Chris runs ultras

Through forests, mountains, and limitless desert space. Each sunrise whispered, “Push on, endure,” Each sunset sang, “Your spirit is pure.”

Roots and stones were the verses I read, With each aching step, new chapters were said.

When the rain lashed down and shadows grew long, The rhythm of footfalls became my song. Through blisters and doubt, the pain and the strife, The trail unveiled truths about this life.

To suffer is to understand myself and my place in this world, I run out the self-loathing and lingering doubts deep, Finding strength and worth that I long to keep.

A summit reached, a valley yet crossed, Each peak and trough counted as cost. My body did not break, my mind did not waver, To push on in suffering is a powerful favor.

Just listening to footsteps, no music, no talking, My meditation, hour after hour, the rhythm unlocking, growing something within.

The medals now rest, the photos in frames, But what lingers most are the moments unnamed. I am good, I am capable, I am worth something to me, In nobody, I find someone who achieves.

The laughter, the tears, the unspoken ties, Shared under the vast, unyielding skies. This year of ultras, a journey profound, Taught me to cherish the strength I’d found.

Not in the finish, but in each mile run, Where the soul grows brighter beneath the sun. For I have to suffer to find the person I am, And in that suffering, I am finally free.

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After a disappointing 2023, where I Did Not Finish more races than I completed, I was determined to do 2024 differently. Thankfully, I remained injury free this year and addressed the reasons behind my previous DNFs. This year my main aim was to run consistently long, and maintain endurance fitness throughout the year.

This year, I completed all my races 🥇

★ March – The North Downs Ridge 50k @freedom__racing
★ April – Marathon des Sables 253k @mdslegendary
★ May – Brighton Backyard Ultra 107k @brightonbackyardultra
★ May – London to Brighton 100k @ultrachallenges
★ July – Serpent trail 100k @freedom__racing
★ August – SVP100 @svp100ultra
★ September – Yorkshire 3 Peaks 100k @stuwestfield_rangerexpeditions
★ November – Brighton 10k @brighton10k