Mimi Anderson - An Inspirational Ultra Runner

- You recently succeeded in the incredible achievement of breaking the world record for the fastest womens' time for running the length of the UK ( John O'Groats to Lands end). How did it feel to finally cross the finish line?

The last 8.4 miles of the WRA were the hardest miles I have ever done in my life! They just seemed to go on and on. The final 15 minutes the heavens opened and the road turned into a river – FINALLY there it was, the finish line with all my crew and some friends holding pink loo roll for me to run through – I just couldn’t believe that after a year of planning and 840 miles I had finally achieved my goal – I grinned like a Cheshire cat – then burst into tears!!! Physically and mentally I was completely drained, how I managed to run to the finish I will never know – later that evening I had to use all the walls for support just to get to the bathroom – and then had to be lifted into the bath!!!

- Was there a particular nutrition strategy which you followed during the event?

I tried very hard to get some specific nutritional advice before my world record attempt, but sadly wasn’t able to. I did manage to put on some weight before the event, but this came off even before I had started. My normal weight is between 55 – 56kg, I’m 5ft 6. I do struggle to eat on long distances, so I usually use a produce by Hammer called Perpetuem – this is excellent, but on this particular event it just wasn’t enough. At the start of the day I would have coffee (otherwise I’m grumpy!) and a smoothie, then at my breakfast stop I would have huge helpings of porridge with honey and fruit added in. On all the other breaks my crew would make me the most fantastic meals which always had protein and carbohydrates etc in. I would eat lots of fruit and fresh vegetables.. The cyclist would also carry a supply of food with them during my 4 hr running sessions. Overall I found that I had to eat every 2 hrs.
Also as well as water and my perpetuem, I took in electrolytes.

- To date, what would you say has been your most cherished or funniest running memory?

I have had many funny moments, but I think one of the funniest was when I was competing in the 6633 Extreme Ultra, it was day 5 and I was falling asleep on my feet – at one stage I lost half an hour and woke up to find that the only thing keeping me upright was my sled!
My hallucinations were amazing – it was rather like being in a movie set, you know what you are seeing isn’t real. Just to confirm this I closed my eyes and counted to ten, then on opening my eyes the hallucinations were still there but everyone/thing had moved – I definitely knew it wasn’t real when I saw an elephant sitting on what I thought was a bridge – well, you don’t get elephants in the Arctic!!!

- When you are out on the road, what do you like to listen to on your mp3 player?

My children always tease me about my music as they say is “sad music” – what do they know!!! SO if you think I’m going to have it published think again!!!

When you find yourself getting tired or worn down on a long run/race, is there anything you do to help you keep going?

When I get tired or feel that I’m not doing as well as I should be I do talk to myself. ( I know, first sign of madness!) I tell myself to pull myself together and get on with the race. Also before I do an event I will do a lot of research on the event itself and the country it is being held in. I look at photographs and this helps me to build up a picture in my mind of what the Finish line will look like – I will then put into that picture my family cheering me on as I cross the finish line.

- To name a few, you have run in the Arctic, the Sahara, Badwater and JOGLE, do you have a favourite race? And what is the next challenge for you?

I have loved all my races and it’s very difficult to say which one I have enjoyed the most as they are all so different.
 The Arctic was quite stunning and I had 5 nights of the most beautiful display of the northern lights, a real treat.
The Atacama in Chile was a tough event and the salt flats are something I don’t want to do again - the sky is so clear the stars were quite beautiful! In Libya I was lucky enough to see some of the most amazing rock formations in the world.
The Himalayas was like running on top of the world.
The Kalahari Extreme Marathon was just amazing, fantastic scenery and I met some wonderful people, plus the wild life. So they all have something really specially and wonderful about them.
 It’s just such a privilege to be able to run all over the world.

I’m getting my thoughts together at the moment for next year which is proving rather difficult! I would very much like to run the “double Comrades” but we shall see!

- For those out there who are considering making the move from Marathon to Ultra Distance, what advice would you offer them?

I think the most important piece of advice is to simply enjoy yourself - if you love what you do you will train hard and keep yourself motivated. The other people you meet along the way will inspire and encourage you. I entered into the life of Ultra running having done no more than a half marathon -
Mimi thanks for taking the time to speak with us here and the very best of luck in your next challenge!

Mimi also uses her running to raise awareness and money for the Charity BEAT (Beat Eating Disorders). If you would like to learn more about Mimi’s amazing adventures or help her in her fundraising efforts - check out her excellent blog at: www.marvellousmimi.com or click or the following link!