Running With MS: Nicky Edwards on Diagnosis, Ultras, Resilience & Big 2026 Goals

A year after her first appearance on the podcast, physiotherapist Nicky Edwards returns to update us on a life-changing year. Since we last spoke, Nicky has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but far from slowing down, Nicky has taken on some of the toughest challenges in UK ultra-running.

Nicky talks us through the emotional and chaotic lead-up to the Arc of Attrition, receiving her MRI results just days before the race, and how she battled reduced sensation, balance issues and overwhelming uncertainty to make the St Ives cutoff with minutes to spare. Nicky opens up about the identity shift that comes with chronic illness and the mixed reactions online.

We dig deep into how Nicky has adapted her training, from prioritising strength work to restructuring work and family life, and how she uses mindset, stubbornness and gratitude to fuel her racing. Nicky also shares highlights from her recent 8th-place finish at Wendover Woods 50, talks about managing symptoms under stress, and looks ahead to a huge 2026 including Tokyo, Boston, a possible London, Race to the Stones, and her dream: the UTMB 100-miler.

Nicky closes with a message for anyone facing obstacles: “Only you know your body. Don’t let others’ expectations manage your dreams.”

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