Sophie Woods on what it takes to run an FKT across The Alps

In this episode of the Runners World Podcast, ultra-runner Sophie Woods discusses her remarkable achievement of becoming the fastest person to cross the Alps on foot, completing 1,242 miles in just 28 days and 17 hours. Woods reveals that her journey was fueled by personal struggles, notably the challenges she faced with fertility and IVF, which gave her a new perspective on her body and capabilities. Motivated by a desire to do something different after feeling stagnant in her running routine, Woods embraced the challenge after her husband suggested attempting to run the Via Alpina.

Woods talks about the intense preparations and mindset switch required for such an endurance challenge, moving from competitive racing to a month-long journey across diverse terrains. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she found joy in daily breathtaking views and the camaraderie of hiking through nine countries. She encountered setbacks, including harsh weather conditions and exhaustion, but remained committed to completing the run.

Woods emphasizes the importance of fueling for such extensive physical exertion and discusses the necessity of adaptability during the journey, including managing technical terrains and logistical challenges with her support crew. She reflects on how this experience helped her regain a love for trail running and illustrated the need for greater recognition and support for women in sports, particularly ultra-running. By the end of her journey, Woods had not only set a record but transformed her perspective on both her running and personal journey.