Inspire

So, what exactly is an ultramarathon? An ultramarathon is any distance which is further than the 26.2 miles (or 42.2km) of a marathon. Of late, this unique and exhilarating discipline has begun to rival the marathon in popularity. And, getting out on the trails, or in the mountains, is definitely the coolest way to take on a run of this length.

However, increasing your distance and time out running also increases the opportunity for things to go wrong. Or, as I like to see it, gives you more opportunity to problem-solve, grow, and conquer.

I hope this guide will help you to understand that ultramarathons shouldn’t be overwhelming or complicated. Instead, ultra running is about doing the basics well and keeping it simple. My guide is designed to give you the foundations for longevity and enjoyment, while being able to climb your own individual peaks.

No risk, no story: how to choose your first ultramarathon

When you google ultramarathons, you may well become overwhelmed by the sheer number of events that exist. Track? Trail? Mountains? Roads? 24 hours? 100km? 100 miles? There’s a lot out there, and this can be overwhelming, terrifying, and exciting all at the same time.

When I was searching for my first ultramarathon event I was 15 years old and the choice was very limited - there was only one race that would let a 15-year-old run. So picking was pretty easy and my first ultramarathon was a 100km event. However, your story doesn’t have to be quite so 0 to 100.

If you’re picking your first ultramarathon then my biggest piece of advice is to ask yourself some simple questions:

1. What excites you?
2. What can you realistically complete? 
3. What time frame do you have to prepare?

If you live in the city, and don't have the time or means to get out onto the trails or into the mountains, then perhaps pick a race that’s closer to home and more accessible.

Ultimately though, when it comes to choosing your first ultramarathon you should find a race that really lights a fire in you, gives you goosebumps - then jump! No risk, no story.

Ultramarathon training: leave the numbers behind

Now you’ve got your race, it’s time to train! This should be the fun part. As cliche as it sounds, 'it’s about the journey not the destination'. And, something I’ve always prided myself on throughout my career is consistency and my enjoyment of training.

When I trained for my first ultramarathon I only ran easy. No workouts, no programs. I ran with my Dad, before or after school. I rested if I felt tired or didn’t have time, and I didn’t stress about the numbers or the event. Instead, I choose to enjoy the feeling each day of getting 1% closer to being in the best position to enjoy race day.  

So, if you’re training for your first ultramarathon then I suggest finding comfort and routine in getting up and getting out, before you start thinking about your pace, heart rate, hours trained, or other metrics. When you’ve got this consistency and routine, then you can begin to add other ‘workouts’ to your schedule.

That said, when it comes to ultra running, always prioritise the joy and the good feelings, and always remember that in this sport, the numbers don’t define you. If you have a good run and see that your pace was a little slower, that doesn’t make that run less good.

Now eight years into the sport I still have to check my headspace and ask: why am I running and who I am running for? I run for me, and the feeling it gives me, not to impress others with numbers.  

Even now, my training consists of easy jogging 5 days a week. These are the foundations of my running. They strengthen my cardiovascular system and develop the muscles required for ultramarathons.

In terms of pace, these should be runs where you are breathing easily, can hold a conversation, and feel like you can keep going even when you stop. That's when you know you’re on the right path.

Ultramarathon training: protect your body and it will protect you

Ok, so we’ve booked the race, and we’ve started training, but suddenly we feel pain. Here is where the ultra running community - although amazing - can be your biggest vice. There seems to be an unwritten award for the person at each start line with the most broken bones, or tape holding their limbs together, or who’s taken the most painkillers.

Generally, this is because they couldn't handle the process and short term pain of resting when injury beckons during training. Don’t make this mistake! My advice? If it hurts, stop.

We want to enjoy running, it’s meant to be fun and there is absolutely nothing wrong with cutting a run short or not starting at all. This is a form of self-love that I advocate and have had to learn the hard way. I fell into the process of always justifying pain as “my muscles adapting” or “when you train a-lot, this is normal”.

Of course there will be stiffness and there will be mental fatigue on runs. You may even be bonking; where your mind and body is just telling you stop. It’s in these moments that I employ the 10 minute rule:

• If I feel a bit stiff / sore before I run, I’ll go out and just do 10 mins
• If I’m still not feeling great, I’ll turn around - at least I got 10 mins in and tried
• If I'm on the verge of bonking I give myself 10 mins to resurrect the situation: this could be eating, sitting down, taking on water, listening to music, or taking deep breaths

You’ll learn more about your body over time and you’ll appreciate it more than ever as you navigate through your first ultramarathon. Listen to your body, use the 10 minute rule and you can’t go too far wrong. Oh, and take any advice from the ultra running community with a pinch of salt!

