Introduction
As we age, maintaining our fitness levels can feel like an uphill battle, especially for those of us who are passionate about running or golfing. Yet, the desire to set and achieve new running goals doesn’t wane with time; in fact, it often grows stronger. Whether it’s running your first marathon, shaving strokes off your golf game, or simply staying active and healthy, having a clear set of goals is essential. But what happens when those goals push you beyond what you thought possible? How do you navigate the physical and mental challenges that come with chasing ambitious dreams, especially as the years go by? In this blog, I’ll share a personal story that sheds light on the power of determination, the importance of a solid support system, and the incredible potential we all have to achieve our running goals—no matter our age.
Reflecting on the most memorable experience of my career
As I sit here on a Sunday evening, reflecting on one of the most memorable experiences of my career, I find myself deeply moved by the sheer determination and resilience of those who push their physical and mental limits in pursuit of their running goals. This past week, I had the privilege of being part of such a journey, one that tested not only the athlete but also everyone who supported her along the way.
On Wednesday, December 13th, at 8 AM, my patient, Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, embarked on the inaugural Winter Downs 200—a grueling 200-mile ultra-marathon across England’s South Downs. The conditions were as challenging as you’d expect for a December race in the UK, with cold winds, relentless rain, and knee-deep mud. But despite these obstacles, Sabs was determined to cross the finish line, and I was there to support her every step of the way.
As a sports physiotherapist, my job usually involves getting athletes ready for the start line and then seeing them after the event for recovery. This time, however, I had the unique opportunity to be part of the journey from start to finish. The experience gave me a profound insight into the world of ultra-endurance running and the incredible fortitude required to achieve such a monumental goal.
The Role of a Crew in Achieving Running Goals
In many ways, the role of a support crew in an ultramarathon is similar to that of a Formula 1 pit crew.
We prepare the athlete for the start, develop strategies that evolve throughout the race, provide fuel, offer spaces for rest and recovery, perform running repairs, and provide the much-needed positivity and moral support. The crew’s composition is critical, as having the right people around you can be the difference between success and failure.
I first met Sabs at mile 77, after she had been running for about 24 hours. Despite the physical toll the race had taken on her—sore shoulders from carrying a heavy pack, tired feet from wading through water, and the mental exhaustion of pushing forward through harsh conditions—she was in relatively good spirits. But as the miles ticked by, the challenges mounted, both for Sabs and for us as her crew.
At the top of Bignor Hill at 1am on Friday morning, after the crew decided she needed more frequent contact through the night, I met Sabs with a cup of tea, an extra layer of clothing, and some much-needed encouragement. The exhaustion was evident as she struggled to recognise me at first, describing her most recent hallucinations with a mix of confusion and humour. But with a quick hug and some words of support, she continued into the darkness, driven by her unwavering goal.
Overwhelming Adversity and the Power of Resilience
The next critical point came 20 miles later, with 70 miles still to go. Sabs was in a fragile state, both emotionally and physically, with significant pain in her left shin that threatened to end her race.
This was the moment I had been brought into the crew for—to help her navigate this potential crisis. After ruling out anything serious, I strapped her leg to offload the pain and we made the call to reassess at the next checkpoint.
The wait at Beaconhill Beeches car park was tense, but as the sun set in a spectacular display of colors, I found solace in a brief stroll. When Sabs arrived, she was transformed—energised, smiling, and determined to keep moving. The planned sleep stop was abandoned in favor of capitalising on her momentum. After attending to her feet and reapplying some strapping, she was off once more into the night, with only 60 miles standing between her and the finish line.
From this point on, it was all down to Sabs. Our job was to meet her regularly for refueling, provide rest and sleep as needed, and offer encouragement. The physical pain in her feet was excruciating, but not dangerous, and her mental resilience shone through as she pushed herself to the limits. Witnessing her determination firsthand was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The Final Push and the Joy of Achievement
Regrettably, I had to leave the crew at midnight on Friday, after draining a blister the size of a golf ball and doing what I could to ease her foot pain. I left her in the capable hands of her husband, Neil, whose unwavering support was instrumental in her success. By the time she crossed the finish line at approximately 10pm on Saturday, December 16th, after 86 hours, 24 minutes, and 11 seconds of relentless effort, I was in tears.
3 Takeaways When Crewing For An Ultra Runner
Life is an adventure and while pushing boundaries can be daunting the rewards are beyond measure. Here are three takeaways from my experience of crewing for an ultra runner:
- We can’t do it alone – People are capable of superhuman feats, but even the strongest among us need help to achieve success.
- The right support system – Having a crew of trusted, capable people who can support you in your most vulnerable moments is essential.
- Mental resilience for when things get tough – The will and determination to keep going when everything is telling you to give up is a special skill, and seeing it in action is nothing short of inspirational.
Conclusion
Setting and achieving running goals, especially as we age, is about much more than just physical endurance. It’s a journey that requires mental toughness, a reliable support network, and the courage to push beyond your comfort zone. The story of Sabrina’s ultra-marathon is a testament to what can be achieved with the right mindset and support, no matter how daunting the challenge. Whether you’re aiming to complete your first race, improve your golf fitness, or simply stay active, remember that every goal is within reach if you stay focused, resilient, and open to the support around you. Embrace the journey, set your sights high, and don’t hesitate to seek out the help you need to cross your own finish lines.
Running Goals
If you’re a runner or golfer looking to set and achieve your own running goals, whether it’s your first 5k or an ambitious ultramarathon, remember that it’s not just about physical training—it’s about mental resilience, the right support system, and the will to push through when things get tough. And if you ever need advice or support on your journey, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you every step of the way.
Achieve Your Running Goals
If you’re ready to discuss your running goals or fitness goals and how to achieve them, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to make your goals a reality.