Date: 5th September 2020

Event: Exmoor Trail Ultra Marathon

Distance: 45 Kilometers/ 28 Miles

Finishing Time: 6 hours 4 minutes

Having completed a marathon earlier in March 2020, the next challenge involved a trail ultra-marathon. I enjoy pushing my mind and body to the extreme; testing when either one will fail. It is safe to say this ultra-marathon well and truly tested my mind and broke my body. These are the 5 lessons I learnt from this excruciating challenge.

1. Do not underestimate an ultra

The route was 5 laps in the hills of Exmoor, each lap being 11.4km, which seemed challenging but pretty manageable. I was very, very wrong. The course involved traversing hills, waterlogged marshland and wading through small rivers. The first lap I severely twisted my right ankle. The second lap murdered both ankles. By the fourth lap, I could have cried on cue from the pain and was fearful of any long-lasting damage.

2. It’s an (ultra) marathon, not a sprint

Running an ultra-marathon involves more mental understanding than I originally realised. Knowing when is best to walk up certain hills whilst maintaining your average pace and understanding your energy levels; when to consume food and water. Walking up hills is common in ultras to conserve energy. A quick walk, with powerful strides, can be more efficient than a tiring run up the same steep terrain. The water-logged marshland proved difficulty for my unstable ankles, and it was safer to tread carefully. Running downhill can put pressure on the knees which could cause issues during or after the run. Don’t be afraid to go slow during areas of the course. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses, regarding your body and how this suits the course, will provide you with a safer, quicker and more enjoyable marathon experience.

3. Push yourself to the limit

“We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are.” – Max DePree

To become the best version of yourself, you’ve got to push past your preconceived assumptions and challenge yourself. I always want to be fitter, stronger and healthier and this ultra-marathon really tested me. For 5 of the 6 hours, I could have cried at any moment due to the pain but that wouldn’t make me run any faster or reduce the pain. The only thing to do was carry on, see what my body can handle and where my breaking point was.

For others, a 5 minute or 5km run will be a personal challenge. When I was re-learning how to walk in 2017, simply being able to put my bodyweight through my toes was an excruciating test. I enjoy developing short- and long-term goals to constantly improve. Some of these goals take longer to achieve, some don’t ever get achieved, but having goals in mind will allow you to progress. I would never have been able to go from learning to walk again, to running an ultra-marathon if I didn’t continuously set myself goals and push myself to achieve them.

Within each and every individual is an unlimited amount of talent. Nothing I have achieved is particularly special or that interesting except for myself. Find what you enjoy and push yourself to discover where it can take you.

4. Understand where your limit is

“When your mind is telling you you’re done, you’re really only 40%.” – David Goggins

I mentally recite this quote a lot and do believe that Goggins is onto something. However, it is important to know when your body is done and understand when enough is enough. Don’t be afraid to admit defeat but be sure to give it your best effort.

At the end of the fourth lap, having completed 45.6km, I made the decision to stop. Another lap would have completed the full 56km course, but it would also mean 2 more excruciating hours of pain, further damage to my ankles, and a miserable experience. The ultra had challenged and defeated me but I knew I gave it my best shot in the condition I was in. I hated not being able to finish the full course, but my ultra career is far from unfinished and I have learnt a lot from my first attempt.

5. Rest and recoup

A few days before the Ultra, Alex and I cycled 550km through England in 5 days. It’s safe to say, after the ultra, my body needed a breather. Take the time to analyse your attempt and reset future goals. Relax and set new goals that make you excited, something to look forward to achieving, and then put in the work.

Thank you for reading.

KP