Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast - Dora Atim: Why I Founded a Trail Run Collective Exclusively for Black Women

Episode Date: September 27, 2022

Hello! This season, powered by Nike, we're homing in on all things running. You can expect powerful stories from extraordinary women - guaranteed to spark your motivation this back-to-school season - plus plenty of expert tips and tactics.   In today's episode Roisín is joined by Nike Run Coach Dora Atim. As a teen, battling body dysmorphia, Dora never would have imagined that running would prove the conduit for finding self-acceptance and self-love. And yet, a decade later, she’s so passionate about the benefits of putting one foot in front of the other that - from run coaching to youth mentoring - much of her career is built around passing those benefits on.    Here she shares insights from that evolution, alongside the painful moment in summer 2020 that made her realise that - for many Black women and non-binary people to enjoy the nourishing power of rural areas - a community needed to be created. And how, with her trail running collective Ultra Black Running, she’s carved out a space for joy to thrive. In today's Coaching Clinic, Dora offers up answers to your personal running dilemmas. Join host Roisín Dervish-O'Kane on Instagram: @roisin.dervishokane Join Dora on Instagram: @doradontexplore | @ultrablackrunning Join Women's Health on Instagram @womenshealthuk Like what you’re hearing? We'd love it if you could rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Also, remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, so you’ll never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Hey, welcome back to Going for Goal, the Women's Health podcast. I'm your host, Rochene Dervichokane. This series, Powered by Nike, we're exploring running and all the amazing things that it can do for. you. Nike run coaches will be on hand with all the tips and tactics you need to create your own running practice or relevate an existing one, whether you're around the park plodder right now or after a new 10kpb. But running is about so much more than putting one foot in front of the other. And if you've not yet been alerted to just how transformative it can be, it's time to strap in and prepare to be inspired as I speak to some truly impressive women about why they run.

Today it's the turn of Dora Atim, Nike run coach, youth mentor and founder of ultra-black running, a trail running collective for black women and non-binary people. Remember what I was saying about body image? At 18, battling body dysmorphia and convinced her body's curves precluded her from being an athlete. My friendly yet formidable guest never would have imagined that running, of all things, would prove the conduit for finding not only self-acceptance, but self-love, and that she'd feel her most empowered and embodied. while donning bright Lycra on a run rather than it a rave.

In today's episode, she shares that evolution and what she's doing to pass it on to the next generation. She also shares the moment that inspired her to form ultra-black running, a moment in the summer of 2020 when many in black communities worldwide were struggling with the collective trauma following the murders of George Floyd and Armadarbury. It was a moment where she learned, in a very visceral way, that for black women and non-binary people to enjoy the nourishing power,

of rural areas, a community or a safe space needed to be formed. Somewhere for feelings of freedom, healing and joy to grow. Let's meet Dora. Dora, Tim, hello, and welcome to the Women's Health podcast going for goal. Amazing. Thank you for having me. I'm so excited. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Same. How are you doing today? I'm good, a little, like, sweaty and, you know, rushing around, but I'm all good now. A very busy woman.

Yeah. A woman who wears many hats. So we're chatting to you today in your role as a Nike run coach. Yeah, so one of my hats includes me being a coach for Nike running, which is super exciting. But I wear multiple, which we'll obviously get into. Talk to me about those. Talk to me. What's in your hat collection?

In my hat collection. So, you know, Nike Run Coach. I'm also a coach for young kids. I'm like young kids as well in schools. I'm also a youth mentor. So I do a bit of that. And, you know, vibbringer. cheerleader, you know, whatever you want.

