This week, I’m so excited to introduce you to my friend and fellow UESCA-qualified ultra coach… Valerie Wong!
Val’s story is a brilliant mix of determination, adventure, and laugh-out-loud honesty — from growing up in Hong Kong, boarding school in the UK, studying atmospheric science (yes, weather patterns! ☁️), running her first Boston loops, to discovering ultras during the pandemic.
She’s now an ultra-runner, triathlete, mountain lover, channel swimmer (!!), mum of two, and one of the funniest people I’ve met in our coaching cohort.
This episode is full of real talk, wisdom, and some truly excellent running tips.
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✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode
• Running beginnings in Hong Kong & Boston
Val first ran because “everyone in Boston runs!” — her first 1km nearly killed her, but a 5K made her feel unstoppable.
• From marathons to Ironman to ultras
She completed an Ironman in Austria (“like swimming in Evian water!”) before kids, then rediscovered running during COVID when everything else shut.
• How ultras became her ‘freedom sport’ during lockdown
With races cancelled, she signed up for the distances still allowed — 50K, 70K, then her first 100K.
• The magic of mountain running (and how to survive 38°C valleys!)
Val shares hilarious and heartfelt stories from Mozart 100, CCC, Snowdon 50K, and Lavaredo — including the moment she burst into tears at an aid station while her crew patched her up like a Formula 1 pit team.
• Why introverts often love running
Running is where Val recharges, thinks, plans, and escapes the noise. “Everyone go away… it’s just me and my thoughts.”
• The importance of crew, community & the surprising friendships on the trail
Val’s stories about crewing, crying, and downhill “controlled falling” are gold.
• Training insights from a scientist-runner
She talks about RPE, running hills on purpose, and why she increased from 4 to 5–6 days of running to build time on feet.
• Identity, motherhood & normalising movement
We chat about role-modelling consistency for kids and building a life where movement is normal, not optional.
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🏃♀️ Valerie’s Best Tips for New Runners
These are SO good:
1️⃣ “Just start running.”
Don’t overthink pace or distance. Run whatever fits your schedule.
2️⃣ Build a routine you can actually stick to.
The best exercise is the one you’ll keep doing.
3️⃣ Don’t worry if you start late — your knees last longer!
A late start is a perfect start.
4️⃣ Expect the ups and downs.
In ultras, “if something hurts, don’t worry… something else will hurt later.”
5️⃣ Hills make you strong (and intervals on hills are easier!).
Let gravity help on the downhills — “controlled falling” is a skill.
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💛 Why You’ll Love This Episode
Because Valerie is the perfect mix of:
✔ relatable
✔ wildly adventurous
✔ hilarious
✔ science-minded
✔ heart-centred
And her stories remind us why we run — for joy, community, self-discovery, and the pure magic of putting one foot in front of the other.
A couple of BIG favours: 1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :)2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) ) Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more! Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (ZenRUN.club) or send me an email - Hello @ zenrun.club
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💛 Looking for more running motivation?
Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!
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