Ultramarathon mindset: create a tool kit for the mind

The last, but most important thing when it comes to training, is the mind. We train the body and expect big things from ourselves, but if you’re running an ultramarathon then we must also train and treat the mind with the same love and support.

As I mentioned at the start, taking on a distance further than 26.2 miles will challenge you in many ways. I’m not going to paint an unrealistic picture of sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns. Yes, those moments happen, but there is also darkness, rain and a whole lot of doubt. So, what I’ve learned is to have a tool kit for the mind, and ways to bring myself out of those situations.

My tool kit includes:

• Mantras
• Gratitude 
• Food
• People
• Music

These are all options I use when the going gets tough, but the only way you will find what works best for you is by getting out there and trying. That way, when you feel the darkness, rain and doubt coming during the event, then you’ll be able to find the rainbows, the sunshine, and the unicorns, because you’ve trained your mind to do so.

It’s that incredible mind of yours that gave you the idea to do an ultramarathon in the first place and that endured the training to get there. And, the mind has an amazing ability to only remember the good moments. Before you know it, you’ll be back entering your next ultramarathon.

The ultramarathon community: you’ll need them, trust me

Finally, let’s talk about the ultra running community. After all, you’re going to need them and they’re going to see you, the real you. And, as the saying goes: 'if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.'

Well, when you enter your first ultramarathon, you are going to join an incredible and inclusive group of humans. This whacky community wakes up before the sun rises to get their long runs in, comes in all different shapes and sizes, and can always be seen wearing the loudest clothing and widest smiles.

These are the people who’ll help you go to the toilet in the bush, or pull you back up when your stomach rejects one too many gels, and, most importantly, who will be there when you finish - whether that’s first or last.

That’s the best thing about this community - they have your back: they’ve had mine for 9 years now. Being a young female, I couldn’t think of a better group to grow up with. They’ve seen me smile, seen me win, seen me injured and sad, make mistakes and learn from them. If you’re here because you’re entering your first ultramarathon, then welcome to this special community.

You’ve made it. Now, take your time and bask in the journey of running: this is where the growth happens and the best feelings are created. 

Let’s Do This.

Find Your Ultramarathon

You've probably noticed more and more cyclists on the roads recently. Well, cycling's popularity has soared during the past year, and there is a reason for that: there are so many benefits of cycling. Cycling is a fast, fun and flexible sport which can take you far away in a matter of minutes. On top of that, it results in far less injuries and long-term joint pain compared to running.

However, some people tend to be a little reserved about cycling, perhaps due to the potential dangers of busy roads. But don’t let fear stop you. When done safely (yes, we’re talking ugly helmets and well-oiled brakes) there are loads of benefits of cycling - and this summer is the perfect time to give it a go.

Health benefits

It’s simple: one of the key benefits of cycling is it's good for you. It’s a cardiovascular exercise that raises your heart rate and can reduce the risk of developing illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Regular cycling can also improve your posture and balance, making it great for all elements of daily life. And, cycling is great for those looking to lose weight or tone up. Cycling can burn up to 400 calories per hour and works the legs, arms, glutes and shoulders. This means it’s a great full body workout that you’ll certainly feel the next day.

Stress relief

Cycling doesn’t just benefit the body, but the mind too. Exercise is proven to be a great way of reducing stress and anxiety, as it pumps up those glorious endorphins. And, according to Charles Graham-Dixon, cycling is an extra special way to reduce stress because it promotes an “inherent mindfulness”. Being able to focus on rhythm, pedal stroke and speed, while being outdoors in a peaceful setting can hugely reduce stress and promote a positive frame of mind. So, next time you’re feeling anxious or stressed, consider a gentle bike ride to focus on the mind and soul.

Speedy and cost-effective travel

Cycling has become popular over the past year because it transports us quickly without needing to get on public transport. In fact, cycling is a great way to travel without spending a penny. You’ll be surprised how much you can save by simply not paying for weekly petrol or train tickets during your commute. On top of that, it's great for an adventure and there are all manner of epic bike-packing trips that you can do here in the UK. And, the more you cycle, the better you’ll become. You’ll notice that the ominous steep hill no longer phases you and you’re zooming to work in no time.