That's me, yeah, you know. So yeah, all really purposeful things, but just, yeah, all through movement, I guess. So what I really want to know is about your running journey. So how did you get to where you are, to where you are now? When did you get the bug? So, do you know what, my running journey is always one that I'm super excited to speak about

because it was kind of accidental. And I actually, back then, it was a few years. ago I hated running. I didn't like, my perception of running was very different to what it is today. You know, I thought I had to be like super lean and skinny and look and set away and run super fast. So I always like kind of just backed away from that. And that's mainly, you know, what I've, because obviously what I've consumed as a child, like always watching like marathons on TV and stuff. So I'm like, that's running for me or like school. You're like, when you say someone, okay, we're going to run. It's like either I'm too tired because I can't run for my bus or I think back to

school when I had to run a sports day. How was that for you? Do you know what? I didn't actually hate it that much in school, but I wasn't at a level to take it seriously or anything. So I think it was just kind of like, and it was just like P. So yeah, sport wasn't actually massive in my upbringing

unless it was in school. So it's interesting where I am today. But running for me started, I was invited to a boxing class with a friend. and it was kind of like the I was like 18 or 19 you know body to small fior was like well and truly you know made themselves at home and I was like okay I might just try this out and also it's still a bit nerve wracking because you're like in a gym and you're like oh everyone is like super fit and they look a certain way but I tried it out and it was really good and the coach then invited

us down to keep training with him and I was like this is incredible so I caught the boxing bug and then I wanted to obviously become better and And the coach suggested to start running. And then, like, I just remember the feeling. I was just like, oh, this is where it ends. I was like, this is where it literally ends. Because, okay, no more boxing because I'm not running. Like, I'm not doing it.

But it was mainly my own fears. And, like, because of it perceptions. I was like, I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know. I'm so unfit. Bone of mine, I've been, like, training for months. And I was like, I'm not fit to start running and all that kind of stuff. But after a few weeks, I was like, you know what?

just going to have to try and just see what happens. And for me, running was always late at night because I was so embarrassed. I was like, what if someone sees me like struggling or like I'm out of breath at traffic light? But I wanted streets to be empty. So if I needed to stop and catch my breath, like no one would see. And also I just didn't feel right in my body as well. So it's just a whole mixture of things. And I was just really trying to connect with running, but I wasn't.

So I was like, you know what, if I run for like five, ten minutes, no one's like who's going to tell me off for not running longer than that. And then even so like, who's timekeeping, who's telling me I have to run a certain amount of time? So I just gave it a go. It was like five, ten minutes. It was interesting, I would say. I was living in West London at the time. So it was quite like hilly near like Notting Hills.

I was like, oh, why do I choose here? But there's something in me that was like, you know, just, it's a new. thing so just keep trying and it was always late at night it was never like during the day because I was just I was so embarrassed and it's just crazy to think of that to this day but I just kept going and I was like you know what I'm going to have to just give it a good shot so I love house music so I remember like setting a playlist and put it on my iPod what was on it was so Nike run club app and then the playlist was like ministry of deep house and I and I was still have some of the songs on my running playlist till this day because I'm just like yeah and I love

raving so raving is a huge part of my life and it's how I kind of like I don't really rave that much anymore because obviously like post post-covid I'm like where are the clubs um yeah so now I just like it's in my head when I'm running so I just think of like that um so I put the playlist on and I just went for it and I just remember going you know just just just do as much as you can just do as much you can and just see and I remember running 30 minutes 30 40 minutes towards like Hyde Park straight road um managed to get to marble arch saw the time freaked out and I was like my family are going to absolutely rip me to shreds because it's so late at night so I was like don't stop just turn around and go home and I remember getting back to to shepherd's bush and my app was like you've run 10

kilometers and I was like what um 10k without stopping and I was like that is crazy to me because I'm not a runner and I don't really like it and I don't really see myself being a runner. So I was so like the sense of achievement was incredible but it was still like, you know, what's kind of next? I don't really know what to do with this. Continue to box but then there was something like, oh, you should keep the running thing because that was quite a big achievement and I didn't really shout about it that much. So you know what?

Long story short, I forgot about boxing. Sorry. Sorry, Coach Floyd. And then I just kept running. And then I was like, okay, I'm going to build myself up to run with someone or run with a group. And at the time, there was a Nike Run Club in Westfield. And I remember their vault T-shirts, like the Pace of T-shirts. And I love bright colors.

