Conquering the Shropshire Way 80K: A Reflection on Perseverance

By Jennie TRWM athlete

Completing an 80Km race is no small feat, and doing so in challenging conditions makes it even more remarkable. One of my athletes Jennie, recently achieved this milestone by finishing the Shropshire Way 80K Ultra Marathon, on April 6th 2024 and their reflection on the experience offers valuable insights into the journey, both physically and mentally.

The Journey Begins

 The seeds of this achievement were planted two years prior, after completing the Shropshire Way Mammothon, a marathon-distance event, with a friend. On a sunny day out in the hills, the 80K ultra caught their eye. The course, renowned for its iconic Shropshire Hills summits and Iron-Age hillforts, promised an adventure through diverse terrains including drovers’ routes, woodlands, and heathlands. The appeal of local delicacies along the route, such as homemade Fidget Pie, stew, soup, cake, local cheese, and sausage, added to the allure. It became a goal – part of a personal challenge to complete 50 new things before turning 50.

However, injury struck a few months before the planned race, shifting the goal to completing the 80K at 50 instead. Determined to improve uphill capabilities, they embarked on rigorous training.

I coached Jennie for 23 months, starting with a building phase and improving vo2 max, and a periodized strength plan. A few months in we prepared for the Brenig way 50k.  Injury around the calf became an issue which we were determined to work around so she was in good condition for a fast packing the Tour of Mont Blanc.  The training was completely different to what she had experienced before so a period of gaining trust was also in progress.

During the period of injury, we were still able to enhance vo2 max utilising the Rower, and increase endurance on bike rides, this decreased impact on her legs but still enabled adaptations that we needed to achieve.

As the injury improved we moved to more running based sessions and hitting the hills which included recces of the route, and we maintained the S&C so she had a strong core, back and legs, to deal with the demands of the upcoming ultra.

We also conquered some local fell races which helped gain confidence on the hills.  By October the achilles injury was fully resolved, and the consistency in training had transferred into running.

Some positive events were completed, some PB’s achieved and then a setback.

Overcoming Setbacks

 Despite rigorous training, illness and injury struck again. Eager to regain fitness after a chest infection in December and January, I pushed too hard, too soon. Fortunately, there was enough time to recover, stay strong and make it to the start line of the Shropshire Way 80K.

In the lead-up to the race, nerves were high. Confidence in the ability to finish was tempered by concerns about injury flare-ups and the added responsibility of supporting a friend through their first ultra. Additionally, navigating an unmarked route with faster companions presented a mental challenge. However, by race day, a calm resolve set in, buoyed by solid training and mental preparation.

The Race: A Test of Endurance and Strategy

The mapped route

The Shropshire Way 80k has approx 6600ft climb, starting at the Discovery Centre, you head onto Wenlock Edge, climb Ragleth Hill, pass through Little Stretton, up the Smallbatch Valley to Pole Bank, down to the hamlets of Bridges, up onto the Stipperstones and the Devils Chair, Linley Hill and then down into Bishops Castle. Beneath the Kerry ridgeway you head over to join the Offa’s Dyke Path, then several sharp ascent’s to the top of “Cefn’s” and in to the Clun Valley, up to Bury Ditches, through the woodland of Walcott Wood, up Hopesay Hill and down to finish back at the Discovery centre.

From the outset, the race conditions were gruelling. Muddy trails slowed progress significantly with at times knee high mud, dashing hopes of a sub-12-hour finish. Adapting to the conditions, I focused on maintaining a sustainable effort, resisting the urge to match the pace of faster runners.

 The higher ground brought strong winds, necessitating constant use of poles. This, combined with the muddy terrain, meant that nutrition plans went awry, leading to feelings of nausea and emotional lows, especially when passing poignant landmarks. Strategic nutrition adjustments at aid stations, like consuming soup and bread, helped manage these challenges.

The final stretch of the race was marked by torrential rain, worsening the already tough conditions. Waterlogged fields and deep puddles tested my resolve. Despite these challenges, the training paid off, enabling me to power through to the end.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

 Crossing the finish line after more than 14 hours was both a relief and a disappointment. There was a sense of achievement in completing the race, but also recognition of areas for improvement. Supporting a fellow runner added an extra layer of responsibility, which, while rewarding, was mentally exhausting. The experience underscored the importance of self-belief and trusting in one's own capabilities.

Reflecting on the race, it's clear that perseverance and adaptability are crucial in ultra-running. The journey highlighted the value of solid training, strategic pacing, and mental resilience. It also reinforced the joy and fulfilment that comes from supporting others in achieving their goals.

Jennie recovering at the finish

Looking Ahead

 The Shropshire Way 80K Ultra Marathon was a significant milestone, providing lessons that will inform future races and training. For anyone considering their first ultra or a new endurance challenge, this experience serves as a reminder that success is not just about physical preparation but also mental fortitude and the willingness to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

“As a coach, I am incredibly proud of the determination and strength displayed by my Jennie. Their journey exemplifies the spirit of ultra-running – it's not just about the finish line, but the stories and growth along the way, she remained consistent, dealt with setbacks positively and fed back to me regularly which enabled me to ensure she had the best service I could provide as a coach, getting to the start line fit and healthy, and been able to adapt to the conditions and push through when conditions were tough”.