Cape Wrath Ultra case studies: Glenn Christie
In a series of articles for the Cape Wrath Ultra 2021, we profile some of the runners and ask them for their tips for success both in training and the race.
Glenn Christie: ‘I thought the race looked cool’
Glen Christie is from Darlington in north-east England. The 45-year-old signed up for the Cape Wrath Ultra on the spur of the moment and “because it looked more manageable than the Marathon des Sables”.
He explained: “A friend, actually he is here in the race as well, was giving a presentation a while ago to our triathlon club about the Marathon des Sables. I thought this was the sort of race only for the super human but, I guess, it planted the seed of an idea for a multi-stage race.
“I liked the idea of the camping overnights and running day-after-day. Next thing, I saw the Cape Wrath Ultra on-line and I thought that it looked more manageable than the MdS. Firstly, it’s in the UK and also I thought it would be easier to complete.
“Everyone is now telling me the Cape Wrath Ultra is harder than the MdS and I believe them. This is a tough race. But initially, I thought the Cape Wrath Ultra looked cool and so I wanted to enter it.”
Glenn Christie has a positive mindset. © No Limits Photography
Glenn’s road to ultra running
Glenn, who is married with two young sons, came to ultra running a few years ago. He said: “I have always been sporty and then I did a bit of triathlon with Darlington Triathlon Club. I wasn’t so good at the cycling but I enjoyed the swimming and running.
“I started doing longer runs and about six of us from the club did the Hardmoors 60 ultra run together.
“This all helped with the build up to the Cape Wrath Ultra.”
Cape Wrath Ultra Training tips
Like everyone, training through lockdown had its challenges, but Glenn was able to reach the hills in the Lake District and ensured he got long days out as practice for the Cape Wrath Ultra 2021. He also came to Scotland to recce a couple days of the route.
He said: “I think it’s important to see some of the course before you arrive for the race. It helps to prepare you physically and mentally for what is to come. Yes, I could get out into the Lakes and do plenty of miles but the terrain is different from Scotland. There are far fewer paths in Scotland, for example.”
Glenn has enjoyed meeting like-minded people in the race. © No Limits Photography
Tips for the race
Talking to Glenn on day six, he said he felt fortunate that he had avoided injury. He said: “I feel like it is going well so far. I am lucky that I don’t seem to have too much pain and my legs and feet are holding up ok. I think I am doing better than others in that respect. I am enjoying it all.”
Glenn has enjoyed many aspects of the event. He said: “The scenery has been amazing and I have enjoyed meeting and chatting to new people. I often run with diferent people on different days, it just depends on who you happen to run up alongside.
“Being able to chat to other people keeps you going. I also make sure I am eating well and regularly. Just now I am having a lunch ‘break’, which means I am eating biscuits while I walk instead of run.
“I like seeing the changing scenery as well – and I always look forward to the good craic in the food tent each evening. The atmosphere is great.
“There have been tough times, of course, but you need to learn to roll with the punches. As long as you don’t end up with lots of injuries, it’s a case of trying to stay focused.”
Glenn is very hopeful of making it to the finish line. He said: “I have really enjoyed the race so far and Grant McTaggart, my friend, is still running well, too. I am looking forward to getting to Cape Wrath now. It doesn't feel so far although we still have many kilometres to cover.”
On day 7 Glenn was placed 10th in the men’s race and 14th overall.