I was like, oh, that looks really fun. I'm going to go. It took me weeks to build the confidence because I was going through that whole, like, but these people look really fit. These are like runner-runners, you know. So the body dysmorphia was. body's playing into your confidence, even though you knew that you could run a 10K. Yeah, so it was all coming back again.

I was just like, oh my God, what is this? Anyway, cousin of mine dragged me to the store and pushed me in, and I was like, okay, I guess I'm here now. I have to do it. And did the run. I was like the slowest at the back. It was hard. Everyone was talking about like, oh, I'm doing a half marathon.

Oh, I'm doing a PB. And I was like, what's a half marathon? And what does PB mean? It was honestly like a whole new world. But everyone was, even though I felt like really rubbish. Um, everyone was so nice. Everybody was so nice. And I was just like, oh, this is okay. I'll keep going. Um, and then I was just like, what is even a 5K race? But then there was one in Hackney at the time for free. And I was like, sign up for Yolo. Sign up with a friend. Friend canceled on the day. And I was like, I can't believe I have to run this race on my own. Uh, which I did. And it was incredible. Had a good time. But it was very scary because these are like hundreds and thousands of people. Um, and I'm by myself. And I'm by myself. And I'm. I was just like, okay, I'm not doing that again. But I started to feel a bit more like accomplished.

I was like, okay, this feels like I feel like I'm finding myself in this sport now. Even though I knew, like, I'm not going to be in Olympics, and I'm not here to break any records. And I actually started to forget about what I look like. It's not about weight loss. It's not about looking a certain way. I started to actually forget about that a bit. because it was the way it was making me feel

and obviously like I can bring my music aspect into it and the way I dress into it so I was like this is fun what's the next race so I was like what can you do after 5K can you do like 6K and it was like no it's 510 or half and I was like I know I can run 10K so actually it was a Nike women's 10K

it's a bit of my life for a long time since the start since the beginning so Nike women's 10K and there's all women and there was like a training journey so it was nice to meet other women and the thing was is that there were so many different body shapes and all of that

and I was like wow okay some people have never actually run before as well I'm not the only one that hasn't run ever or it's like super new to the sports I was like oh this is not bad race day came it was scary it was hard but I kept saying you know you run 10K before you can actually

you can get through you can get through this course did that and I was like oh this is this is incredible i actually remember feeling like oh i actually yeah i'm a runner if someone asks me i'd be like yeah i'm a runner so i've always i've always had a passion for educating um i always wanted to be a teacher since i was a child i've always wanted to teach um then obviously as i grew i just started coaching kids from like the age of 16 so it was more like after-school clubs sports more like physical activity just like things for kids to do in their spare

time and that was what I was doing there was no real kind of goal with it because I just loved it I knew I was like I'm going to go and study to become a teacher at some point but didn't happen and then I found my passion through running and what I started to find is that all the little lessons I was learning from running I was bringing into my work as I developed as a coach I then found youth mentoring and then running really started to play a massive role because, you know, you can tell young, you can tell teenagers to run. They'll probably be like, but I was telling them about the lessons and even of things around like body image

and what sport can do for you, not necessarily in sport, what sport can do for you in life. And obviously I caught the running bug, so I signed up to like all the half marathons, all the marathons. I also love to travel, so I've travelled and done marathons all over the place. But again, those lessons I can bring. So that journey from your 10K, the Nike Women's 10K

How soon did it take you then To go from that to running a marathon? A couple of months Well, I think it was like six months later I was like, I'm going to try and train for a half marathon Yeah And that was very scary because you're like This is double the distance

And this is now like unknown territory I don't know Very different ball game Yeah These runs are looking longer than an hour I'm like what's going on here So that was like okay I really need to tap into getting support and I don't know.

I actually don't know what I'm doing. So it takes you back into that scary place again. But I stuck to it because I'm like, you know what? It's left, right, repeat. Like, you know, what else do I need to be doing? So that was a real journey because it's kind of, it's kind of lonely as well because none of my friends were really, you know, training with me to do the half marathon. Were you raving with them?

