Sophie Power

Meet Sophie Power – Ultrarunner. Entrepreneur. Runs on strong tea and chocolate

What drives you to spend time outside?

It’s where I feel alive! It’s also where my two young sons are happiest. I can’t think of a better way to spend time as a family than going on a mini adventure and exploring the woods or downs.

Where are your favourite places to go?

The top of Pewley Down in Surrey is a 2 minute hill rep from my house. I start almost every run that way – the view is magnificent (and its downhill from there!). Further afield it has to be the Lake District where I spent holidays as a child and now love to run the trails.

What is your favourite thing to do outdoors?

Immerse myself in nature running beautiful quiet trails, or hike up mountains with my hubby.

Who inspires you and how?

For me its not the elite ultra-athletes, but those at the other end of the field. Runners I know who have overcome adversity, who refuse to quit and keep pushing their boundaries. When things get tough in a race I think of them which gives me the strength to keep going.

What are your focuses this year to help people get outside more often?

I’ve been creating routes for my parents to walk on OS maps and taught them to use the app. They have discovered so many beautiful routes walking distance from home that they never knew about! I want to inspire others to explore in the same way – there is so much on our doorstep!

What are your 3 biggest life achievements?

Giving birth (twice), completing the 106 mile Ultra Tour de Mont Blanc whilst breastfeeding my 3 month old baby, and inspiring women to continue to chase their dreams after they become mothers

3 words you live by…

Yes I can

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Eating whole tubs of chocolate ice cream after ultra races (or just long run day…or any day…)