Sabrina Pace-Humphreys – UTMB, Trail Running, and Building Community: The Journey of a Runner and Advocate
- Jan 15
- 4 min read
Sabrina Pace-Humphreys is back on the Tough Girl Podcast for her third appearance, sharing her incredible journey as a runner, coach, and advocate for representation in trail running. From being a mum of four and grandmother of three, to taking on some of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, Sabrina’s story is one of resilience, community, and the relentless pursuit of goals.
In this episode, Sabrina reflects on her time at the UTMB, the challenges of race preparation, and the lessons learned when things don’t go to plan. She also shares updates on her work with Black Trail Runners, supporting women and runners of the global majority, and gives a sneak peek into her new book, Start Where You Are: The Beginner’s 5k Running Guide for Women.
Whether you’re chasing your first 5k, dreaming of ultra distances, or passionate about creating inclusive running communities, Sabrina’s insights, advice, and personal stories will inspire you to lace up and claim your mantle as a runner.
Listen to past episodes with Sabrina on the Tough Girl Podcast
🎙️ New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.
💪 Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.
🙏 Your support makes a difference. 💖 Thank you x
Listen to Sabrina Now!
Click here if you can't see the link below.
Show notes
Who is Sabrina Pace-Humphreys
Run coach, personal trainer and community builder
Advocate for representation in running
Mum of 4, grandmother of 3
3rd time on the Tough Girl Podcast!
Speaking with Sabrina on August 30th 2022
The final things we talked about - Back to the Trails, creating a vision board, wanting to participate in the UTMB race and wanting to write a 2nd book about running
What’s happened over the past few years
2023 Survivor!
Not being able to hide being a hype woman!
Why you will either love it or hate it
Being voted out in the 2nd week
Why it was such a bizarre experience seeing herself
Having an episode of poor mental health after the show and feeling out of control
Using her voice to motivate a team
Coming out of the low moments and the connection to running, community and friendships
Her go to tools
Update on Black Trail Runners
Running social runs with students of the global majority
Creating a sustainable charity and model
Being involved in a steering committee to get more women in the trail running space
Creating the black and gold t-shirt - “Here for the women’s race”
Her journey to the UTMB
Running stones and collecting them
UK race - Arc of Attrition and Ultra Trail Snowdonia
Applying via the ballot
The planning and preparation for UTMB
B and C races, planning weekends in Snowdonia and France
Using an altitude chamber for training
Booking accommodation for the UTMB a year in advance
Financial access to races
£15,000 for races, accommodations, travel costs, gear, supplements etc
August on the start line of the UTMB
Working on a film to be released next year
Not wanting to let anyone down
Not liking the pre-race faff
Why it was different to what she thought it would be
The brutal conditions and being timed out
Tweaking her calf the week before
The weather challenges and the impact on the racers
Not being able to get out of the slump
How the race made her question everything
Being supported by her husband and friends
Battling cutoffs
Not having it in her and the end of the race
Working on her running book!
New Book: Start Where You Are: The Beginner’s 5k Running Guide for Women
How you can connect with Sabrina
Final words of advice and wisdom
You can do hard things
Claiming the mantle - I am a runner
Social Media
Website: www.sabrinapacehumphreys.com
Instagram: @sabrunsmiles
Feeling inspired week after week?
You can do 3 easy things to help me continue to grow the podcast!
Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes, so you won’t miss a single episode
If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a 5-star review on iTunes! I read every single comment!
Share the podcast with your friends, especially if you think it could help them, and spread the #ToughGirlPodcast love.
Your support helps me continue to grow the podcast and do inspiring things in this space! Already done all 3? You’re a rockstar! Thank you!
Want to do more?
Please become a Patron and donate US$5 a month to help fund the runnings costs. Thank you.
Comments