We're absolutely raving. And I was like, do you know what? I've got a long run tomorrow. I'm leaving early or it's like you kind of haven't stopped moving things around your social life and that's when it became hard because it's sort of like how bad do I really want this but you didn't manage to convince them even with your deep house ministry playlist no one was convinced you know to this day I loved what you were saying there about how running almost helped you feel at home in your own body and within yourself at a really weird

transitional time. I don't think anyone enjoys being 19, do they? No. Like it's a hard time. So much pressure to be having fun. You feel weird in your body. You feel weird in your life. I want to move you on slightly to talk about the amazing community that you've built with

Ultra Black Running. Can you tell me a bit about what it is, Anna, why you set it up? Yeah. So Ultra Black Running is a collective, basically designed for black women and non-declan binary people to basically fill and live their best selves through trail running and being in the outdoors and it's specific to trail and outdoors and all of that mainly because of where it came from and how it was brought to life so tell me about that for me uh obviously we we all experienced the traumatic um black lives matter movement and the death of george floyd and even arm and arbori and

for me that was a really I was grieving at the time like I was like I don't really know what to take of it all and I think because the entire world was watching and listening and talking I was like I feel

very seen like and I just I don't really know how society I just feel very seen I feel like I've been stripped open and I was also staying in the countryside at the time so now All I had was like either running near the dual carriageway or running the trails.

And I was like, and people drive differently in the countryside. So I was like, I'm going to stick to the trails. And obviously nature is so beautiful. And especially when you're outside of London, it's just lots of it. Even in London, but at the time I was far away. So I was like, oh, this is quite nice. And it's completely, I don't know it. I don't know these areas.

I was born and raised in London. I don't know what this is. So I played around in the trails for a bit. And then, you know, I was still going for all those feelings and trying to process those emotions. And for me, it was quite difficult because at the time when I was out for runs, you know, I had people stopping me and asking what I'm doing. And I'm like, you know, I feel like the timing, first of all, like, get the time and try, read the room. We're all, there's a global uprising, sweetie. Like, this is not a time to stop me.

And I also feel like it's a bit rude because you're stopping. You can physically see me running and you stop me. And I think, oh, maybe they're asking for directions or something. But it's like, what are you doing? And to be honest, maybe some people meant no harm by it. But for me, it was a lot. Almost saying that inferring you shouldn't be here. Right.

You shouldn't be in these green pastoral spaces of the country which you're a citizen of. Yeah. You know, you feel, oh, okay, maybe I don't belong in these spaces. And I started to really suffer with bad anxiety during that time. And did I actually stop running for a little while? And if I did go out for a run, it probably like 20 minutes or so until I felt those feelings again or even saw another person, I'd probably be like, oh, okay, just run on the other side.

Like, you find yourself doing things just so nobody thinks you are doing something wrong. It's not that, oh, maybe I don't piss somebody off. I don't want to, you know, annoy anybody. And that's not a look back as such a crazy way to feel and think. Absolutely. And was this when you were in, the countryside or is this when you were back in London? Did that feel in persist?

In the countryside and I was like, I kind of just want to go back to London now. I just, this is probably why I won't ever leave London because, you know, it's my little safe space. But then, you know, I remember, I don't know what the moment was, but I was like, whatever. I just remember, like, at the time where I was not running much, I was just sort of like listening to music and finding new playlist, find new albums. and, you know, I would say hyper-visible on the internet as people who are, like, in the running space. It's a real tight-knit community, isn't it? Super, super-engaged.

Yeah, and at the time, I didn't even want to talk to anybody because, you know, you have loads of people reaching out, asking about running. Lots of people took up running during lockdown, which is incredible. Incredible, but I still felt like I just don't want to talk about it because I'm going through it at the moment. But, you know, I was just like, it actually helped me, People reaching out who, like, were really stuck on how to get running or what they want to do.

