Our Vision
An Ultra running community providing a source of holistic Ultra training advice; preparing your mind, body and kit for success.
An Ultra running community providing a source of holistic Ultra training advice; preparing your mind, body and kit for success.
You may be thinking that running an Ultra can’t be that hard, I mean 50K isn’t that much further than a marathon right? And in some ways the transition from road marathon to Ultra isn’t that hard, if you prepare for the differences properly. In fact the physical running training is a logical, not too extreme, progression from a normal half or full marathon training plan. But an Ultra has a different set of demands, and whilst we believe that with the right training anyone that can finish a half marathon can train to run an Ultra, we know it requires a holistic approach to training; preparing your body, mind and kit.
The UTC approach focuses on ensuring you are fully prepared to deal with all aspects of your Ultra challenge.
I love running. I’ve raced parkruns, 10ks, 10 milers (great distance by the way), half marathons, marathons, ultras, multi-day events. And I’ve tried many mediums – track, road running, trail races, fell running, mountain races, and sky running to name a few. If you run it I might have done it. I’ve learned many of the lessons the hard way over the years; and some of the lessons I’ve had to learn two or three or four times. There’s still much to learn.
Ultra events though have a special hold over me. It’s not just running. There’s an element of exploring about most ultras – new and truly challenging terrain, and new trails you’ve never trodden before. There’s often a bit of navigation to only heighten that sensation. Then there’s the kit – I love getting my kit just right, and the feeling that it’s just me and the kit on my back against the elements, the terrain and the challenge.
I am a UESCA certified Ultra Running Coach.
I can mostly be found in the Northwest of England, enjoying running, football, cycling (a truly optimal runner’s cross training pursuit) and even work.
I ran my first Ultra by accident, I blame Danny… he got me into mountain running, and it was probably his route choice that meant we ran that far. I’ve always loved being in the hills and mountains, but somehow a few short runs after work turned into a full 55km (with a bonus 38km the next day). Danny and I worked together for a few years, we even shared a flat whilst working away from home. I was a cyclist, roadie and occasional mountain biker, but Danny got me running… and I’m glad he did. Because I love it, I love training, I love running in the hills and I love competing in Ultra events.
I am a UESCA certified Ultramarathon coach and have coached a number of clients to achieve their Ultra goals across distances from 50k upwards. I live with my family (and dog) on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, I’m a serving RAF Officer, and I’m a practicing 3rd Dan martial artist. So I’m always busy, and I know how hard, but important, it can be to train effectively for Ultra whilst balancing the rest of life’s demands. We found out things the hard and often painful way, which is why UTC is here – to offer you the ability to learn from our experiences and maybe avoid a little bit of the pain as you train to achieve your Ultra goals (although there will still be some!!). I recently completed the 108 mile (180km) Summer Montane Spine Challenger with nearly 5000m of climbing.
I’ve been a runner nearly all of my life. It is my hobby, my passion, my job. I promise I’m not obsessed!
I compete over middle distances (1500m-10k) although this is changing. I love cross-country, train up to Half Marathon, and will be stepping up to the Marathon soon. I must also mention I have dabbled with longer fell races, and an Ultra is definitely on the horizon – they’re all like Mont Blanc in the sun, right?!
Many runners describe me as one of the ‘fast ones’ but all things are relative and I truly believe anyone can achieve their goals with the right setup. I know I am where I am due to 15 years of getting it right and wrong. This is everyone’s journey. Sadly though, I cant see me getting an Olympics call up anytime soon! My PBs are: 1500 3:53 5k 14:20, 10k 30:14, HM 66:32, and Marathon 2:59:14 (that was my ultra experience, a war of attrition – over 35 minutes down on my target and just getting to the finish remains one of my personal greatest achievements yet – success isn’t just about how quick you go or what place you finish!)
I have spent my whole life since adolescence involved in sport. With a Diploma in Sport Coaching, Fitness, and Development and then my degree in Sport and Exercise Science, my interest and knowledge is vast and versatile. I spent three years in specialist running retail before training as a sports massage therapist qualified to prevent, assess and manage injury, and use a range of treatment modalities to support soft tissue repair. Now, I run my own business, Active Edge Sports Therapy & Coaching.
My interest spans across a wide range of subjects, including biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, metabolism, mechanisms of adaptation to training, and psychology of sport.
As a therapist who is a runner, I get so many runners come through my doors. I know the mental and physical pain of injury impacting on training and events; so our plans are always built to minimise the risk of injury (I could discuss load and work ratios all day!) and maximise the opportunity for adaptation.
All of this has come together and I’ve come to realise that my journey has left me in a great position to analyse and understand training for runners of all ability, over all disciplines.
