Mel Sykes chats Summer Spine Challenger South with Young Hearts Run Free Podcast - Season 8 Eps 12

Taking on a 108 mile challenge on the Pennine Way is no small feat. But then our Yorkshire Correspondent Mel Sykes loves a challenge doesn't she?

Mel does most of her training alone and on the hills and moors, perfect preparation for this kinda endeavour...right?

Pushing personal boundaries is something we all should do now and again, and this episode may just inspire you to do just that. Did we mention that Mel did this as part of recce for a future challenge? Oh...we maybe missed that bit out!

Mel finished nearly six hours ahead of the second fastest woman, running a 32:22:19 and had also been inside the women’s record until some tough overnight conditions kicked in...we speak about that a bit!

This is a full and in-depth conversation about Mel's time on the Montane Summer Spine Challenger South event on 17/18 June 2023

From prepping (getting her hands on) essential kit, planning where to top up with water, mastering the use of poles, management of hydration, nutrition and sleep, there's quite a bit to cover and talk about!

As you'll find out during the episode, this was Mel's longest distance endeavour so far, and you might say it didn't all go to plan, but that's where we learn our most valuable lessons, and there's lots more to come from our Yorkshire Correspondent, You'd better believe that!

Also included in this episode are a number of answers from Mel to questions sent in over social media platforms, that cover shall we say 'a broad range' of topics!

Enjoy.