The Lap Training Plans

“The result was completely unexpected, especially for my first ultra! The programme really supported my training structure for the event, fitting around family, work etc. I’m glad I just trusted the process and followed the sessions as it paid off — no overtraining injuries and good consistency. When I entered I set a goal of sub 10 hours. As training went on and I reviewed previous results I thought this was potentially unrealistic, and then decided to change the goal to getting round and finishing in the weeks before the race, given the weather forecast! I even panic-ordered some waterproof running gloves the Wednesday night before the race, and I’m so glad I did. I felt strong throughout most of the race and followed the fuelling plan I had practised on the long Sunday runs — just added an extra couple of gels when I started to feel cold midway. I didn’t focus on pace but on feel, so it wasn’t until the last checkpoint I realised that I may make it under 9 hours, and that motivated me to dig deep all the way to the end.”

“I loved the training plan and it has really made me think twice about how I train in future. I couldn’t stick to it 100% because of the heat we had this summer, but I made it work. On the day I walked the first mile before I even started jeffing, to let other people go and not get carried away with other people’s paces — I think this really benefitted me in the last third. The training was perfect because my weakness is uphill, but I took small steps, kept it nice and steady, and when we got to the last fell I still felt fine. I was super strong on the rest of the course and could have happily carried on for another 20 miles or so. I felt really good, and that is how I like to finish a race. Thank you for the training plan — it was exciting to do and also fun (my friends really loved the hill interval sessions — not!).”

"Good to finally be out racing The Lap today in quite challenging conditions, but still amazing to be back racing. Target was 8 hours and scraped in at 8hrs 6mins, finishing 10th in an amazing field of runners. Cheers Townshend Performance for the support, motivation and training over the lockdowns. Massive thanks to Sam for cycling around supporting in constant rain. Onto the next one — Heights Ultra Trail in July, with a few little challenges to keep me busy in June."

"There's certainly been better days for it — and no, they weren't throwing buckets of water over us at the finish, it just rained for nearly 6 hours straight. Huge, huge thank you to Townshend Performance, feel like it all came together today. Felt the benefit of every single session."

"Very happy with 4th place at The Lap today. Torrential rain made it a bit harder but managed to keep cracking on. Aim was sub-8 hours, so to finish in 7h 18m was a surprise — which also meant beating the previous course record and still not making the podium! Super competitive at the front today, I've missed that. Massive thanks to everyone out supporting me, and to Townshend Performance especially for getting me to this point. Let's push on."

"Well that was a good (tough) day out. First bash at an ultra race at The Lap — a cracking event with a decent chunk of elevation, 8,700ft over 47 miles of trails. Happy to work through to 6th overall out of 500 and 2nd V40 in 8hrs 54. I won't be doing any more... well, we'll see how I feel in a week. Thanks also to Townshend Performance for the 12-week training plan."

"Started in the dark, finished in the dark — but what an incredible race to be part of. The Lap: all my training had been building to this moment. As prepared as I could be, fighting a niggly knee, but determined to make the finish line. The Lake District setting and perfect weather made the 75km and 2,500m of elevation fly by! A huge thank you to my brilliant supporters, Nicola and Jan, cheering me on all the way — and to Kat at Townshend Performance for her patience and guidance. I couldn't have done it without you!"

"Thank you to my amazing coach Kat at Townshend Performance."

"The journey to The Lap has been a transformative experience, filled with self-discovery, setbacks and personal challenges. Stepping into something I'd never done before was daunting, and walking into the unknown felt scarier still. However, the support I received from Brennan was truly invaluable — he created realistic, achievable weekly running plans that worked around my demanding full-time job and helped build my endurance over time. Amazingly, the strength training he recommended also prevented debilitating cramps during the race. Completing The Lap was incredibly rewarding — despite the tough weather conditions, it was an unforgettable experience. My advice to anyone looking to take on a similar challenge: believe in yourself, trust the process, don't doubt your abilities, and never quit — only then will you discover what you're truly capable of."

"Fantastic weekend running The Lap — a 75km, 2,500m ultra around Windermere. Finished in 9:53, which placed me 34th out of 850. A beautiful and well-organised event. Shout out to Brennan and Townshend Performance for the support over the past couple of months."

"47 miles done in 11 hrs 45 — 9th woman home. Feet are ruined! Thank you to Townshend Performance for the 2 hours taken off my May time."