It really did help me push through those, like, horrendous moments. Did it remind you that you had something to give? Yeah, so I was like, you know what, no, this is why you're doing it. You're like, you know, this is what you're doing. This is your life's work. This is you educating. Young Dora who wanted to be a teacher, you're now educating, right? So I was like, I'm just going to have to keep running.

Like, if someone's got a problem of it, that's their problem, not mine. So I remember running and, you know, It was like this real breakthrough of tears when I got to like this middle bit. I'd like listen to really incredible album. And album's got no lyrics. And then I think it's just like house. It's more like afro funk. Go on.

Give us the name. It's great. It's called Black by Colodosong. And I still listen to it to this day. And every time I listen to it, I just like smile. Because I'm like, oh, this is how Ultra Black was born. And I listened to it at the end. It's 45 minutes long.

And I listened to it at the end. end of like most of my marathons because I know I'm like okay get me get me to the end kill I um but yeah there's real breakthrough and I was like crying my eyes out in this forest like crying and it was more just like tears of joy happiness and like it's also like grief big release big huge release and I was like oh gosh like what was that I know you feel alone and it's isolating but you can do it like let's just go and I was like reaching up to my friends I was like I want to just share this feeling who wants to come on a trail run. Obviously that response was like no and I was off killed that dream. Banished to get some some some gals together and we ran through Epping Forest and it was incredible.

There was no there was no intention for ultra black to become like this huge thing. It was just more for us to come together during a really hard time in the world. Especially as black women as well you know we go through lots and it was just nice to feel seen, feel comfortable, a safe space we can be, we don't have to watch the way we talk, people, we will understand everyone's issues here. So I was like, okay, let's just, let's do it again. And there was no like set weekly things out when I feel like it, I'll give you the back signal.

So I did another run in Crystal Palace, which is a nice mix of road and some trail. Just beautiful scenes. And I remember from there the conversations that were happening afterwards. and I was sort of, it was like this click, like, I think this has to be something now because what did you hear? It was just different conversations about like sense of being and even it's like gender identities in sport and how people feel in the workplace to cute running outfits.

And it was just like, I just remember looking at everybody and how no one was holding back and you know those laughs and those people being angry and upset and it was just like yeah I'm definitely this is a thing this is a space this is and we safe spaces that word gets thrown around a lot this is actually a safe space

I'm going to have to make this a thing so I just posted a picture on Instagram I was like okay let me create a new account and then Ultra Black is obviously like I want to run an Ultra one day but now I know that I don't have to do it alone I have like a whole community who are going to support me

to do that but we can all support each other. And ultra-black is not for ultra-runners. It's for anybody who wants to feel alive in the nature. Nature is so beautiful, and it saved me during such a hard time. And then from me putting that Instagram out there, the response of people wanting to come down and join. And it was like I didn't have to explain myself

because people who are marginalized groups, it's not easy just coming out and saying this is a space only for, you know. And it's not because we want to be divisive and it isn't divisive. And the right people understand that it's not. So yeah, it got good to be, but obviously some bad, but it's serving its purpose. Absolutely. And yeah, especially as you say, that vehicle in creating that, not just a space, but a space that needs to be created in all.

order for women to, in order for black women and non-binary people to get those benefits from being in nature, especially if you live in urban areas, especially if you are kind of surrounded by brick and concrete most of the time, all those benefits from being the countryside that, you know, you live in, you live in this country, like that's for everyone to enjoy. And what do you think it was specifically about, you say that that time in nature, saved you. What comments did you get from other people about how beneficial it was to be sort of in the countryside and around all this green space? Someone made a comment that they enjoyed seeing me smiling and for me that was huge because obviously like obviously

what I was going through I was like oh wow I was actually aware that I was smiling and other people are smiling and people are happy and they feel in joyous even though we're going for a really hard time in life at the moment. Yeah. But it was still something that was keeping people going. Yeah. And this is out, even with running in the wider running community, when people are talking about, you know, running is the reason they got out of bed, you

know. It's huge. Like running is so much more than races. We had no races during the pandemic. You're running to your lifestyle now. Yeah. I like to think of it as, you know, zombie apocalypse one day. I'll be able to run some distance to get away.

