If you’d told us a year ago that we’d be training for an ultra marathon 50k, we’d have probably laughed in disbelief. But here we are, preparing to run 50km along the Leeds Liverpool Canal in Northern England. All in support of The Forward Trust and their incredible mission to help individuals overcome addiction, mental health struggles, and social barriers.
Our fitness journey began over two years ago, and it’s been a rollercoaster of challenges and milestones. We started out running short distances, struggling to imagine completing even a half marathon. Yet with time, persistence, and each other’s support, we pushed further. From our first half marathons to races like the Coniston 14 and the euphoria of finishing two full marathons, we’ve transformed running from an aspiration into a lifestyle. Now, staying active is woven into our daily lives, and we’re proud to say we’re in the best shape we’ve ever been—mentally and physically.
But running this ultramarathon is a whole new level. Every long training session reminds us how demanding this journey will be. The thought of pushing ourselves through Ultra marathon 50K still feels surreal. As the 9th of November approaches, nerves are definitely setting in. We have trained really hard and we cannot wait to complete this challenge.
To make this challenge even more intense, we’re doing it fully self-supported. We won’t have aid stations or support teams along the way, so we’re relying entirely on ourselves. In preparation, we’ll be hiding supplies along the route, like water, snacks, and energy gels, to make sure we stay fueled for each leg of the journey. This adds a layer of planning but it’s all part of the adventure and makes reaching that finish line feel even more meaningful.
Through all of it, we’re motivated by knowing that this run is for more than just a finish line; it’s a chance to make a difference. We want to prove that anyone can rise above challenges and create new paths. Here’s to stepping outside our comfort zone, one mile at a time!