Fabulous’ gym-phobic Digital Editor took on a 100km ultra marathon with only 16 weeks of training… and here’s how she got on
Sara Oldfield, 27, hadn't even run 5km since her teens when set herself the ultimate challenge
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?”
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.
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.
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.