Running House to House (100 miles in between) with Helen Hornby

My name is Helen. I am a 42-year-old single mum to two small humans and one massive dog. I work in social housing, teach singing and write music. I am a lover of dopamine dressing, dancing and being creative. Oh… and I run ultra marathons.

My running journey began in the way that many do. Hated it at first. Got slowly lured into the world of organised races. Started chasing the thrill of the finish line high (and the medals!). Ticked off all the distances one by one. Fell in love with half marathons, absolutely hated marathons (although I still foolishly entered and ran a few of those!).

But my real love story with running began when I left traditional racing behind and embarked on ultra running adventures.

I’d started following a few of these ‘crazy’ ultra runners online. Initially, it wasn’t something I thought I would do. But then I went through an insanely difficult period of my life. I lost my Mum suddenly. Then my marriage broke down. Running became my escape and my therapy. Suddenly running 100 miles didn’t feel like such a big deal. In fact, it seemed quite appealing.

Now, I’m not saying you must have experienced some sort of trauma to get into ultra running. I am of the firm belief that anyone can be an ultra runner. But if you have survived something earth shatteringly life changing, the odds of you getting into it are much higher.

Ultra running is obviously a physical endurance test but it’s largely about mental strength. I had this overwhelming belief that I could just keep running. So, I did.

I had a little ‘practise go’ at one of these lapped events. There was a 6-hour cut off. Each lap was 5k. So, with no pressure, I decided to see if I could run 10 laps. 50k later and the trophy for furthest distance run, I had given myself the confidence to know I could do this. And I wanted more…

I was still feeling a bit lost. I needed my best friend and I needed to run. So, without really knowing how I was going to do it, I made the decision to run from my house in Leighton Buzzard to her house in Birmingham along the Grand Union Canal.

It was around that time that I discovered you lovely lot of Badass Mother Runners and tentatively shared my silly plans with you. Wow, was I met with a fierce, unwavering barrage of support. I knew in that moment that this journey was going to be something special.

100 miles in three days. I trained and planned. I recruited a little crew (my pals and their baby in a campervan!). I made playlists. I had snacks. I had water. I covered my entire body with lube. I was ready.

As I ran during those three days, I witness all my hard work paying off. The feeling of euphoria did not leave me. I felt invincible. I think that might have been my first experience of this ‘runners high’ people talk about.

I cannot put into words how that experience changed me. It held up a mirror and allowed me to see the amazing, strong, resilient bad ass I truly was. Ultra running has taught me to appreciate the journey rather than the temporary highs of the finish line. It has taken me on adventures I never thought possible. It is my safe place to find solace. And it has taught me to trust myself again. Plus, I quite like being one of the ‘crazy’ ones now.

I no longer feel guilty if I ‘miss a run’. I listen to my body. I rest when I need to. But ultimately, I know that I could never be without running now. I will always choose running to be part of my life.

Last year, I completed the Grand Union Canal, running the other way from my house to London. 57 miles in one go. I won’t lie… That wasn’t quite as enjoyable. I absolutely had a full-on toddler style tantrum when the sign told me there were two miles further to go than my watch calculated. So, they don’t all work out quite as perfectly as Birmingham. But that’s the beauty. No two journeys are ever the same. I learn something from all of them.

I am currently in planning for this year. At some point I will run to all my best friends’ houses. I’ve got Essex, the Forest of Dean, Edinburgh and Asturius, Spain on my list for starters.

This year I will have the kids in tow, so the logistical planning has taken on a new life! Back-to-back ultras with full time parenting and zero sleep in between? If I can do that, I really can do anything…

Book recommendation:

I’m currently reading and would highly recommend ‘31 days’ by Allie Bailie. She will help you improve your running and your life in general with this nugget of wisdom!

Please give me a follow @run_helen_run on instagram to keep up with my running antics.