Back to The Tring Ultra

Overcoming the Impossible: My Journey to the XNRG Tring Ultra

Spoiler Alert: I’m going to do it again … and you should too!

First, allow me to take you back to September 2016, when I was unable to walk 50 meters from my front door to the end of the road. The thought of being able to even enter a 50km Ultra was, therefore, the last thing on my mind …

… fast forward 7 years and (in a lot of pain) I finally crossed the line of the XNRG Tring Ultra. “Why would anyone do this more than once?” I exclaimed, fighting to hold back the unexpected tears as I crossed the line…“You’ll be back!” responded a wry-smiled lady as she handed me a medal, as I write this – I just one click away from signing up for the XNRG Tring Ultra 2024 – I think I have to admit that she was right!

Why I Signed Up for Another 50km Ultra

• It was an amazing experience, so well set up and supported by XNRG and their incredible team of volunteers (thank you all!)
• EVERYONE was just so friendly and encouraging throughout the day.
• The route is great, passing through some stunning parts of The Chilterns.
• The cheerful checkpoints were veritable feasts – don’t miss the pineapple cake.
• And there’s also that small matter of a sense of achievement!

I hadn’t appreciated going in, just how much of an emotional journey it would be. It challenged me on every level, both mentally and physically, and taught me things about myself that I just didn’t anticipate. Not just because of my journey: having to rebuild my fitness from almost nothing in 2016; but also because there are sections of the day when, on your own, your mind tries to defeat you by identifying any little niggle and trying to blow it up into an excuse to quit.

The Power of Community: Support from the XNRG Team

From the very start though, when the buzz of excitement mixed with concern that insufficient training had been done, the XNRG Team genuinely supported us all every step of the way. The entertaining briefing, alongside the motivational “don’t be sh*t” sign, started the day with people in good spirits and chatting away for the first miles to the canal. Before long, we were at the first of the checkpoints – warmly welcomed with scrumptious snacks. Some hills and woods saw the runners pass, to encouraging cheers and ‘high fives’ as everyone settled into their rhythms and pace. And then, checkpoint 2 arose, with more fabulous food and free-flowing praise; and the route back for those on the 25km.

Crossing the Finish Line: A Surge of Emotion and Achievement

For the rest of us, it was back to the canal and up through Ashridge – quizzically observed by deer. Then, as if by magic, checkpoint 3 appeared: announcing all arrivals with uplifting bells and much-needed nourishment. Onwards to Ivinghoe Beacon with its spectacular views; and along the ridge to checkpoint 4 and its motivational sign and volunteers inspiring us to turn the last 5 miles into Smiles! And finally, even though I was one of the last to return, I crossed the line to cheers and applause – with tea and cake on hand (just in case, I’d not quite eaten enough yet) – and an overwhelming flood of emotions: joy, pain, pride and much, much more.

It was an incredible experience – and if I can do it, surely you can too!

So come on, sign up – you get to support the amazing work of Humanity Direct at the same time – and I look forward to meeting you in September.

Steve Sinden, 29th August 2024