As an avid endurance runner, I’ve always found solace and strength on the road, pounding pavement with purpose. Today, I’m thrilled to share my experience and lessons learned from my first ultra-marathon: the Ultra X Scotland 50km, which took place on the 7th of May, 2023.

The spark that ignited my ultra-running journey was kindled during the Loch Ness Marathon in October 2022. As I crossed that finish line, I knew I had more to give. The seed was sown, and when I saw an Instagram ad for the Ultra X Scotland 50km, it seemed like a sign. Here was my next adventure.

Training for an ultra-marathon is no small feat. I followed a tailored 16-week 50km training plan using the Runna coach app, which pushed my endurance limits and led me to new personal bests in 5k and 10k races. It was challenging but immensely rewarding, further preparing me by having me complete two notable marathons: the Rome and Manchester Marathons.

The day before the Ultra X Scotland 50km, I travelled to Inverness and settled into a quaint little house, just a 20-minute walk from the town centre. Laden with nerves and excitement, I meticulously prepped my race food, packed my running gear, and tried to sleep, anticipating the challenge that awaited me. Read more here about how I fuel my long runs.

Race day morning dawned bright and crisp. I fuelled my body with a hearty breakfast of porridge, chia seeds, banana, and honey, walked down to the bus stop, and met a fellow runner from Instagram. As our bus weaved its way through the gorgeous Scottish landscape to Fort Augustus, I took in the beautiful scenery that would be the backdrop to my ultra-marathon adventure.

The starting line was buzzing with energy. Bagpipes filled the air with their unique resonance, marking the start of our journey. Positioned optimistically at the front, I took my first steps onto the Ultra X Scotland 50km course.

The course was as challenging as it was breath-taking. Early on, a steady incline tested our endurance while the sun shone brightly, making it the hottest running day of the year. I got carried away and quickly forgot all the advice I had been given, “don’t go off too fast” and “walk the hills”. Well, run up the hill I did, and my heart rate went sky high. This was something I’d soon realise was a mistake. But a lesson we all need to learn from.

Another mistake happened early on, and little did I realise how much it would impact my energy levels later on – I never ate until the first checkpoint. I had planned to eat every 30 minutes (something I stick to religiously now!), but not only that. The food I decided to eat was not something I brought with me, but instead was from the first checkpoint – a bit of Soreen Malt Loaf. I always have a banana as the first bit of fuel. ALWAYS. So why did I not eat at 30 minutes, and why did I pick something from the aid station? Because I forgot I was running MY race. I got caught up in everyone else, and focusing on what they were doing rather than what I needed.

To make this experience all the more challenging, after the first climb after Checkpoint 1, my foot caught a clump of grass and I went flying down onto the stoney path. My fellow runners did turn around and ask if I was OK, and as we all tend to do, I quickly brushed myself off and said “I’m OK”, and carried on. But I could feel it, the throbbing, the dripping, and I braved looking down. My legs were covered in blood. Yikes. Oh well, my legs can still move and I’ve got another 40km to go, so, I gritted through and carried on running.

My next challenge was finding somewhere for the toilet! Thankfully today, it was just a number 1 that was needed. I am not one for hanging around and waiting to use portaloos. I don’t know about you, but I find going outdoors quite invigorating! Anyway, I found a turn off into some woods and off I went, when some kind soul shouted after me, “you’re going the wrong way!”. How I wish someone shouted that to me later on…

Checkpoint 2 arrived, and after feeling very empowered with fellow runners and the odd spectator point at my bloodied legs, it was time to get cleaned up. I must have been at this checkpoint for about 20 minutes. It was really busy with everyone keen to get more water (did I mention it was hot?) as well as others needing some minor mending. As this was my first ultra, I never had any major experience of checkpoints, and how much time can be whittled away hanging around there. Something now I am taking things more competitively, I am keen to cut down on.