Sense of community

While some cyclists appreciate the alone time, others find a sense of community in the sport. There’s something unique about cycling with a group of friends and reaching your destination together. If you’re not sure where to find your fellow cycling fanatics, try signing up for a race such as Ride the Night London, where women cycle 50K or 100K through the night to raise funds for breast cancer charities. And, once you get into the sense of community surrounding cycling, you’ll find it becomes pretty addictive. There’s lots of cool gear to buy and great events to attend.

Environmental Impact

Much like walking, cycling is a more environmentally friendly way to get around than the car or even public transport. If you’re a regular driver, you probably already know that car exhausts release harmful gases which contribute to ground-level ozone and global warming. So luckily we have the perfect alternative with cycling. And, cities across the UK are become more and more cycle-friendly, so now is the perfect time to start. So, not only does cycling have an abundance of benefits for your own health, but it also has benefits for everyone else's health. It really is a win-win.

Connecting with the outdoors

Cycling is great because it gives you a chance to connect to the outdoors and get a real sense of adventure. It’s normally pretty easy to cycle into the countryside, even when you’re based in a big city. And, cycling can help you to navigate closer to home and get a better sense of your neighbourhood.

Low impact exercise

We all know that exercise is good for us. But, for some people, it isn’t as easy as lacing up some running shoes or hitting the gym. People with chronic illnesses, injuries or disabilities might be unable to do certain exercises. A major benefit of cycling is that it's low impact exercise which is kind on the joints, making it a great alternative to running or HIIT workouts. It’s ideal for those recovering from injuries or suffering from back pain or arthritis. But, if you’re not sure, check with your GP before getting on the bike.

Everyone’s running these days. Instagram feeds are full of screenshots of speedy 5Ks and your local park seems to be a hotbed of olympic athletes. We love. But, we understand that if you haven’t started your running journey yet it can be pretty intimidating.

The great thing about running is that there are no rules. You can go at your own pace and set your own goals. Some people run with the aim of completing a marathon, whereas others run simply to get some fresh air. No running journey is the same, and that’s what makes running so special. So, if you’re wondering how to start running, then there are a few things you should know.

Why start running?

If you’re unsure whether or not to start running, then it always helps to take a look at the benefits. There’s a simple reason running is so popular: it’s really good for you. Running regularly can improve your:

• Strength
• Weight
• General health
• Mood

Running is a weight bearing exercise, which means it’s great for your bones. It also builds endurance in your muscles, helping to strengthen, define and prevent injuries. And, running is popular among those looking to regulate their weight, as it’s high intensity cardio which burns plenty of calories.

Those who run regularly also tend to have lower blood pressure and are less likely to get certain diseases such as strokes and heart attacks. That said, my favourite thing about running is the endorphins. I find that doing three runs a week vastly boosts my mood, helps me to stay positive, and gives me thought clarity.

Types of running

Whether you’re serious about running or just giving it a go, it’s useful to know that there are different types. Most are quite self explanatory, but let’s check them out in more detail.

• Treadmill running: Treadmill running is great for rainy days. It uses the same technique as any other kind, and being able to adjust the incline and speed quickly makes it ideal for high intensity race day training.
• Road running: road running is probably the most popular type, especially for runners based in cities. You can go straight from your front door and the ground is nice and even - but the hard impact can be tougher on your legs.
• Trail running: trail running takes place in the countryside, and can combine hiking when the terrain gets uneven. People love it because it’s quiet, scenic - and often unpredictable.
• Track running: running on a track is best suited to those who enjoy competition. The aim is to be as fast as possible and beat your opponents.
• Fell running: fell running is one of the least common types of running. Taking place in the mountains, it’s best suited to adventurous types who aren’t afraid of hills. Be prepared to read a compass and feel a serious calf burn.

What do I need?

Unlike a pricey gym membership, you don’t need to splash the cash to be a good runner. There’s really only one thing you need to spend money on when it comes to running: trainers.

Running shoes are important because they affect your performance. With the right pair of running socks, your trainers should cushion your feet, offer arch support and prevent injuries. So, before you start running, it’s important to do your research and find a pair that will serve you well. A gait analysis will help.

And, if you’re serious about running, you might also want to invest in the following:

• A waterproof running jacket
• Winter running wear such as a gilet, base layers and thermal running tights
• Summer running gear such as a cap and sunglasses
• A running water bottle
• A fitness tracker
• Mid-run snacks and refreshments like jelly beans and sports drinks

How to run

You’re probably thinking: isn’t running just putting one foot in front of the other? And yes, the act of running is quite simple. There isn’t much you need to know other than to look ahead, keep your shoulders down, engage your core and try not to bounce. More advanced runners also like to focus on their cadence (the total number of steps they take per minute). 

