparta and all going well will “double” (I know another double!!). Later in the year I will race in Namibia.
We’re assuming you’re older than most of you competitors, does that spur you on? Have you ever felt you’ve been treated differently (positively or negatively)? I am a lot older than most competitors, which I don’t mind, and hopefully shows people that age isn’t or shouldn’t be a problem, although I’m now competing with women 20 plus years younger than me which is very tough! I have always been treated very positively. One of the things I love about the ultra running community is that age really isn’t an issue, you can be 20 or 70. Any barriers disappear because of our love of running.
And will you ever stop? People are always asking me that! I will stop for two reasons: if my body gives up on me or if my love of running disappears.
What do you do, aside from racing/ running, in your spare time? How do you relax?
I enjoy spending time with my family/ friends and doing things with my two grandsons. Also relaxing with my long suffering husband while sharing a bottle of wine.
Is there any advice you would give to people who have perhaps considered taking up running (or other activities)
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older than most competitors, which I don’t mind, and hopefully shows people that age isn’t or shouldn’t be a problem
I am a lot
but haven’t managed to do so? Stop putting it off and give it a go. You will never know what you are capable of unless you try - the human body is an amazing machine. By taking up running my whole world has changed for the better, I’ve met some fantastic people and achieved things I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be capable of doing – you could to!
Do you have a favourite race or record? Or something that feels Extreme Ultra Marathon in 2007; a 352 eight days in the Arctic in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees. This was cold, plus it was the longest non-stop race I had ever entered. My planning for this event was meticulous, from my race strategy, to my kit and my goal was to go for the win, although my husband thought I was mad.
The reason this was such a
race started my father had become extremely ill, but my whole family, including my father wanted me to go out and race, so with their blessing I headed out to Canada.
120 miles of the race on the ice road and within minutes knew that my father had died. The feeling of grief hit me like a bullet, it was as though my heart had been shattered into millions of tiny and all I wanted to do was go back to the CP and call my mother but she had said that should anything happen she wouldn’t tell me until after the race. In the freezing temperatures of the
Arctic, walking along the Ice Road I chatted to my Dad, told him I loved him and went on to win the race over- all in his memory. He walked beside me for the remaining 120 miles and I know he was extremely proud of me.
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