RunPod Sprint! Sophie Woods

In this episode of RunPod Sprint, Jenny Falconer interviews ultra-runner Sophie Woods, who recently set the fastest known time (FKT) for the Via Alpina. Sophie shares her immediate post-run experience, emphasizing the relief of returning home after a month spent living in a van.

Sophie discusses her training process, which has been developed over a decade. She highlights the need for strength work, maintaining consistent weekly training, and careful fueling during her runs, consuming 6,000 to 7,000 calories daily. She reflects on her mental struggles during the FKT attempt, mentioning the overwhelming discomfort from horseflies but finding solace in her crew’s support. Remarkably, Sophie did not feel overwhelmed by the pressure of pursuing a male record, as she felt capable and prepared.

The conversation also touches on the significance of the documentary they made, aiming to address topics around women in sports and the challenges faced during pregnancy in ultra running. Sophie describes the demanding roles her crew played, noting that they often sacrificed their comfort to ensure her success. Throughout the experience, she qouted, 'This record isn't mine, right? It's not actually mine. It's ours.' Overall, the episode offers insight into the dedication and teamwork that plays a crucial role in extraordinary athletic achievements.