From PE Excuses to Ultra Dreams.

I've never been a sporty kid. Actually, I hated all sports, especially group sports, gymnastics, rope climbing, running, and anything and everything. Throughout my childhood, I hated all the PE sessions, no matter what we did, and tried to avoid them as much as possible. With pretended belly aches, fake limping, headache, sore tooth - you name it. I only liked walking and hiking.

When I was about 16, I got into a bit of horse riding, but I had a fall and injured my neck, so I stopped. But thanks to this injury, I discovered yoga and fell in love with it. I discovered that I'm flexible and that my joints are actually overflexible, and I liked that. That made me feel I'm fit.

Being a dog groomer hurts.

When I became a dog groomer, I soon discovered how physically demanding this job is. The lifting, turning, twisting, bending, repetitive hand and arm movements - over the years caused me a lot of problems like tennis and golf elbows, constant neck and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, slipped discs, tendonitis... if you are a dog groomer, you probably (more or less) had it all as well. I was fixing it with stretching, massages, physio, painkillers, and tuning forks. And really, I should work on my muscle strength. And I didn't.

I started going to the gym in my early 40s, but only here and there.

Can I run?

At the same time, I had this feeling that I wanted to try running. I remember buying a pair of pink sports shorts (not running shoes, for some reason I need shorts, not trainers). My first run was a disaster. I run probably half of the Uttoxeter ace course, maybe not even that. My legs were killing me, and I could hardly breathe. I was so disappointed with myself, but it also started something in me. I wanted to get better. The first time, I wanted to get better at some sport.

Slowly but surely, I became better. I could run longer distances and actually breathe while running.

I really went for it during Covid, when the weather was nice, and I had so much time. And I was really enjoying running. And I even signed up for the Snowdon marathon in 2021, but it got cancelled.

Instead, I did the 75 Hard challenge. If you haven't heard of it, it's a challenge where you have to do two exercises for 45 minutes, one of which must be outdoors. Drink 4 litres of water, read 10 pages of a non-fiction book, give up alcohol, and choose some healthy eating (I went gluten & wheat free). You have to do it for 75 days, and if you skip something, you have to start again. I'm proud to say I finished the challenge in 75 days. And I thought I would carry on with this fitness regime... but I didn't. I did run a bit. I went to the gym a bit...nothing serious.

And then my friend Sam, who has always been my inspiration when it comes to running, messaged me if I want to join her for the SheUltra run in Wales. And I enthusiastically said yes to the 50km trail run, without thinking. Typical. And after signing up, it hit me. I have to start seriously training.

I didn't want to buy any training apps; instead, I used ChatGPT and entered all the important information. It came up with a great plan combining running intervals, tempo, long runs, strength training ( based on Dr Stacey Sims ' research and advice for women in their 50s), and mobility training - all of it.

What is SheUltra, you may ask.

She Ultra is the world's largest all-female ultra-marathon event, organised by Huw Williams, an endurance runner with inoperable cancer. The event aims to raise funds for women's cancer research and awareness, with participants encouraged to join at their own pace, regardless of fitness levels. The first event took place in April 2025, attracting over 1,800 participants, and the second event is scheduled for April 11, 2026, featuring a 50km course starting in Abersoch and finishing in Pwllheli.

There are options if you want to do the event running, running and hiking, or hiking. We went for a run & hike, deciding between us that we would run as much as possible.

And how's the training going? Well, some days it's easier, some days it's harder. Especially now, when the snow is gone (here in Slovakia), it's a bit easier, but still pretty cold. Crap weather and cold are just the price you pay when you sign up for a spring event.

And why am I doing it? 

To support a great cause, to challenge myself, and to make being fit and strong a priority for as long as possible. I don't want to train to look good in a bikini, for my summer body. I want to train for my old lady body. For my dense bones, for my strong muscles, for my healthy heart and a good balance. ( I saw it on Instagram and I love it - can't remember who to credit though).

And that little me would never believe me if I told her that she will one day enjoy running and exercising. And maybe if she had a better "why" for doing sports (rather than mean teachers - that's what I thought at that time), she would enjoy sports.

If you would like to support this event, this cause, you don't have to run or hike; however, it would be great if you could join us! 

Or you can support via Just Giving, where Huw is raising £ 1,000,000 to help women with and recovering from cancer, those living with someone who has cancer and women who have lost someone to cancer.

Jitka xx