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Hey there, fellow trail enthusiasts! We’ve got some exciting news to share in the world of trail running. Picture this: a collaboration that’s as smooth as a well-groomed single track and as inspiring as a sunrise summit view. That’s right, folks, Ugoku Projects, the trail running cap connoisseurs, have teamed up with Maximum Mileage, the coaching wizards for trail and road runners. Hold on to your hydration packs because this partnership is about to take your trail running game to a whole new level!
First, let’s talk caps. But not just any caps – we’re talking about the kind of headgear that’s designed to make you feel like a trail-running superhero. Ugoku Projects is on a mission to keep your noggin cool and stylish during your wildest trail adventures. Our caps are more than just accessories; they’re your trusty sidekicks on the trail. With a nod to functionality and a dash of flair, Ugoku Projects’ caps are like the Batman utility belt of trail running gear – always ready to save the day.
Now, let’s shift gears to coaching. We all know that getting out there and conquering the trails can sometimes feel like trying to decipher a trail map in the dark. That’s where Maximum Mileage comes in. These coaching maestros are like the Gandalfs of the running world, guiding you through the treacherous paths of training and technique with wisdom and encouragement. Whether you’re a newbie looking to take your first trail steps or a seasoned pro aiming for that ultra, Maximum Mileage has your back.
This Partnership Rocks Our Trail Shoes!
Expert Guidance with Maximum Mileage’s coaching expertise, you can expect technique tips, and a whole lot of motivation to help you reach your running goals – whether you’re chasing a PR or simply out to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
First race you ran?
First big trail race was Brecon2Cardiff during Storm Ciara in Feb 2020. 44 mile ultra and I came 9th out of 529 runners
Hardest race to date?
UTS55 – it was super technical but the heat on the day absolutely wiped me out! I like rain, not sun!
Bucket list race?
Leadville, Lavaredo or Tarawera
Favourite aid station food or snack?
Oreo’s for sweet
Cheese sandwich for savoury
Post race go to recovery food?
Beans and cheese on jacket potato!
Toe socks or no toe socks?
Runderwear merino socks for me!
First race you ran?
It was the Jurassic Coast Challenge back in 2009.
3 Marathons over 3 days along the Dorset coast. I had been recommended the event by a friend that I met the year before on a hiking trip in the Pyrenees. I had only really at this stage run XC at school, around a hockey and netball pitch and routes from my house!
When Nadia suggested this race I loved the sound of the challenge and the chance to cover all that distance just on two feet with trainers on my feet and a small rucksack.
To say that the event challenged me was a bit of an understatement, I was really poorly prepared and had run little more than an hour, maybe two, in one go. What I did have though, was good hiking endurance and the ability to just keep going, and that is what I did!
I found myself hurting a lot as the distance clocked up and had to run, jog, walk my way over the distance at varying times and intensities. I also remember being fuelled by some exceptional homemade flapjack and by the end of the 3 days I was 90% oat based!
That challenge kick started something in me, an opportunity to move in beautiful outdoor landscapes fairly quickly and with minimal kit slowing me down, I loved how it pushed me and equally how it filled me with joy!
Hardest race to date?
It has to be Ultra Tour Mont Rosa that I did in September 2019.
This is a 4 stage race that covers mountains and trails of Italy and Switzerland. This was my first proper race in big European mountains and it was epic! I absolutely loved it but vividly remember the feeling of the sheer size of what I was doing as I was half way up, 2 hours in, to an ascent on day two that still had another hour and a bit of climb to go!
The year that I ran we saw a huge weather front hitting the Alps on the evening of Day 2 that saw us having to do an amended route for the remaining days of the race. As disappointing as it was, I still had a fantastic experience and learnt that I could push my body and mind further with my running than I had initially thought.
I swear by the saying of “ignorance is bliss” and when it comes to pushing yourself into the unknown I am sure that I have pushed myself more not really being 100% sure of what is to come or 100% sure of what I can do.
A recce is definitely valuable at times and particularly good for when you are truly “racing”, but where that isn’t possible I think just getting out there and seeing what you can do is a great lesson in your potential.
Bucket list race?
Oooh this is a tough question.
I have a number of races that I have seen and thought, “I would love to do that” and I see another race and think, “Oh that would be awesome!” but I would say that my top 3 would be:
The Tarawera Ultra in New Zealand.
I was lucky enough to live in NZ for a couple of years and got to run on some of the most beautiful trails and although I did get to run in the beautiful forests of Rotorua where the race starts and finishes I left wanting to run one of the Ultra races.
Pikes Peak Marathon.
Simply, it looks awesome and you get to run up a big mountain!
I then have a bucket list destination for trail running and that is Japan! I love what I have read and seen of the trail running scene and races there and would love to experience that at sometime in my running journey.
Favourite aid station food or snack?
Flapjack and jelly babies!
Post race recovery food?
A milky based coffee or a cup of tea – I know that is a drink! Food wise, I mean it depends if we are in Summer or Winter but can’t go wrong with something pastry based, pasty, sausage roll, pie, it hits all your macro’s lol!
Toe Socks or No toe socks?
No toe socks, can’t be doing with the faff. I do have a sock problem, and love a jazzy sock for running but they are toe free.
I am never seen out running without a cap or a Buff on my head – fact!
Maximum Mileage helps busy people crush their half marathon, marathon and ultramarathon goals with online running coach services.
UK ATHLETICS LICENSED AND UESCA ULTRARUNNING CERTIFIED ONLINE RUNNING COACH
If you think a running coach could be for you get in touch with Maximum Mileage
You can check out their social media @runwithnick and @fayejohnsoncoaching
