Name: Chelle (Michelle) White 

Occupation:

Warehouse worker (in a chilled environment)

Home Town: Somerset girl originally, now living in Tumble, South Wales

Questions

What is your running background?

I didn’t start running until my mid 40’s when I ran race for life in memory of my mum in 2014… I didn’t run again until late 2015..a half marathon in Chippenham , my first marathon was Brighton in 2016 when unfortunately I had fractured my pelvis and femur and told I would never run again , I didn’t run for 18 months, did a tester 8 mile run and I was back on it like a car bonnet!!

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I was supposed to be part of a 24 hour relay looped race but 2 days before the company folded, so frantically looked for a race the same weekend , I contacted the RD of a looped race in Peterborough and he let us join last minute and with a massive discount!!! Long story short I became a solo runner… I came 2nd female …running 92.5 miles in 24 hours!!! Realised I preferred the long steady run than blowing out my behind on a marathon

When or where (at which events) are we most likely to see you?

I’ve done the canals, Reading endure, a few track races including 48 hour , Wild horse 200 , Copthorne 100 I try to go to races I’ve not done before….not normally a person that returns to do the same race over and over.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

First ever female to complete the Copthorne 100 and I still hold the record!! I have been 1st female in all of the canal races , 1st overall at Reading endure, 1st overall at Gloucester track 48 hour, 1st female in Wild horse 200 even though I done an extra 24 miles!! My best performance was my AQ on the track I ran 100 miles in 16 hours 18, and unofficially beating the GB age group record .

What was your hardest experience?

Toughest race was Arc of Attrition…I did finish it but did not enjoy it at all …getting lost on a cliff edge was totally not my thing

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Don’t get lost … enjoy the experience and sing lots

What does a typical training week look like?

Hills (plenty of them in Wales) speed session , 3-4 hour long run and a hilly long run. I love the hills!!

What one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time?

Relax and enjoy the scenery and sing when the going gets tough ! 

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

NO

Where did you get your qualifier for Spartathlon:

AQ on the track I ran 100 miles in 16 hours 18, and unofficially beating the GB age group record .

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The atmosphere and the amazing opportunity to run with team GB

What are you not looking forward to during the Spartathlon race?

The heat

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Home Sauna along with the training

Will you be bringing any support crew to the race? (If so, please introduce them briefly)

Yes, Tina Willison ,