As I’ve said before, I love a good plan — colour-coded, nicely timed, maybe even with a spreadsheet if I’m feeling fancy. But here’s the catch: plans are only as good as your ability to actually follow through on them. And, let’s be real, life lately has been a bit… wobbly. Not in a bad way, but definitely in a “structure? never heard of her” kind of way.
Right now, I’m nine weeks out from my first ever ULTRA MARATHON (cue mild panic), and I think it’s time to bring some order to the chaos. If I can’t structure everything else, I can at least build a bit of routine around my training — and honestly, that might just be the anchor I need.
The last month or so has seen me bouncing between Cornwall, the New Forest, and London — all places I adore and packed with people I love. But constant movement? Not exactly a recipe for consistency. The good news? Running is portable. All I need is a pair of trainers and a half-decent trail — be it tarmac, forest path, gravel, or even beach sand if I’m feeling bold. And with race day creeping up, a structured training plan isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Plus, if I’m going to survive 50K, I should probably start treating my calendar like a training partner, not just a vague suggestion.
Enter: Coopah. I’ve loosely followed training plans from the Coopah run app before, but lucky me — they now do ultra marathon plans! All I had to do was plug in my race distance and date, and boom — instant structure. It even builds in strength training (which, let’s be real, isn’t exactly my favourite thing, but probably something my body desperately needs more of).
And no — this isn’t an ad. I’m just a soon to be tired runner who is clinging to any form of routine like it’s the last gel at kilometer 45.
With race day creeping up fast, I’ve officially hit the phase of back-to-back long run days. Will I be exhausted? Oh, absolutely. But I’m pretty sure that’s kind of the point. There are also a few midweek runs sprinkled in for good measure, just to keep things spicy.
So to any friends I’ll be staying with or catching up with soon… I’m sorry in advance if I show up half asleep and asking where the foam roller is. Please feed me carbs and don’t judge the creaky limbs.
So running wise, what’s on the cards for next week:
1. a 90 minute long run (I think I am going to be in London, so the aim is to finish this off with Swifty Mondays)
2. a speed session – 5 x 3 minute efforts
3. an easy 40 minute run (maybe incorporate ParkRun)
4. a 2 hour long run
On paper, it actually doesn’t look too bad — and fingers crossed, it stays that way in reality! Honestly, I’m even looking forward to it. I’m hoping to squeeze in some solid, soul-soothing mindful miles too, because let’s face it: running is basically therapy. Just you, your thoughts, and the occasional rogue pebble trying to ruin your flow.
I’m hoping to squeeze in at least one swim as well — whether it’s braving the open water or doing some lengths in the pool (or hey, maybe both if I’m feeling energetic!). Mum very kindly treated me to some new swimwear (shoutout to the sale gods), and I’m itching to take it for a spin!
Catch-up next week to see if it’s all gone to plan!
Speak soon,
M x
...and with it a piece of my soul 
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