Last September, I volunteered as crew for the Ultra-X England event in the Peak District – my first for me at any running event, and an unforgettable experience. Also a genuine privilege to be helping so many inspiring people.
Our team – a mixture of medics, therapists and enthusiasts (hello!), worked tirelessly at checkpoints offering support, nutrition and our vocal chords to try and get every runner over the line. Relentless rain too, but it didn’t dampen the runners’ energy, whether they be the 25km and 50km single dayers, or 110km endurance junkies.
I was one of these junkies back in May, running my first two day Ultra, Ultra-X Scotland, circumnavigating Loch Ness, with my friend Ben. Ben sadly had to pull out at the end of Day 1, but was a champ for hobbling his way to the finish line! I nearly pulled out too, due to a calf injury, but scaled back my training, focused on strength work and managed to get myself to the start.
What an experience these events are! Challenging is an understatement. Spectacular scenery. But above all, a support crew that were incredible, and inspired me to crew England. At 41 (at time of writing), I sometimes feel like a newbie in this community of incredible athletes, despite my age.
I got chatting to two who casually mentioned completing Marathon des Sables and Mont Blanc Ultra, one who is doing Iron Man 70.3 next weekend in Italy, and one who comfortably gets an assisted place in London Marathon (for running sub 2:55!). Awe-inspiring.
I’m not sure where my journey will take me. But as I move into my 40s, I have found a renewed energy for physical adventures and a focus on my mental and physical health. However as I jump into this rabbit hole, I feel like a kid in a sweet shop, with so many incredible events (and most with a hefty price tag)!
This blog is my space to share the highs, inevitable lows and lessons from my adventures. Maybe it’ll inspire you to step outside your comfort zone too.
Oh, and why the Pink Tutu? Because back in my twenties a good friend bought me one for a fancy dress, and I have been wearing it on all my main events since! Sometimes for charity; sometimes just to add some colour to a race and make people smile!
Thanks for reading.
Simon x
Pink Tutu Adventures 