This race is part of the UK and Ireland Skyrunner series, so I expected some climbs. The race stats are 25km and 1750+m of gain. (I ended up with 1805m). This was spread out over 3 climbs, the third of which almost, but not quite, reached the summit of Snowdon. Having previous run the Chamonix …
Category Archives: Races
The MudCrew South West Coastal Traverse
At 44 miles, my longest race so far (and I’m not sure that I need to go any longer). The race started at Lizard Point and followed the Cornish Coast line all the way along to Lands End. I had signed up to this in the middle of lockdown when all my races had been …
A guide to Running shoes
Which running shoes do you need? (Or, as my family keep asking me, why I have so many pairs of shoes.). Each of my pairs of shoes has its own function and ideal environment. Below is a summary of the main types of shoes you may come across and what they are most suitable for. …
Equality in Cross Country
I haven’t posted anything for a while due to getting caught up in heated online debates about equality in cross country races in the UK (except Scotland which already has equal distance for male and female races). I was going to write a post to sum up the debate, but then I found an article …
Learning to Run with Poles
If you start running hilly Ultras or mountain races, you will probably come across runners with poles, but do you need them and how do you learn to use them? My introduction to running with poles was to borrow a pair to use in a 64k mountain race. Probably not the best way to learn, …
Should I Walk in a Running Race?
Many people think that walking during a running race is wimping out, but there are times when it is the best race strategy and you do see elite mountain runners using walking on long, steep climbs. Some of the elites use a 1-2 minute walk, 1-2 minute run approach when ascending long climbs. There are …
Taking positives from training during a pandemic
It may be hard to see how all the restrictions and lack of races can possibly help you run better, but there are many positives to be had and you can take advantage of this time. I think every runner will have one or two of these areas below that they can use to improve …
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What’s it like to run an Ultra?
Here are two views from opposite ends of the Western States 100. One showing the journey of a runner going for a top position and the other is the journey of those that just want to make the cut off.
The Best Running Races in the World (that I’ve done)
1. London Marathon: One of the World’s biggest marathons, taking runners past major tourist attractions like the Tower of London, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. It is very well organised and there are huge crowds offering support from start to finish. Great atmosphere, fast course, the only down side is that it is hard …
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Running Tips by Coach Julie 