
By Scott Mathers
I’ve never been a very fast runner, so a little while ago I made the decision to go for distance over speed. Having done the usual progression from 10km to Half Marathon and on to full Marathon the logical next step seemed to be to run an Ultra, but it was a very big and scary step.
So, on Sunday 19th April I took part in my first ultra distance run, the Wychavon Way Ultra. 40 miles of hills and trails from Broadway in the Cotswolds to Droitwich Spa. To say I was nervous in the build up was an understatement, but I trained hard, I ate the right food (ish) and I tried to keep a positive attitude. Easier said than done though, knowing what lay ahead.
I’ve never been a very fast runner, so a little while ago I made the decision to go for distance over speed. Having done the usual progression from 10km to Half Marathon and on to full Marathon the logical next step seemed to be to run an Ultra, but it was a very big and scary step.
So, on Sunday 19th April I took part in my first ultra distance run, the Wychavon Way Ultra. 40 miles of hills and trails from Broadway in the Cotswolds to Droitwich Spa. To say I was nervous in the build up was an understatement, but I trained hard, I ate the right food (ish) and I tried to keep a positive attitude. Easier said than done though, knowing what lay ahead.

The day came around all too quickly and before I knew it I was stood in the village square of Broadway at 7:45am, surrounded by experienced ultra runners, plus Matt and Colin from BRC. What on earth was I doing? I expected to be out for anything between 8-10 hours so I decided to just relax and enjoy it. 3… 2 ...1… GO, we were off, and far too fast, trotting along at 10km pace. I managed to slow myself down though and get into the groove of plodding along at a far more gentle pace.
The first 10 miles passed really quickly and checkpoint 1 came into view with it’s array of sweet treats, fruit and malt loaf to keep us all going. I scoffed down a couple of flapjacks, filled my bottle and got ready to set off again. However, annoyingly I could already feel a couple of blisters developing so I took the time to get them taped before I carried on.
The first 10 miles passed really quickly and checkpoint 1 came into view with it’s array of sweet treats, fruit and malt loaf to keep us all going. I scoffed down a couple of flapjacks, filled my bottle and got ready to set off again. However, annoyingly I could already feel a couple of blisters developing so I took the time to get them taped before I carried on.

The section between CP1 and CP2 contained the high point of the race, a 3 mile climb up to the top of Bredon Hill. I’d already decided that I was going to walk the uphills, which in the end wasn’t really a choice as it was bloody steep to start with. I made it to the top in decent time and started the descent, with thighs and feet beginning to feel the strain. A few more undulating miles and I was at CP2 for some more refuelling and my first go on a foam roller. Thankfully it worked wonders and really eased the tension in my thighs and hips.
Onwards to CP3, another 10 mile stint, through some beautiful countryside and impressively wealthy looking villages, including the wonderfully named Wyre Piddle. The end of this section marked the furthest I’d ever run in one go, so I was moving into unknown territory. I couldn’t help but smile. I left CP3 knowing that there was only 10 miles left, I was almost there, the experience/pain would soon be over.
Onwards to CP3, another 10 mile stint, through some beautiful countryside and impressively wealthy looking villages, including the wonderfully named Wyre Piddle. The end of this section marked the furthest I’d ever run in one go, so I was moving into unknown territory. I couldn’t help but smile. I left CP3 knowing that there was only 10 miles left, I was almost there, the experience/pain would soon be over.

The final stretch was tough, very very tough. My feet, calves, thighs, hips, back and shoulders all hurt, but thankfully I bumped into fellow BRC Member Matt Kirkby, who had unfortunately taken a little detour from the route, not unusual for Matt! We kept each other going for the last few miles and eventually the finish was in sight, along with a hot drink and a pastie!
And then it was over. Having worried about it for so long I’d done it, and also proven to myself that I really can do anything if I put my mind to it.
The question now though is where do I go from here. Oh yes, the small matter of a 24 hour solo run in July...
And then it was over. Having worried about it for so long I’d done it, and also proven to myself that I really can do anything if I put my mind to it.
The question now though is where do I go from here. Oh yes, the small matter of a 24 hour solo run in July...