Vici is a University administrator who finds her happy place in a pair of running shoes. She's been running for over 10 years, sparked by the dream to join the thousands of people at the start line of the London Marathon. She finally got her London medal in 2016 and has been inspired to push her limits even further with ultra distances and tackling trail in the hills and glens of Scotland.
Vici wants to inspire the everyday woman to lace up and get out the door to feel those endorphins and appreciate how incredible the human body is, and how a strong mind can help you to unlock your potential.
On Vici's office wall, you'll find countless race numbers and medals to remind her of the many happy memories she's made whilst both chasing personal bests and just having a good time, enjoying the scenery.
As well as running, Vici has also walked the West Highland Way (with her husband) and the Great Glen Way (solo) and is planning an epic adventure exploring some of Scotland's most beautiful islands.
Vici is learning that it's totally okay to give time to self-care, and putting herself first.
New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.
The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.
Listen to Vici Now!
Click here if you can't see the link below.
Show notes
Living in Glasgow and turning 30!
Running for 10+ years
Chasing personal bests and running for fun
Life before pre-lockdown
Walking the West Highland Way and the Great Glenn Way
Growing up in Yorkshire and not being sporty
Starting to want to explore more of the world
Being inspired by the Olympics and runners in the London Marathon
Training for the London Marathon
Wanting to do a new running adventure and deciding on a 100K/62 miles
Telling friends and family about her goals
Inspiring her friends to get into running
Having an event to help with motivation
Her passion and love for running
Working with running coach Jen Scotney
Making the transition from running a marathon to an ultra marathon
Tailoring run training to her menstrual cycle and heart rate
Making the transition from running a marathon to an ultra marathon
The benefits of going down the coach route
What a typical training week looked like
Recovery after runs
The mental side of the challenge
Approaching each run as a good day out
Taking it one checkpoint at a time
Breaking the challenge down
Having a plan on what to do at each checkpoint
What to do when you don’t feel like running
Being inspired by Sophie Radcliffe
Feeling tired during taper time
Thoughts on how the race will go
Thinking about the finish line
Having a mantra!
“I am strong - I can do this”
PART 2
Arriving at the start line at 8.30am
Going off 1 by 1 and having to get in the queue….
Wanting to just start the race
Feeling relief once starting
Starting out really well
Dealing with a lot of hills at the start
What the terrain was like
Breaking the race down into the checkpoints
Having a plan for the checkpoints
Counting up and down from 20
Starting to get hard at the 40km mark
Dealing with rubbish weather, mud and bottle necks at styles
Having an internal mental battle
Not drinking enough water and eating too many cereal bars….
Having positive moments in the dark moments
Having stomach problems
Going past 26.2 miles
Feeling super strong and amazing
Reaching the half way point
Deciding to pull out of the race
Feeling broken
14k to the next checkpoint
Feeling heartbroken
Needing to make a decision which was right for me
Process the DNF
Feeling proud of the training that’s been done
Returning the kit
Why time is a great healer
Running 57.7 km
Advice for women who have a fear of failure
Why failure is not a dirty word
Using a What If List
Anna McNuff - Ted Talk - What if I Fail?
Advice for women who want to get into ultra running
Choosing a challenge that makes your heart sing
Going public with her goal and the lessons learned
The Dramathon - Running for Whiskey!!
Future plans and races
Final words of advice - “Do more of what makes you happy”
Social Media
Instagram: @vicidoesstuff
Twitter: @vicidoesstuff
If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share with a friend! Help to spread the word about the Tough Girl Podcast!
You can listen to the Tough Girl Podcast on the go via - iTunes, Soundcloud & Stitcher!
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.