But, while the actual act of running is pretty simple, being good at running isn’t. It takes physical and mental strength to be able to run for long periods of time without giving up. So how do you do it?

It’s simple: start slowly. Take your time and begin with a combination of running and walking. You can also try running with a friend and chatting as you move, as this will set you out on a comfortable pace. Couch to 5K and other training programmes are also popular.

Once you’re running regularly - no matter the pace - you can support your journey in other areas of your life. Strength training will help develop the muscles you need to run faster and longer, while regularly getting a good night’s sleep will give you plenty of energy. And, a healthy and nutritious diet will give your body the fuel it needs.

The most important lesson when you’re wondering how to start running is to not be too hard on yourself. Sometimes, I really don’t want to go for a run. It can take me hours to pluck up the courage to get out - and once I do I might give up after a mile. But, even on those days, I pat myself on the back for giving it a good go. The journey isn’t always linear - but it’s always worth it.

Once you've started running, then a 5k running event provides a great first test. We've got comprehensive coverage of all the UK's best 5k running events, which can be filtered to fit your needs.

The half marathon distance is one that many fear. If you’re just starting out on your running journey, then those 13.1 miles (or 22.1km) can seem daunting, and it’s certainly a big step up from a 10K. But signing up to a half marathon is one of the best things you could ever do. Take it from me - I ran my first one back in 2016 and, after some health issues, I’m ready to take on my second. That’s right - just once isn’t enough! 

So, if you’re considering signing up to a half marathon, then now’s the time to do it. There are tonnes of benefits - both physical and mental - and this summer is the perfect time to cross your first half marathon finish line. Here’s why you’ll regret it if you don’t.

Sense of achievement

What do Serena Williams, Chris Hoy and Usain Bolt have in common? They all know how it feels to win. For most of us, we’ll never reach the heights of those great athletes, but that’s where running events come into their own. Anyone who completes a half marathon is a winner, no matter how long it takes them. Crossing the finish line after months of training is an amazing achievement, and you’ll feel like you can take on anything. Sure, running a half marathon is great for your body, but it’s even better for your self esteem. You begin the race as a runner, but you finish a champion.

Just long enough to be truly epic

13.1 miles might seem like a lot, but it's far and away to most popular distance on our platform. It’s a tough challenge that brings plenty of rewards, but the training isn’t as demanding or time-consuming as a full marathon, while the end product is more rewarding than a 5km or 10km race. In fact, most healthy people can get there in 3-4 months, and regular runners can get there even quicker. Whether you have a full time job, a busy social life or other hobbies, it’s an attainable goal - and we like those. Plus, you reduce the risk of injuries from overuse. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our half marathon training plan here.

Boosting your fitness

It can be difficult to reach a good level of fitness if you aren’t working towards a goal and it’s far too easy to skip that home workout when there are no consequences. But signing up to a half marathon is a commitment, and a big one at that. You’re making yourself a promise to meet a significant fitness goal. And, when you’re regularly tracking those miles, your fitness will drastically increase. The health benefits of running are vast and you’ll feel an improvement in no time.

Ideal weather

There’s nothing better than running under blue skies and glorious sunshine. It’s the only motivation you need. Summer races are great because you’re more likely to have great weather. And, while races in mild temperatures can have its challenges, half marathons always start in the morning so you’ll beat the midday heat. Just remember suncream, a hat and plenty of water if it’s a hot one.

Staying motivated

Competitions are much harder when they’re with yourself. Regular runners will know how difficult staying motivated can be when you don’t have goals to achieve. You can find yourself doing the same old 5Ks each week and start to lose your love for running. But, signing up for a half marathon will push you to run harder and longer. You’ll find hidden gems in your local area and will become focussed on crossing that finish line.

The finisher's medal

There’s no denying it, everyone loves a medal, especially runners. Not only does it make for the perfect post event photo, but it’s a memento that will stay with you for life. It’ll remind you of the struggle you felt at the halfway mark, and the jubilation you felt as you crossed the finish-line. Taking on 13.1 miles is a major undertaking, so it’s always nice to be rewarded with something you can hold at the end.

