In this episode we sit down with ultra-running powerhouse Anna Troup, winner of both Summer and Winter Spine Races including the 2025 Summer Spine outright. Anna opens up about training in the Lake District, navigating injuries, managing menopause, building resilience, and rediscovering her running identity.Episode HighlightsAnna’s journey from Oxford rowing → triathlon → ultrasLiving and training in GrasmereWhy she prefers early morning sessionsHow cross-training keeps her running as she gets olderFirst ultra: Hardmoors 60, “baptism of fire”Learning navigation the hard way on her first SpineWinning the 2021, 2022 & 2025 Summer Spine, plus 2026 Winter Spine (1st female)Handling recurring stress fractures & lessons from menopauseWhy women thrive in long ultrasCows, storms, lost moments, and the art of problem‑solving in big racesFuelling: “Rice, cheese and butter — that’s my magic bowl”Her go‑to kit: DexShell socks & ASICS TrabucoMegan Boxall Tracker

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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