But the pandemic really hammered that in, hammered that home. for people. You've got to be strong for the end of the world. Absolutely. But, yeah, running is your lifestyle. And running is what you want from it. And it's yours. Like, you don't have to do it because you want to run really fast or run races.

And that's what I really wanted with Ultra Black. And I feel like I'm achieving that. And yeah, it feels incredible. So I wanted to kind of bring you back there on that point about why it's, why it is so important to have a safe and unique space for, for the group who attends ultra-black running. Have you experienced any challenges and setbacks in founding it and growing it?

And what have they taught you? Yeah, many, many setbacks. I think the first one was just the amount of backlash I received and wasn't ready for because I was just trying to do something positive. And I didn't really know how to feel about it or respond to it. And that was, yeah, it's quite, yeah,

taught me a lot and I feel like it made me a lot stronger person than I am. I like to think I'm quite resilient but this one I'm now like hard as nails. Extra layer, yeah, extra layer, you know, and that was quite hard and I wasn't trying to grow it into anything. I just wanted people to feel safe mainly because of the experience I had and I didn't want anyone to feel like that. So I just wanted to create a space and, you know, 30 years time, 40 years time, they won't need to be a space for ultra-black. But it's more for building confidence, you know. People are now confident enough to

sign up for a trail race because, you know, you've got a group together and you know that races are not going to be as diverse, but guess what? We can start attending these races because we have to be the change if we want to see it, right? When these groups are created, all we need is support because it's creating change for the entire world, not just us, right? So yeah

But growing it Scaling it has never really been On the agenda It has just naturally grown In five years time I wanted to have a race To bring everyone together We did it in year one

So that was like Incredible That was Events is not my thing Event planning is not my thing I've learnt that And I'm okay with it But it was beautiful

We brought the entire running community down And Where was it? It was in Kent in Mopham. And the goal was to try and get 50 black women to come along and that was what happened and just take them on a journey. And I had good partners to work with.

And yeah, the feeling I still can't really put it into words, but that's what I wanted. And then I think the entire running community got to see and understand what allyship is and how to support groups. And can you almost paint the scene for me? Like that's such a beautiful image. you managed to get a crew of 50 women to come and run. When you were kind of reaching the end of that,

did you have a moment when you looked round? And what was the setting like? What were the expressions on people's faces? I just really want to picture that scene. Yeah, so I remember it was the end for me. Because when I got there in the beginning, I was sort of like stressing. I just want everything to go well and nothing to go wrong.

And for me, it was the end of most of the races. There was like multi-distance. So there's like 6K. 11K and 23 and for me that was beautiful because of random numbers and I love a random things and it was like you don't know what to expect

how do you train for 6K who knows I'd train for 11K who knows I like that yeah so at the end I remember people like coming in from their races people like supporting one another I had family there I had like and I think I was just looking around

and it was just such a mixed crowd everyone from all walks of life there were dogs there there were children there And it was people from all races, all backgrounds, all ages. There was house music, people were dancing. And I was just like, can you believe that we've got like my favorite songs happening? And, you know, DJs, we have black women here. And I was just like, this is a rave, but we're running.

And the food was incredible. And the sun was shining. And there was like not one ounce of bad vibes. And everyone was just laughing. And there was like slips and trips on the course. The course was hilly. People were like falling over, got it all on Instagram. It was just laughter and joy.

And that is what trail running should be. Yeah, I was going to say joy was the word that is definitely coming up for me when you were describing that. And so powerful that that's, you know, within, not sure if it's a similar place, but within a rural setting where what the year before you'd been made to feel. Like you couldn't take up space and that you weren't welcome and how beautiful that you'd. I'm so sorry that you went through that and someone made you feel like that, especially at such a globally horrible time for everyone.