Sense of community

While running on your own has plenty of benefits, there’s nothing quite like the sense of camaraderie when you run an organised half marathon. Everyone’s in it together and it feels like you’re a part of something special - because you are! And, when motivation gets low, there are plenty of people on the streets cheering you on. You’ll certainly muster up some energy for your final sprint when you see your pals cheering you on and might even meet some fellow runners to train for the next one with or create a running group.

Seeing what you’re capable of

Ever heard of the running bug? Signing up for a half marathon will undoubtedly make you catch it. Those 13.1 miles will help you to see exactly what your mind and body is capable of. If you can run 13.1 miles after 3-4 months of training, it’s likely that you could run a full marathon after a year. Or perhaps you had a bit left in the tank, and could run the next one faster. Whatever happens, signing up for a half marathon will help you understand your running goals and capabilities.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out our half marathons this summer and find the right event for you.

View Half Marathons

When it comes to running motivation, we all wish we had it - all the time. But, while some days you’ll wake up with a spring in your step and a natural yearning to hit the roads, other days getting out of the house feels like a marathon in itself.

So, how can you find motivation on the days when you’re just not feeling it? 

1. Track your runs

It can be difficult to stay motivated when you have no idea how far you’re running. You have no times to beat or milestones to achieve. But, if you start using a running tracking app such as Strava, Nike Run Club or Runkeeper you can learn more about your performance and strive to improve. Plus, you get a record of your running history to look over whenever you need inspiration.  

2. Eat well

You might struggle to find running motivation when you eat the wrong things. Foods that are high in sugars and saturated fats can make your body feel sluggish, whereas lean meats, poultry and eggs promote bone strength and fight inflammation. You’ll find that eating well makes you feel more healthy, energetic and motivated. A delicious meal to look forward to after your run can also provide great incentive. 

3. Get new gear

Finding running motivation can be a challenge when you’re wearing the same worn-down, tattered running gear. And, not only will those holey trainers be lowering your mood, they could be negatively impacting your running performance. So, stay inspired by getting some fresh new gear that you just can’t wait to take for a spin. Never underestimate the power of a new outfit. 

4. Get out while it’s sunny

The weather can have a huge impact on running motivation. It’s hard to feel enthused about heading out in grey drizzle. A glimpse of sunshine is a rarity in the UK, so seize the day and get out in it ASAP. A run in the sun will fill you with positivity and fuel you up for the next one. 

5. Buddy up

Inspiration can always be found in friends. Committing to a social plan makes it much harder to back out, and running with a partner could add some healthy competition. Alternatively, if you’re more of a solo runner, you could buddy up virtually. Agree to run on the same day as a friend and check in afterwards for extra commitment. Most running apps also have community sections where you can join challenges and compete with other runners.  

6. Mix up your playlist

It’s hard to find running motivation when every run involves listening to the same playlist on repeat. That inspirational Destiny’s Child song sure loses its power on the fiftieth listen. So, mix up your playlist and keep it up to date with upbeat, high-energy tunes. You could also listen to a podcast or try a mission on Zombies! Run.  

7. Find a new route

The enemy of motivation is repetition. Like mixing up your playlist, running motivation can be found when you mix up your route. If you often run on trails, why not try roads? Even running the same old park the opposite way round can add variation. 

8. Follow a programme

While some runners prefer spontaneity, many find that following a programme helps them to stay motivated. A running programme tracks exactly when, where and how far you’ll run per week and, importantly, holds you accountable. It might also combine strength workouts, stretches and a larger end goal like completing a race. There are loads of programmes out there, and Emma Kirk-Odunumi has some great ones to choose from.  

9. Sign up for a race

There are few things more inspiring than a competitive race. Whether it’s a 5K, half marathon or the full 26.2 miles, an end goal provides the motivation to put one foot in front of the other. Sure, life is a little strange right now, but many competitive races are still on track to go ahead later this year. Check them out for the ultimate running motivation. 

Participating in endurance events is awesome, but learning about the history of these events, or reading the tales of those who have conquered them, can keep you inspired and motivated through this time of self-isolation. Check out 10 of our favourite books below that have left us even more breathless than a good training day.

BUTCHER, BLACKSMITH, ACROBAT, SWEEP: THE TALE OF THE FIRST TOUR DE FRANCE – PETER COSSINS

Go back to the very beginning with Cossins’ in depth narrative history of the 1903 Tour de France. Most of us are familiar with the greats – Anquetil, Merckx, Hinault, and Indurain have become household names – but the men of the 1903 Tour are significantly more obscure. Read it to discover how a ramshackle marketing ruse to revive L’Auto became one of the world’s greatest sporting events.

