In this episode, we welcome back ultrarunning legend Debbie Martin Consani for her 9th (NINTH) appearance on the show. As the 2026 Winter Spine Race unfolds, Debbie provides her expert perspective on what makes this nasty 268-mile trek along the Pennine Way so unique. From the deep thaw slush of the current race to her own legendary 2022 victory, Debbie shares insights on gear, the psychology of 'being bothered,' and why sometimes the best race plan is having no plan at all.

Key Highlights & Topics

The Current "Thaw" Year: Debbie discusses how the 2026 race transitioned from heavy snow to a deep thaw, creating treacherous slush and rising river levels.

The "Nasty" Pennine Way: A deep dive into why this trail is particularly arduous, featuring the mud suction that can cause shin issues.

The Philosophy of "Be Bothered": Insights into race management and the importance of self care e.g. if your feet/hands are cold, be bothered to fix this before it becomes a race ending problem.

Breaking News: Discussion regarding Sarah Porter who was removed from the Spine Race for safety reasons due to threats related to her charitable work. See link at the end of show notes.

Fuelling 268 Miles: Debbie reveals her go-to calorie-dense snacks, including Bournville chocolate and 500-calorie flapjacks.

Reliving the 2022 Win: Debbie reflects on her victory, finishing in 104 hours with only 7 hours of sleep across four and a half days.

As discussed, the Run Ultra Sarah Porter interview