And then on top of that and top of the pandemic, the trauma that I can only imagine after the kind of explosion of the Black Lives Matter movement. And I'm so sorry that someone made you feel like you could. go out and do this thing that was good for your body and your mind. It's infuriating. But how beautiful and powerful a kind of, I can't swear, can I, but what a beautiful, fuck you. You know, like, I just, that's, yeah, that's a really, that's a really gorgeous scene. So you, you had a five-year plan.

You nailed it in one. Yeah. So I'm like, okay. What's next? What do I do now? Yeah. So the title of this. podcast is going for goal, so can't let you go without understanding what are your next big things

that you're shooting for. Let's start with ultra black running. So I think now with ultra black running, we now know the trail space and we now know what we're capable of and we now know how you can, you know, use movement for good. And I feel like it's unlocking some truth, I want to say. People are starting to realize, oh, I think I can do a trail race, or I want to do a trail race. I would love to incorporate child running when I go on holiday. I'd love to, you know, and I think there are some races that some of the members are going for this year and next, and I'm making sure I do everything that happens. Yeah.

And for myself is also, yeah, taking part of my first ultra, well, first official ultra. Where is that going to be? That is going to be October this year. It's going to be in, I believe, Sussex somewhere. I haven't really read the details because the more I read, I'm going to be nervous. So also remind for listeners, and actually me, shamefully, how long is an ultramarathon?

An ultramarathon starts from like 50 kilometres, 30-ish miles. Longest I would have run at once. So it's been a goal for such a long time. So I'm just going to, I just said, you know what? Just train and see what happens. I just going to go through it. I did try it last year.

didn't get far I went to Azores in Portugal Oh yeah those islands Attempted a 50K there I kind of knew this is a bit of a big goal Went for it anyway Didn't make the second cut off point

It was the most horrendous journey To that cut off point It ran off course Fell in much You name it it happened But I was I'm amazed about the amount of press I got from it

Because of my Instagram stories Saved it as a high line like if anyone wants to go and have a laugh, it's all there, like, raw emotion. I was like feet submerged, all of that. So I was like, round two, we'll go again. Yeah. Somewhere else in the UK. So when your feet is soggy and submerged in mud, it's only an hour train home or something.

Yeah, exactly. I'm really intrigued to ask about body image because you talked at the start there about 18, 19-year-old Dora feeling, you know, totally alienating. and unhappy in her body feeling like she couldn't be a runner. She wasn't fit because she didn't fit the correct mould. And you started talking to me about this journey of how running helped you feel more at home in your body, kind of earlier on in your running career. Where are you at now with your relationship with your body and yourself, love, since you've been on this kind of massive running journey?

You know what? I think body image is always going to be a topic of discussion. and we sometimes I feel like it will never be at peace with it but I definitely go through very long periods of time where I am at peace with it I don't I no longer train to look a certain way like aesthetic all of that stuff is way out of like my thought process now and I think that's because I know what I'm capable of and I have to be grateful like bodies our bodies are such incredible things

they're very precious most expensive things we own you know, and they're going to fluctuate your body weight. Your body is going to fluctuate throughout your life. And especially as a woman as well, it's going to literally fluctuate through your whole life. So be a piece of it, you know. It's not easy. It really isn't.

But I found that dressing, the way I've dressed and I love bold clothing, even though I'm playing close today. I love wearing prints, loud colours. Yes, there's some amazing looks at a Nike event recently. Yeah. Yeah. And for me, I'm like, yeah, because, you know, and you can see all of my curves or, you know, like, because obviously I used to worry when I was younger, like, oh, we have really thick thighs and like, my boobs are really big and all of that. But I'm like, nope, I have a right.

