Fabulous’ gym-phobic Digital Editor took on a 100km ultra marathon with only 16 weeks of training… and here’s how she got on

THE excitement I first felt quickly dwindled as I looked around the table of horrified faces.

The news that I had signed up for a 62-mile ultra marathon in 16 weeks’ time had clearly shocked my friends. Suddenly the silence was broken: “Do you even go to the gym?”

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I’m a size 8, but don’t let that fool you. I hadn’t run 5k since I was forced to at high school, let alone a marathon. I might have done some cross country running as a child, but I couldn’t even remember the last time I jogged for the bus. And, no, I didn’t have a gym membership.

However, I’ve always liked a challenge. So in March when a mate suggested the Dixons Carphone Race To The Stones – which is further even than an epic double marathon – I didn’t think twice before signing up.

Unfortunately, she did, and dropped out almost immediately. What had I done?

It was out of my comfort zone – AKA the sofa – but I’m an all-or-nothing type of person, so decided that it would scare me into getting fit.

The 62-mile trail through the rolling hills of the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs takes 19-20 hours on average to complete (eek!).

I wasn’t sure which was worse – getting it completed in one day or splitting it over two consecutive days – but I settled on doing it in two halves, which was the marginally less popular choice.

16 weeks to go

All entrants were given a training plan to help build up endurance through a mix of running and cross-training, devised by world-record-breaking runner and performance coach Rory Coleman.

The first weeks were spent in permanent embarrassment. From stripping down to my knickers in the gym changing room before realising I’d forgotten my leggings to tripping over dogs in the park, I was an obvious novice.

But post-run aches quickly eased, my stress levels dropped and – most amazing of all – I found myself training six times a week, having previously been unable to squeeze in any exercise whatsoever (turns out I used to waste a lot of time sleeping and boozing).

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Plus, in memory of my grandma – something that helped motivate me during my most acute bouts of lethargy.

Not everyone was supportive, though. Some mates called me unrealistic and plain mad, but their negativity spurred me on.

11 weeks to go

Just as my fitness plan was about to get serious, I set off for a two-week holiday to Cuba.

The laid-back vibe there rubbed off on me and, added to my birthday celebrations, training took a back seat while I overindulged in cocktails and Cuban food.

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The morning I’d planned my first 16-miler, I reached for my phone and searched: “Is it bad to run on a hangover?” The answer: yes. I rolled back under the covers.

After three cheat weeks, I returned to training with military precision. It was tough and I finished my first 18-mile run feeling like I’d been dunked in cement.

Ready, steady, get kitted out

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Start training with these wonder products: Water bottle, £12, ; trainers, £150, ; sports bra, £43, 

7 weeks to go

The next day, disaster struck. My knees were so swollen I couldn’t pull on my jeans.

A physio diagnosed an anterior knee injury. Luckily, it wasn’t deadly, but it was going to take several weeks to recover from. All of a sudden, just getting to the starting line seemed like it would be a huge triumph.

My physio recommended wading backwards and forwards in a pool. Although it provided great entertainment for fellow swimmers, it was depressing to have to start my training from scratch again. But it made me more focused than ever.

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READ MORE: Looking for some fitspiration? From a 5k fun run to a full-on triathlon, this is how to get from the sofa to the start line

I cut out foods such as sugar that can trigger inflammation (sob!), upped portions of high-quality protein and leafy veg and substituted my morning mocha with bone broth in the hope its joint-protecting compounds such as collagen would help.

Coupled with strengthening exercises, it all seemed to pay off, and I was able to gradually build my long runs back up again from 10 to 18 miles.

It was little consolation, though, knowing I was meant to have completed two marathons in training already.

1.5 weeks to go

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I took a day of annual leave to run my first marathon – something I would have dismissed as ludicrous three months before.

On my own in London’s 28°C heat, it took me a frustratingly slow 5 hours 45 minutes – an hour longer than I’d hoped.

My physio said I should be pleased, but I was disheartened and filled with self-doubt.

The race

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Standing at the starting line on July 15, I was acutely aware of how unprepared I was, and not just in terms of my fitness. I’d been busy at work and left ordering my kit until the last minute.

When researching what to order, I discovered I should have been running with my backpack for months. Cue expletive-filled panic.

But as I set off, my nerves vanished. The podcast My Dad Wrote A Porno had got me through my training, but I found myself enjoying the race so much I wasn’t tempted to tune in.

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Running through stunning countryside was amazing and I completed the first 31 miles in 6 hours 42 minutes – much faster than I’d expected.

I woke up blistered and achy the next morning, but with the finish on the horizon, I ran the second half quicker.

I crossed the line after a total of 13 hours 13 minutes, coming 12th in my age group of 313 women and 81st out of all 925 participants.

I was so euphoric that, despite my exhaustion, I could barely sleep for two days.

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The aftermath

For a girl who once said she would never run a marathon, I’ve come a long way.

I’m not going to lie, it was a gruelling, often boring slog, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat for the sense of achievement I felt.

While I don’t think I’ll stick with ultras, there’s something addictive about setting yourself a huge goal and seeing where you get.

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Plus, now running is as easy and freeing as when I was a child, I don’t want to let that slip.

What next? The Olympics? If I’ve learned anything, it’s never say never.

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