As a coach I have a broad cross section of clients – I’ve successfully coached clients for everything from 5k to 100(+) miles.
And in my spare time I read, study and educate myself on all aspects of running performance across a wide range of subjects. Including pain science, biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, metabolism, mechanisms of adaptation to training, and psychology of sport and performance. I also volunteer as a Run Director at my local parkrun when I’m not out at a race!
Oh and of course I prioritise my 9 to 12 hours of training each week…
I love running. I’ve raced parkruns, 10ks, 10 milers (great distance by the way), half marathons, marathons, ultras, multi-day events. And I’ve tried many mediums – track, road running, trail races, fell running, mountain races, and sky running to name a few. If you run it I might have done it. I’ve learned many of the lessons the hard way over the years; and some of the lessons I’ve had to learn two or three or four times. There’s still much to learn.
Ultra events though have a special hold over me. It’s not just running. There’s an element of exploring about most ultras – new and truly challenging terrain, and new trails you’ve never trodden before. There’s often a bit of navigation to only heighten that sensation. Then there’s the kit – I love getting my kit just right, and the feeling that it’s just me and the kit on my back against the elements, the terrain and the challenge.
I am a UESCA certified Ultra Running Coach.
I can mostly be found in the Northwest of England, enjoying running, football, cycling (a truly optimal runner’s cross training pursuit) and even work.
I ran my first Ultra by accident, I blame Danny… he got me into mountain running, and it was probably his route choice that meant we ran that far. I’ve always loved being in the hills and mountains, but somehow a few short runs after work turned into a full 55km (with a bonus 38km the next day). Danny and I worked together for a few years, we even shared a flat whilst working away from home. I was a cyclist, roadie and occasional mountain biker, but Danny got me running… and I’m glad he did. Because I love it, I love training, I love running in the hills and I love competing in Ultra events.
I am a UESCA certified Ultramarathon coach and have coached a number of clients to achieve their Ultra goals across distances from 50k upwards. I live with my family (and dog) on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, I’m a serving RAF Officer, and I’m a practicing 3rd Dan martial artist. So I’m always busy, and I know how hard, but important, it can be to train effectively for Ultra whilst balancing the rest of life’s demands. We found out things the hard and often painful way, which is why UTC is here – to offer you the ability to learn from our experiences and maybe avoid a little bit of the pain as you train to achieve your Ultra goals (although there will still be some!!). I recently completed the 108 mile (180km) Summer Montane Spine Challenger with nearly 5000m of climbing.
I’ve been a runner nearly all of my life. It is my hobby, my passion, my job. I promise I’m not obsessed!
I compete over middle distances (1500m-10k) although this is changing. I love cross-country, train up to Half Marathon, and will be stepping up to the Marathon soon. I must also mention I have dabbled with longer fell races, and an Ultra is definitely on the horizon – they’re all like Mont Blanc in the sun, right?!
Many runners describe me as one of the ‘fast ones’ but all things are relative and I truly believe anyone can achieve their goals with the right setup. I know I am where I am due to 15 years of getting it right and wrong. This is everyone’s journey. Sadly though, I cant see me getting an Olympics call up anytime soon! My PBs are: 1500 3:53 5k 14:20, 10k 30:14, HM 66:32, and Marathon 2:59:14 (that was my ultra experience, a war of attrition – over 35 minutes down on my target and just getting to the finish remains one of my personal greatest achievements yet – success isn’t just about how quick you go or what place you finish!)
I have spent my whole life since adolescence involved in sport. With a Diploma in Sport Coaching, Fitness, and Development and then my degree in Sport and Exercise Science, my interest and knowledge is vast and versatile. I spent three years in specialist running retail before training as a sports massage therapist qualified to prevent, assess and manage injury, and use a range of treatment modalities to support soft tissue repair. Now, I run my own business, Active Edge Sports Therapy & Coaching.
My interest spans across a wide range of subjects, including biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, metabolism, mechanisms of adaptation to training, and psychology of sport.
As a therapist who is a runner, I get so many runners come through my doors. I know the mental and physical pain of injury impacting on training and events; so our plans are always built to minimise the risk of injury (I could discuss load and work ratios all day!) and maximise the opportunity for adaptation.
All of this has come together and I’ve come to realise that my journey has left me in a great position to analyse and understand training for runners of all ability, over all disciplines.
As a coach I have a broad cross section of clients – I’ve successfully coached clients for everything from 5k to 100(+) miles.
And in my spare time I read, study and educate myself on all aspects of running performance across a wide range of subjects. Including pain science, biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, metabolism, mechanisms of adaptation to training, and psychology of sport and performance. I also volunteer as a Run Director at my local parkrun when I’m not out at a race!
Oh and of course I prioritise my 9 to 12 hours of training each week…