Elise Downing - The youngest and only female to run 5,000 miles around the coast of Britain!

Elise started running in January 2013, on the back of a New Year’s resolution to run a half marathon, but she soon started to wonder how far she could run!  On November 1st 2015 she set off to run around the British coast. In August 2016, after 301 days, Elise returned to Greenwich having ran 5000 miles. 

She ran self-supported, carrying all of her kit on her back, including camping equipment, and is the youngest person and only female to have completed this challenge.

This adventure wasn’t about mile splits or Garmin stats. It wasn’t about being the fastest or the most athletic. It was about using running as a mode of transport by which to really explore both Elise’s home country and her own capabilities. The end result was a a great big British adventure, featuring a lot of cake and a terrible fear of cows.

Show notes

• Getting to know Elise - what it was like growing up, not being sporty and being known as the girl who would always skip PE lessons. 
• Starting running in January 2013 on the back of a New Years resolution!
• Her running journey from her first half marathon to running the coast of Britain and how she found her love for running, eventually! 
• Trekking to Everest Base Camp and realising how much she enjoyed spending time outside
• How the challenge of running around the coast came about and how it suddenly became very real!
• Planning or not planning… 
• What her parents thought when she told them her plans! 
• November 1st - the start day!!
• The challenges she faced on the way including her fear of animals and how it got worse and worse as her challenge went on
• The people she met along the way and why they helped to made the trip
• Her favourite part of the coast line, when she wanted to quit and why she didn’t 
• The two week rule!
• Getting to the finish line!
• Top tips and advice for you to go on your own adventure 

 

Social Media Links

Visit her website here! Like her Facebook page & say hi to Elise on twitter @elisecdowning 

Elise was raising money for Young Minds and Beyond Food to donate to these charities click here: - www.virginmoneygiving.com/runthecoast

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