Amazon

A LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS: A WORLD CHAMPION’S JOURNEY – CHRISSIE WELLINGTON

Undoubtedly one of the greatest triathletes alive, Chrissie Wellington burst onto the professional triathlon scene only three years after her first race. Her maiden Ironman world championship title in 2007, deemed the “biggest upset in Ironman Hawaii history”, makes for riveting reading, but so do her tales of overcoming extreme adversity on her path to becoming a living legend.

Amazon

MAGLIA ROSA: TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY AT THE GIRO D’ITALIA – HERBIE SYKES

If Butcher, Blacksmith, Acrobat, Sweep wasn’t enough Grand Tour reading for you, Sykes’ Maglia Rosa is half gorgeously illustrated coffee-table book and half gargantuan history of the Giro. Originally organised by La Gazzetta dello Sport as an opportunity to outdo their rival publications, and infamous for its devilish climbs, the Giro is the much cooler younger brother of the Tour and makes for riveting reading.

Amazon

SEVENS HEAVEN: THE BEAUTIFUL CHAOS OF FIJI’S OLYMPIC DREAM – BEN RYAN

When he first became the Fijian 7s coach in 2013, Ben Ryan had a mission – to bring home the tiny Melanesian nation’s first Olympic gold medal. The ultimate underdogs, no other rugby nation has done so much with so little and the story of their journey through adversity to a historic victory over Great Britain in Rio is one to lift the spirit.

Amazon

A WALK IN THE WOODS: REDISCOVERING AMERICA ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL – BILL BRYSON

Short of escaping into the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, Bryson’s genuinely hilarious memoir is chock-full of interesting historical and ecological tidbits, as well as insect-based anecdotes. A modern classic of the travel writing genre, this is perfect for both outdoorsy woodsmen and city-dwellers alike and makes an important plea for the conservation of American wilderness.

Amazon

WHAT I TALK ABOUT WHEN I TALK ABOUT RUNNING – HARUKI MURAKAMI

Running isn’t necessarily the first thing you think of when someone mentions Haruki Murakami, one of the giants of surrealist literature. However, Murakami is also an accomplished endurance athlete, counting running as an essential part of his writing process. Come for the beautiful prose, stay for his recollection of a herculean 100km ultramarathon in Hokkaido.

Amazon

RUNNING WITH THE BUFFALOES: A SEASON INSIDE WITH MARK WETMORE, ADAM GOUCHER, AND THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO’S MEN’S CROSS-COUNTRY TEAM – CHRIS LEAR

A classic of the genre, Running with the Buffaloes is a deep dive into the Colorado University cross country team’s 1998 campaign, their controversial coach Mark Whitmore, and the tragic death of their #2 runner, Chris Severy. 20 years after publication, Lear’s monumental work still keeps up with the best of them.

Amazon

BORN TO RUN: A HIDDEN TRIBE, SUPER ATHLETES, AND THE GREATEST RACE THE WORLD HAS NEVER SEEN – CHRISTOPHER MCDOUGALL

The Tarahumara name for themselves, Rarámuri, roughly means ‘those with light feet’. Considering their ancient tradition of running ultramarathon distances, it’s unsurprising that McDougall uses them to support the endurance running hypothesis: that human characteristics can be attributed to long distance running and persistence hunting. McDougall travels to the Rarámuri to understand what makes them such incredible athletes whilst recounting his own history with running on this highly-readable ride.

Amazon

BOUNCE: THE MYTH OF TALENT AND THE POWER OF PRACTICE – MATTHEW SYED

In Bounce, Matthew Syed questions everything you thought you knew about talent. He argues that what really produces champions and prodigies is, instead, thousands of hours of practice, criticism, and the acceptance of failure. Himself a champion table-tennis player and two time Olympian, Syed asks us whether talent really is more important than dedication?

Amazon

TOUCHING MY FATHER’S SOUL: A SHERPA’S JOURNEY TO THE TOP OF EVEREST – JAMLING TENZING NORGAY

For the Sherpa, Mount Everest is so much more than a mountain; Qomolangma (trans. Holy Mother) is the sacred home of the goddess Miyolangsangma, and it’s said that Tenzing Norgay followed her to the summit that fateful May day in 1953. Known for being the sirdar of the IMAX Expedition during the infamous 1996 Everest Disaster, Jamling Norgay interweaves family history and Buddhist Sherpa culture with a recount of his ‘96 summit, challenging conventional views of high altitude climbing.

Amazon

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