Couch to 50K:Beginner’s Guide to UK Ultras in 2025
Charles Gay Charles Gay

Couch to 50K:Beginner’s Guide to UK Ultras in 2025

Ready to go beyond 5K? More runners are skipping the marathon and jumping straight to 50K trail ultras—and you can too. With smart training, scenic UK trails, and a supportive ultra community, your next big adventure is closer than you think. Start your Couch to 50K journey today!

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Conquering the Lakeland 100: How to Tackle the UK’s Legendary Ultra
Charles Gay Charles Gay

Conquering the Lakeland 100: How to Tackle the UK’s Legendary Ultra

If there’s one race that sits on many UK ultra runners’ bucket lists, it’s the Lakeland 100. Known for its relentless climbs, technical terrain, and breathtaking Lake District scenery, the Lakeland 100 is more than just 105 miles around the Lakes—it’s a mental and physical challenge

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Beyond Training Plans Why Personalised Coaching Matters for Ultra Runners
Charles Gay Charles Gay

Beyond Training Plans Why Personalised Coaching Matters for Ultra Runners

Speed is only part of the puzzle. Real ultra-running success comes from being “adventureproof”—ready to handle wrong turns, stomach issues, and storms with confidence. At Beyond Ultra, we coach runners not just to get faster, but to become capable, adaptable mountain athletes prepared for the realities of race day and the unknowns that make ultras an adventure worth pursuing.

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Running a 200-Mile Ultra: Training, Mindset, and What It Takes
Charles Gay Charles Gay

Running a 200-Mile Ultra: Training, Mindset, and What It Takes

was 140 miles in and in agony—my knee screamed with every step. At the Wild Horse 200, I faced misty mountains, brutal climbs, hallucinations, and moments so raw I nearly gave up. Yet, with an incredible crew, mental grit, and a mantra that echoed in the night, I crawled across the finish in 80 hours 40 minutes. This post is my full account—training, nutrition, gear, mindset, and the real story behind what it takes to run 200 miles on the toughest terrain Wales can offer. If you're considering a 200-mile ultra, welcome to the honest truth of what's ahead.

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Countdown to Your Best Ultra: Training & Preparation for 2025
Charles Gay Charles Gay

Countdown to Your Best Ultra: Training & Preparation for 2025

Ready to make 2025 the year you conquer your first or biggest ultra? Success on race day starts months before you pin on your bib. From building a consistent training base and mastering back-to-back long runs, to dialling in your fuelling strategy and choosing the right kit, ultra running rewards the prepared. This guide breaks down what really matters—practical training, simple but effective nutrition, realistic kit advice, and mental strategies to keep you moving when it gets tough—so you can stand confidently on the start line and give yourself the best chance of finishing strong.

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Dealing with Navigation Errors: A Mountain Leader’s Guide
Charles Gay Charles Gay

Dealing with Navigation Errors: A Mountain Leader’s Guide

When your compass flickers and your GPX route fails, what do you do next? In this mountain leader’s guide, I share real-world stories of wrong turns, sudden weather shifts, and the unplanned moments that could derail your ultra. More importantly, I show you how to navigate out—practically, calmly, and confidently. You’ll learn the must-have backups, mindset shifts, and early-warning tactics to keep moving forward, even when the trail disappears.

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How to Navigate UK Hills: A Beginner’s Guide to Map and Compass Skills
Charles Gay Charles Gay

How to Navigate UK Hills: A Beginner’s Guide to Map and Compass Skills

Lost in a misty summit or struggling to relate your map to the terrain? In this practical guide, we break down navigation for UK hills—covering compass basics, map interpretation, distance judgment, and when to lean on GPS backup. Learn how to confidently plan your route, stay oriented through low visibility, and navigate featureless ground—all so that you can explore off the beaten path with safety and self-reliance.

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My Journey to 200 Miles: Training & Prep for Wild Horse 200
Charles Gay Charles Gay

My Journey to 200 Miles: Training & Prep for Wild Horse 200

Over a year I trained, tested gear and dialled in my nutrition for one goal—the Wild Horse 200. This post explores how I built from base miles to endurance training, rehearsed my kit breakdowns, and mentally prepared for 200 brutal miles and 30,000 ft of climbing. It’s a full account of everything I learnt before crossing that start line—and what it takes to step into the unknown and chase a 200‑mile dream.

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Goal Setting for Ultra Runners: a Long-Term Success Guide.
Charles Gay Charles Gay

Goal Setting for Ultra Runners: a Long-Term Success Guide.

Discover effective goal-setting strategies tailored for ultra runners. This comprehensive coach’s guide covers how to set SMART goals, boost motivation, and build lasting success in ultra endurance running and ultra marathon training.

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