Supporting Champions 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 enquiries@supportingchampions.co.uk then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.