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Jo Meek - Ambassadors during Lockdown
Jo is an ultra runner....on roads, in the mountains, and on trails.
She has been a runner for a long time working hard towards her goals. She enjoys racing all over the world and has even been lucky enough to be selected to run for GB in the World Trail champs (her best is 7th) and in the 100km champs (her best is 4th).
She is also a passionate physiotherapist. Her working week is split in two; self employed in Exeter and employed by the English Institute of Sport in Bath treating funded athletes on their journey to Tokyo. In her spare time she can be found on Dartmoor, with friends.
What are your personal bests?
Marathon: Berlin- 2hrs 46mins.
Half: Bristol- 77mins
10km: Bourton on the water- 34:46
5km: Aldershot track- 16:45
IAU 100km World Championships, Doha, Qatar; Nov 2014- 7hrs 43mins; 4th female; Gold for Team GB.
What have you been doing during lockdown?
I have been maximising the most of what lockdown made possible....more time at home; Finishing off work in the house; I’m a physio so lots of virtual appointments to help keep people active and runners running; cooking and experimenting; family quizzes; garden bird identification; and lots of exploring Dartmoor, my local backyard.
Did COVID-19 affect many events / training?
COVID affected every race. I had a 250km stage race in Sri Lanka in March, in April The Highland Fling in Scotland, in May Karhunkierros in Finland, in June Mozart 109km in Austria and the TransRockies stage race in August. These will all be in 2021 now. I had a niggle at the start of the lockdown, so it’s been ideal for me to build back up gradually. My rehab has been perfect!
How did you cope with training during lockdown?
I built training back up gradually. I have loved training because I have explored Dartmoor maxing out on the long run. I have run east to west, west to east, north to south, south to north and all the key trails in between!
I have set a female FKT on a route called the Dartmoor 600’s- it covers all 5 peaks over 600m. I did 3hrs 12mins to cover the 18 or so miles.
My speed is work has been on a treadmill and that’s been useful to build back up some pace again. As I get older, I need to keep on top of this!
How have you found being an ambassador for XMiles?
I enjoy being part of a team and following what others are up to.
What do you have planned for the future?
There is a route called the Dartmoor round. It’s 75miles covering 28 Tors. No woman has done it yet so I want to set an FKT. I have been busy recceing it. I plan to do it mid August 😁
https://www.gofar.org.uk/dartmoor-round
My next race will probably be Les Templiers in October.
About the Author
JO MEEK
XMiles Ambassador -