Training for an Ultra isn't a tidy occasion.

It's early monrings, long weekends, it's anti-social, its high and low emotions, its getting through a few trainers, tired legs, achy back, sore feet muddy shoes and the occasional 'WHY?' moments.

Its also heart filling highs, gorgeous scenery, like minded people, time and space with your thoughts, walking when you want to, steep climbs to feel on top of the world, feeling the authentic YOU..or ME, its curiosity and realising what you are capable of mind and body.

You don't have to be perfect, you just have to show up and every mile i run or walk is a reminder of the same message i like to give to my own clients.... just keep moving forwards.

On 8th August i will be doing just that - showing up and moving in @GBULTRAS RaceAcrossScotland. A 215 mile ultra across the Southern Upland Way from Portpatrick to Cocksburnpath with 100 hours to complete.

WHY CLIMBING OUT? WHY THEY MATTER TO ME

Climbing Out supports people rebuilding confidence, identity, and direction after life-changing challenges.

Their programmes blend outdoor adventure with mindset coaching — and that combination changed something in me.

They helped me:

- reconnect with who I was outside of stress and responsibility

- rebuild confidence in my body and my decisions

- find community at a time I didn’t realise how much I needed one and didnt even think i was a community kinda girl!

- remember that joy and challenge can coexist but also that i was able to find joy and worthy of it too.

So running RAS for Climbing Out feels right.

It’s my way of giving back to a charity that helped me step forward when I felt stuck.