Kirsten Cowling

Bio
Hiya folks, I’m Kirsten. I’m 53, married to my long suffering husband Graeme. I’m a dog groomer with my own wee shop in Stewarton where I live. 3 dogs, 3 cats, 2 horses and 3 pet sheep keep me plenty busy – although my dogs are collies and the best wee running buddies I could hope for ๐Ÿ˜. I am a fat, middle aged, menopausal woman but who says I can’t dream big!!

Ultra history
My first Ultra was the Fling in 2016. I had come across it by chance and decided it would be an awesome thing to do in my 50th year. Every thing I read said you start slow and get slower so that suited me fine. I really didn’t have a clue what I was letting myself in for๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚. I finished – last – and was totally hooked! I then did Dunoon where I managed – yep you’ve guessed it – last again (my hubby was starting to get a bit suspicious as I kept coming in in the dark with the sweepers!!). I was far better organised for 2017 Fling but got injured 4 weeks before it. A daft wee blister that ended up cellulitis and 3 courses of antibiotics meant that I got a DNF at Beinglas. I was devastated but it was a learning curve. I then managed an equal last at 2017 Devil (I took that as a win!!). In 2018 I was on fire. THIRD last in the Fling and FIFTH last in the devil. I am fully expecting to podium by 2035 if I can keep up this momentum๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

Why the WHW?
Look at my ultra history. It’s pretty much the only place I run!! All joking apart, I have loads of happy memories of the WHW over the years including some amazing holidays walking it so I cannot wait to try doing it all in one go!! I’ve crewed the last 2 years and been blown away with the whole thing (and I’m sitting here thinking “what the hell am I doing” as I type!!).

Race aims
For me, it’s not really a race. I fully expect to be at the back but I will be over the moon with a finish. Hopefully I’ll keep smiling – I can usually rustle up a smile (grimace) if I see a camera just so you all know!!