011: Jo Meek on ultra-endurance

In this episode I talk to Jo Meek, aka the "Running Squirrel". Jo is one of the world's leading ultra-endurance runners. In 2013 Jo was 2nd woman across the line in the Marathon de Sables. In 2014 Jo was first in the Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica (a 225km run which she completed in 29h 17mins, 19s; 5th in Comrades marathon; 4th in the World 100km Champs. Jo has a 10km time of 34:36; a marathon time of 2:46; and a 100km time of 7hr 43mins. Jo offers a unique insight into managing training, discomfort of training and how she reframes challenge into a positive. Show notes   The origins of the nickname "Running Squirrel" Unconventional entrance to sport. Sport as a key to join in and be cool! Road running and now running on Dartmoor English cross-country champion, road racing and marathon and then ultra-marathon Mental resolve, persistence and hard work. Mental resolve is innate for Jo Sport Science top tips Make running your routine The pros and cons of becoming a full-time athlete What moderates Jo's training? The army, frontline action in Iraq for 4-5 months The army taught Jo the importance of looking after yourself Endurance background to ultra and the Marathon de Sables Highest British female finisher in the Marathon de Sables! Variety of races, UTMB 170km around Mont Blanc, France, Switzerland & Italy Tuning training to the event. UTMB training marathon training, long run becomes 3-4 hours and back to back long runs Training schedule, daily routine Managing winter training and darkness Mental resilience, anticipation of problems to stay positive for the race planning…control the controlables Ultra-running is easier than marathon running! The next challenge…Western States Endurance Run? Jo's top tips for ultra-training, consistency with training, fuelling and enjoy it! More from Jo at; https://twitter.com/jo_meek https://jomeekblog.wordpress.com/   Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/ A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/ If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/ or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.