Anyway, cleaned up and topped up, off I went for the next stretch. A mix of navigating streams and climbing through forests. Probably my favourite point of the route. Except the first…those views during the first 10km were truly spectacular. I suppose what I am gearing up to is how the following bit after the third checkpoint felt really challenging. The views were miles of farmland, cut down trees and a never ending climb through what felt like wasteland. This was when the struggles and doubt started to sneak in. Looking back I wish I could tell myself that it was because I was pushing too hard on the climbs. And walking should be embraced, not shunned as a weakness. But that is what I felt at the time. I had been walking for a good few miles up this gradual climb and I felt I wasn’t making progress. It was also very isolated. The pack of other runners had well and truly spread out now.

One of the defining moments of the race was meeting a lady from France, now living in Canada. We shared miles and stories, and her ambitious triathlon plans were truly inspiring. And many months later, she did indeed take on these challenges and continues to set out to take on even more gruelling events. These moments of camaraderie amid the challenge were part of what made the experience so memorable. But I remember seeing her just ahead of me and hoped I would be able to catch up. I kept that as my focus during this difficult climb.

But what goes up, must come down, and what a descent it was! I must say, I was a bit more reserved with my downhill pace, remembering my fall earlier on. But it did feel good to get a bit of running in again. And there was also the beautiful view of Loch Ness opening up.

I passed a few runners during this descent that were completing the 110km event. The day previous, they were running the West side of Loch Ness. Today, they joined us in running the final 50km along the East side. It made me feel a bit silly for feeling tired when they had endured 60km of running yesterday, as well as sleeping in a tent overnight. But I know we should not compare. We all run our own race. Or, we should, anyway!

After the final checkpoint, the race tested my resolve as never before. A missed turn added extra distance and disappointment. Where was that runner that shouted “you’re going the wrong way” now? I was flying downhill, knowing I didn’t have long to go, when I started to realise I hadn’t seen anyone in a while. I looked down and to the right, the opposite direction to where I was headed, and I was devastated to see the finish line. I couldn’t help but give in to the negativity, the critical statements flooding in to myself. What an idiot, how could this happen. More of a worry was, where did I go wrong? There was temptation to continue my direction and cut along the road to the finish line. But I quickly dismissed this idea, and headed reluctantly back up the hill. Then, to my surprise, I saw another runner heading my direction. I broke the news that this was indeed the wrong way. I must admit, I did have a sense of relief knowing that it was not stupidity that made me go the wrong way, and perhaps just a poorly visible waymarker. We collected a few other runners on our way back to that wrong turn and finally we were back on track.

But I couldn’t help feel disappointed, my time goal slipped away, and I questioned my ability to complete ultra-marathons. I started slowing down purposely, not because I was tired, but stubbornness. Sabotaging my efforts. I pulled myself to the side and let other pass. And then the final 1km, the end was in site, but I could feel a sense of panic building, and just stood to one side trying to catch my breath, letting out some tears. Right, Kayleigh. That’s enough. Let’s go get this thing done. The finish line came into view. With a burst of renewed energy and determination, I crossed it after 7 hours and 3 minutes.

I won’t lie; there was initial disappointment. But as I stood there, with the weight of the achievement sinking in, pride washed over me. I had faced adversity: navigational errors, a fall, extended checkpoint times, and even an extra-long course, but I had persevered. I had not only completed my first ultra-marathon but done so with grit and determination.

The post-race celebration was a joyous affair. Refreshed and rejuvenated, I joined other runners for a social event, sharing stories of our journeys over food and alcohol-free beer. There was a sense of shared accomplishment, of individual battles fought and won.

Now, a few months removed from the event, I can look back and say the Ultra X Scotland 50km was a turning point in my running journey. It tested me in ways I hadn’t anticipated but also taught me valuable lessons. I learned about the importance of mental strength, early and consistent fuelling, and the power of a supportive running community.

Today, my ultra-running journey continues. I’m training for the Run the Blades 50km, The Highlander Last Man Standing, The Devil o’ The Highlands, Loch Ness 24, and Glen Ogle 33, all leading up to my dream race: the West Highland Way Race.

For those of you thinking of taking on the ultra-marathon challenge, remember to enjoy the journey, share miles with fellow runners, take walking breaks, fuel your body consistently, change your socks at checkpoints, and let your feet breathe. Above all, remember to smile. Despite the challenges, ultra-running is a journey of self-discovery and immense satisfaction, a journey I’m proud to be on.

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