You might have noticed that we haven’t posted any updates to the blog since October and have been a lot less active on social media than usual recenty. Unfortunately that’s because some worsening family health issues have demanded a lot of our time and attention. The last few months in particular have been a whirlwind of A&E and in-patient visiting to Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee at different times. Not only does that take up several hours almost every day, it leaves us physically and emotionally drained. Family always comes first, plus home and work both have their demands, leaving time and energy to train in short supply, especially for Julie.
Having said all that, there have been plenty of good times to look back on and appreciate – with wins for Iain at Rasselbock Backyard Ultra, Race Across Scotland and GOBYU, not to mention the epic adventure that was Cape Wrath Ultra. Julie had a tougher year by her own high standards but bagging first female and setting the course record at the inaugural Cardiff to London Ultra 2025 was the high point and earning a Scotland vest at the aborted The Highlander Backyard Ultra was another proud moment. Between us we’ve run four 200+ mile races and four 100+ milers – not too shabby 💪
2025 was also the year when we launched Miles Together Coaching. Thanks to those of you who put your trust in us to help you on your own running journeys. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to support you to achieve your goals, and we know that there is more to come! Like volunteering and crewing, we’ll add coaching to the list of things that are just as rewarding as running ultras, but don’t involve nearly so much suffering 🤣
We’ve both got big plans for 2026 – whether we will achieve all of them or not remains to be seen. We look forward to sharing those stories as and when we can. Most importantly of all, we know that the support we give to each other is unconditional and the companionship and generosity of our many friends in the ultra running community will always be there for us, and that gives us both hope, whatever the future holds.
We hope that 2025 was a good year to you all and look forward to seeing for 2026 has in store!
