On The Trail With Sanna Duthie: Beacons Way Ultra 100M Prep

Next up for Harrier athlete Sanna Duthie is a Race Across Bannau Brycheiniog - the Beacons Way Ultra 100 Miles.

The route takes runners over some of South Wales' most iconic peaks, including Pen y Fan and the Carmarthen Fans, with 10 checkpoints spread across 100 tough but spectacular miles.

With race day fast approaching, we caught up with Sanna to chat about how her preparation is going.

With Beacons Way 100 miler just around the corner, what does your training look like right now?

Leading up to a race, I make sure I get plenty of decent sleep. I know the week of the race I won't sleep well. I taper back my gym sessions and concentrate on mobility.

Running, I do ease back, but not till the week of the race. I have a clifftop that I love to visit and just sit for a moment and remind myself I am capable of what I'm about to ask my body and mind to do.

I have a good few mountain days over the last 3 weeks, which have helped with building up my mountain legs.

What kit have you settled on for race day, and why?

☑ 4 x 500ml Harrier soft bottles, which are easy to refill with my energy powder.

☑ Harrier tube scarves. 

☑ The Baslow waistbelt to keep my favourite snacks to hand.

☑ The Exmoor PRO jacket. It will get cooler in the night, and if it rains, I know I can trust it.

☑ In my drop bag, I will have the Thorpe baselayer to change into for the night.

What's been the biggest focus outside of simply running more miles?

My biggest focus is to ensure my mindset is ready to take on the challenge. I make sure I have all my favourite race foods ready, and that I have all the mandatory kit.

I eat little and often the week of the race to ensure my muscles are recovered. No new foods, as I don't want to upset my gut.

How are you approaching your race strategy?

As always, it's to have fun. To enjoy the views. This is a beautiful route and a well-supported race.

This year has been tough, with two DNFs. So I just want to go into the race with an open mind and the main aim is to enjoy doing what I love. It's on mountains that are beautiful and will test me, but with some beautiful, runnable trails.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone preparing for their own first 100-mile race, what would it be?

Don't listen to your doubts. You have trained as well as you can, and that is enough. Remember to look at the views and smile. Just to stand on the start line and take that first step is amazing.

Eat little and often, and keep sipping water/electrolytes.