An Element of Joy with Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn - Young Hearts Run Free Podcast - Season 8 Eps 20

It’s only another SEASON FINALE!!! Episode 160 coming at ya!

First up we take a moment to celebrate and be thankful for the support we’ve had from all quarters in helping us grow YHRF to where it is now, we’ve nae intention of stopping.

A thorough intro covers a cracking amount of goings-ons in the wonderful world of running including UTMB, G24/12 landmarks, Loch Ness 24 review, Dunoon Ultra competition winners, Tiree Ultra, Canal Race victories, Auchterarder Running Festival final countdown and last but by no means least the opening of the 2024 Lakeland 50 / 100 ballot.

A neat segway to our final guest of season 8 as we welcome to the show Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn. The Multiple Lakeland 50 winner makes a fitting season finale guest.

We get the Katie running back-story and find out how she's adapted to the juggling demands of being a mum along with some bumps in the road with illness and yet still maintain her place at the very top table of British ultra-running. Adaptability personified.

We'd be telling big fibs if we said that the chat didn't turn heavily to the Lake District but we do take a fair winding road before arriving in Conistone to hear Katie's tales of her 4 Lakeland 50 victories. We couldn't leave appearances for Team GB trail team out of the conversation really, could we?

Katie's affinity with the Lakeland event shines bright though, it's become a defining part of who she is and a huge motivation for her to keep pushing the boundaries of her abilities. Course records have come her way, more than once, we get a rich insight into her approach and race tactics as she recaps her memorable outings.

We do get to YHRF fav questions of kit choices, nutrition preferences but not before covering the important topic of how to deal with post ultra-marathon blues.

Katie leaves us with some food for thought on how she approaches races and lastly there's some exquisite tips on mastering those technical downhills.

So, another season comes and go's, only one thing to do....lets get tore right into season 9.......coming real soon!!

Remaining entries to the 2023 Auchterarder Running Festival here https://www.entrycentral.com/arf2023

Throw your name in the Lakeland ballot here https://lakeland100.com/enter-the-event/