I have a good sports bra. That's what I'm vested in, good sports bra, leggings, you know, and the rest is like whatever. Runners come in all shapes and sizes. Absolutely. And I feel great. I feel powerful in my body. And, you know, we have, I know, I know it's not easy, but we have. have to love it. And running helps you with that. And running absolutely helps me

you that and not because yes it keeps me fit is because I feel I feel like a bit of a Power Ranger when I'm running in my loud clothes you know. Absolutely. I love the Power Ranger analogy. It's like something that you said earlier when you were talking so I guess when you were talking about preparing for the ultramarathon and actually for that first marathon you said something which is basically like all you can do is train and then was it left left foot right foot Yeah, left right repeat. That's literally what you're going to be doing. That's it, isn't it? And that's the same approach that you have through running and kind of extending these races, going from being amazed that you've done 5K to doing an ultra marathon.

Yeah, I know. I'm like, it's really hard to try and explain these things to my family because they're just sort of like, why do you need to run so far? Why so far? I just feel like I unlock new things, you know. And it's not in running. I unlock confidence in different things and projects and relationships. And it just teaches you so much about life. Totally. And the way that you get to the next stage and the way that you get to a better place and the way that you achieve success, it is just left-right repeat.

That's all you can do, isn't it? Keep showing up. Keep showing up, left-right-repeat, repeat, keep moving forward. And that's it. Well, I think that is a really beautiful place. to end. I'm grinning from ear to ear. You can probably hear it. You can probably hear it in my voice. But I think it was that scene you painted of your guy's race. Absolutely beautiful. Dora, thank you so much for coming on the Women's Health podcast, going for goal. Thank you for so much for having me. I've really enjoyed sharing my story.

Could talk all day. Yeah. Brilliant. Now, Dora, I am going to hand over to you to open the coaching clinic. exciting. All right, sweet, let's go. So the first question is from Laura who asked, I really want to like running, but I've never enjoyed it. What do you recommend? Okay, so for this one, you know, we always want to be doing things that we love. And I think, try and find out what it is that you don't like about it and try and tap into that. Or, you know, really break it down. Make it fun. Make it your own. How could, like, what ways can you make this run great? Is it running to your favourite coffee? and rewarding yourself with like a nice coffee or cake? Is it running with someone that you absolutely adore and makes you laugh and keeping it nice and short so you can have a good time and kind of forget that you're running but still doing something great for yourself? But yeah, just try and find ways to make it fun

and that way you'll start to enjoy it. Okay, next question Isha says, why am I always getting injured? Now, this is quite a common one and one I see a lot with people who start running out. I think speak to a medical, professional, someone that can really tap into your movement history, your running history,

because there could be some pre-existing situations there. Running comes in many factors, many things make running straightforward and great. It could be down to the amount of time you recover in between runs, it could be the foot where you're wearing, it could be the amount of rest, sleep, even your nutrition. And I know when I first started running, I spiked my mileage up way too quickly and then I started to experience injury. So it could be even that. But I definitely think

speaking to someone that can really give you that insight into your journey and connect the dots, I feel like you can find a way to move forward of running and do it in the best way possible to prevent future injuries and create bulletproof bodies, you know. But yeah, speak to somebody and hopefully you get out of the road soon. Okay, final question. Katie asks, how often should I be running a week? That's also, I don't know. I think with this one, it'll be great to figure out what your goal is.

Like, what do you want from running? Are you training for a race? Are you training for a specific distance? Also ask yourself, how much time can you commit to running in a week? I know when I'm training for races, I know I have to hit a certain amount of miles in the months, but when I'm not training for anything, I completely strip it back.

How often should I be running a week? Once, twice, three times. It really depends on how you're feeling and what you're working towards because running is yours and your running journey is really, really tailored, specific to your life. So figure that stuff out and then everything else will kind of make sense. if it's just to move, maybe once, twice, if it's to train towards something, what's the best way to gradually build up?

And I think I probably recommend speaking to maybe a running professional or come and find me. And I can help with that as well. That's all from me for today's episode of the Women's Health Podcasts going for goal. If you enjoyed this episode, remember to rate and review on Apple Podcasts. It really helps other people find the show. And remember to subscribe so that you never miss an episode. See you next week.

Thank you.