He didn’t think a woman was capable of finishing his race. Coined, the toughest endurance event on the planet, since 1989 more than 1,000 people have attempted the Barkley Marathons. But in 35 years before last week, only 17 people had ever finished it.

This blog post isn’t a list of mandatory equipment required by race organisers (although it does naturally cover a couple of these items), it is a handful of items I believe are absolutely necessary to start ultrarunning and for each a personal recommendation from myself and the 50+ female athletes I’ve supported over the past four years.

While it certainly helps to train in conditions that perfectly mimic your ‘A’ race it’s not a prerequisite for race-day success on the trails. The reality is that many of the female athletes I support, don’t have the luxury of this either. And it shouldn’t stop you from hitting the registration button either.

No matter if you are just getting started or have been around the trail and ultrarunning scene a while now, there is something for everyone. Here are 10 Lake District ultramarathons that are loved by myself and many of the female athletes I have supported over the last four years.

It’s that time of year again when many people are looking to work with a ultramarathon coach. No goal is too small and no dream is too big. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, defeated or lacking focus in your training right now, this might be a sign that you should reach out to a potential coach.

2024 marks my 10th anniversary since I started running ultramarathons and the pressure to mark my decade of experience with an even bigger and better race lineup than my 2023 season is oh-so-real. But right now, there is just one ultramarathon on my calendar in 2024.

This Christmas I wanted to share with you some of my favourite female-led small businesses to encourage you (and those who are buying you gifts) to vote with your money and support small. Ultra runners, what's on your Christmas list this year? Let me know if there is something you think deserves a mention.

I want to invite you to take a look at the teams training plans to show you just how achievable a multi stage ultramarathon can be for you too no matter where you are right now. Ultimately, it’s about smart training and trusting the process. I asked three of my athletes from the 2023 cohort of Breaking 250 about training for their first multi stage ultra marathon.

I’ve been chatting with a few of my athletes recently about playing the long game too, encouraging you to set that big scary pipeline dream three, four or even five years from now and working backwards to help make them seem more achievable. These women have big lofty goals, but each week they are committed to the process. And I know you are too.

Dubbed the ‘Toughest Footrace on Earth’, you might have heard about the legendary footrace in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara after Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews completed the race back in 2021 or maybe you watched the first episode of last year's Netflix documentary ‘Human Playground’.

No matter how well you prepare for your ultramarathon, whether it’s your first or you’ve lost count, the reality is things rarely go to plan. But the purpose of training and my role as your Ultra Running Coach is to help you try to mitigate as many of these issues as possible or alleviate them altogether. Ultra running is about putting it all on the start line, trusting the process and accepting the uncertainty that lies ahead.

Since coming back from the inaugural Breaking 250 retreat last month, the countdown for Atacama Crossing is on and fear of a DNF (Did Not Finish) or not making cut-off times are all very real fears surfacing in the Breaking 250 training group right now. According to research conducted by SheRACES 45% of runners are put off entering races because of a fear of not making the cut-off times.

From following in the footsteps of travellers, herdsmen and soldiers who have used the historic Ridgeway in prehistoric times to taking on the brutality of non-stop racing along the iconic Pennie Way in the full ferocity of winter, you don’t need to travel outside of the UK to challenge your limits and find out what you’re truly capable. Here are the 6 best UK multi day ultra marathons to enter in 2024.

The 100 mile ultra distance seems to be the topic on so many of my athletes' lips right now. For many it can seem like the natural progression if you’ve already completed some of the shorter ultra marathon distances. But make no mistake, 100 miles isn’t for everyone. Just because you haven’t finished a 100 mile race before does not make you any less of an ultrarunner. There are so many other types of ultramarathon distances out there.

As trail running events are hotting up and ultramarathon season is just getting started, I wanted to share with you four things you need to run an ultramarathon. Whilst this isn’t a blog post from a practical perspective on what should be in your kit bag (i’ll save that for another day), this rings true no matter how beginner or experienced you think you are.

Many women are nervous about being in remote places and trail running in the dark alone, so if you are curious about stepping up to the 100-mile distance, finding an ultra distance trail event organiser who can highlight safety measures such such as trackers, route markings, female volunteers on aid stations, providing pacers and withdrawal procedures can help you gain confidence to make the leap.

Squashed toes, bunions, and new blisters might all be tell-tale signs that you should be wearing a wide fitting trail running shoe. And if you’re training for ultramarathon distances where you’re on your feet for prolonged periods of time, there is even more of a reason to be wearing them. Here are my top 10 trail running shoes for wide feet in 2023.

The Lakeland 100 ‘Ultra Tour of the Lake District’ is the most spectacular long distance trail race which has ever taken place within the UK. The circular route encompasses the whole of the lakeland fells. Bodies will be battered, spirits will be tested and those that cross the finish line in Coniston will earn their status and become legends!

Last month, two of my athletes stepped up to ultramarathon start lines and both left with a DNF (did not finish). A DNF in ultrarunning can leave you feeling disheartened, deflated and devastated. I know what it feels like, I've been there twice and I'm sure there will be more to come. In fact I hope there is. Why do we live in fear of the dreaded DNF?

Looking to take the leap and step up to your first ultramarathon in 2024? But unsure which events are beginner-friendly and which ones you should steer well clear of? There is no shortage of ultramarathons in the UK right now. Here are my 10 Best UK ultramarathons for beginners that need to be on your list in 2024.