Page 63 - RADC Bulletin 2021

SPORT & AT
Ultra Marathon Challenge – Mental Resilience
Sgt G Phillips
What’s on your Bucket List?
Are there places you would like to travel to, things you want to do or events you wish
to participate in? I’m sure everyone has something in the back of their mind. We have certainly been through a trying time over the last 18 months which might have put a hold on doing fun or challenging things you originally had planned. This has likely tested our mental resilience. Having plans and dreams help keep us motivated or gives us something to look forward to.
Take on a Challenge!
One day (pre-covid) I was talking to a friend, who is an experienced long distance runner, about my bucket list and expressed an interest in completing a marathon. I have never been a massive fan of road running. I prefer exploring trails and being surrounded by the woods, hills or some sort of green scenery. Be under no illusion though, I
have never been a long distance runner and usually prefer sprinting or strength work. Somehow my friend convinced me to sign up for the 35.7 miles Trail Events Ultra Marathon across the Black Mountains in Wales. I’d never ran more than 20 miles before so I knew had some work to do!
Preparation
What ensued over the next year and a half with my preparation for the race was quite challenging at times. I completed a full ultra marathon training programme for the event, only for it to then be delayed a further 6 months. This occurred 3 times. Of course
I completely understood the reasoning behind it but with this type of training
you cannot afford to take a lot of time off because you lose some of the progression
you have made. However, needless to say, I was thoroughly enjoying being outside and getting some fresh air. Lots of people during this time were realising the benefits and enjoyment of going outside for walks.
My friend, Sgt Naomi Benson - EHT, and I managed to get a couple of 15 mile training runs across the Black Mountains. One of our runs was cut short as Storm Alex decided to turn up! Prior to the race I purchased some recommended kit, namely a pair of Hoka Speedgoat 4 trail trainers and a Nathan trail running vest, both of which delivered what they proclaimed to do.
Race Day
27th June 2021, race day had arrived! We were up early, at 0515 hrs, before travelling an hour to the start line. I was quietly
nervous but excited to get going. Due to COVID there was a 2 hour window for people to set off, when they wanted to, within that time frame. We had already received our race numbers and just had
to register before setting off. Last minute checks, activating our watches and we were running over the start line...I did have that niggling voice, and a doubt, thinking what have I got myself into but knew I
was extremely determined and up for the challenge.
For the first 8 miles we had climbed a mountain, ran along the top with very limited visibility and missed the first checkpoint (because someone had removed a couple
of the route sign markers). A few others had done the same so we worked together to get back on track which resulted in high morale,
RADC BULLETIN 2021 61