Sarah Webster: what it takes to run 278km in 24 hours

This episode features Sarah Webster, who recently set a world record for distance covered in a 24-hour ultramarathon, running 278 km. She shares insights into the mental and physical challenges of such a race, emphasizing the importance of a steady pace and strategies to cope with the long hours on the track. Forrest and Rachel discuss Sarah's impressive accomplishments, including her marathon time of 2:40 and a 36-minute 10k, highlighting her exceptional ability to compete at a high level even at age 46.

Sarah details her approach for pacing herself throughout the 24-hour race, noting the significance of being consistent and avoiding burnout early on. She speaks about her techniques to stay mentally engaged during the race, such as rewarding herself with music and breaking milestones into manageable segments. Notably, she discusses the role of her support crew in providing nutrition and encouragement.

Throughout the podcast, Sarah reflects on how her training has evolved over the years, moving from shorter distances like 1500m and marathons to embracing the challenges of ultramarathons. She also touches on her experience with injuries and how they have shaped her resilience. Finally, she offers advice to runners in their 40s and emphasizes that it's never too late to start running, encouraging listeners to find joy in their running journeys.