Written Into the Trail: Lucy Colquhoun and the Record That Endures

Show NotesIn this episode of the WHW Race Pod, I sit down with Lucy Colquhoun, who still holds the women’s course record at the West Highland Way Race, set in 2007 in a time of 17:16:20.Nearly two decades later, that performance still stands. But this conversation goes far beyond splits and statistics.Lucy reflects on who she was when she lined up in Milngavie in 2007: an enthusiastic amateur who had only started running in her thirties, discovering endurance almost by accident. We explore what training looked like in a different era, before social media, before nutrition plans and performance data were everywhere, when hill running was still deeply grassroots.She shares:How she was “strong-armed” into entering the race after running the Highland FlingThe simplicity of her preparation, and the discipline behind itRealising halfway through the race that she was leadingThe moment the course record became a possibilityBonking at Cramond Cottage and bouncing backThe emotional complexity of still holding a record so many years laterLucy also opens up about something deeper: identity.What happens when racing is no longer central to your life?What does it mean to step away from competition?How do you hold pride without becoming defined by one performance?We also touch on her incredible victory at CCC in Chamonix the following year, and the psychology of validation, comparison, and purpose in endurance sport.This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about legacy, humility, and the private reasons we run.If you’re preparing for the West Highland Way Race this year, this episode is a reminder that the experience itself is what endures. Records may stand or fall. But what you learn about yourself out there stays with you.Key ThemesSimplicity versus modern complexity in trainingGrassroots ultrarunning in Scotland in the 2000sRunning to feel rather than to paceIdentity beyond performanceComparison as “the thief of joy”The changing culture of the sportPride without egoListen IfYou’re lining up for WHW this yearYou’re curious about the history of the raceYou’re navigating your own relationship with performance and identityYou’ve ever wondered what it feels like to hold a long-standing course recordIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone preparing for the race, and consider leaving a review. It helps more people discover the stories behind the trail.I’ll be back soon.PaulGet in Touch – Share Your StoryIf you’ve got a story you’d like to share, something you’d love to hear explored on the podcast, or an experience from the West Highland Way that still stays with you, you’re very welcome to get in touch.You can:Send a WhatsApp voice note or message to: WhatsApp: +447418609498Or message on Instagram: @pyllonSome of the most powerful stories are the ones people almost don’t send.Race LinksWest Highland Way Racehttps://westhighlandwayrace.org/<str