Peak Divide Training: Anna at the Maverick Chilterns

The start time had been brought forward because of the heat, which left Anna rushing to collect her bib before making it to the line. Once there, the event had the relaxed feel Maverick races tend to do well: tents, flags, small stalls and runners settling in before a long morning on the trails.

For Anna, the Chilterns was part of the build towards Peak Divide in October. There was no target time or race result to chase, just a chance to get proper trail miles in and spend a few hours away from the city.

"I'm training for Peak Divide in October, so this was less about the race itself and more about getting proper trail miles in, away from the city."

Anna found trail running a few years ago after an injury. Her physio suggested a walk-run approach as a way back, taking some of the pressure off pace, and she has been hooked since. Her longest distance now stands at 100km, so the Chilterns was less about testing whether she could cover the ground and more about adding another useful day to the training block.

The route moved through woodland and open fields, with gravel and loose ground changing the rhythm as the race went on. The toughest part came before the first aid station, when the countdown in Anna's head started to stretch the final kilometre into something much longer.

"The route wound through woodland and fields and felt like a real escape from the city. The lowest point was just before the first aid station, purely mentally counting down to it in my head. The last 1km before it was the longest 1km ever. Then it delivered with watermelon, oranges and someone with spray bottles cooling everyone down."

The heat made the aid stations worth waiting for. Cold fruit, water and a quick spray down gave runners a chance to reset before heading back out. Anna's aim was simply to finish, enjoy the route and get the time on feet she needed for October, without forcing a pace that did not suit the terrain or conditions.

"This wasn't a goal race. It was mileage for the bigger thing in October. Just enjoy the route, it's a completely different sport to road running. Don't worry about time or going out fast. Take it all in. And if in doubt, walk it out."

The shoes were new to Anna on race day, but they handled the gravel and looser sections well. She found them secure and sturdy when the course became steeper, with enough stability to keep her confident as the ground shifted underneath her.

"It was my first time wearing them and they handled the gravelly terrain really well. They felt very secure and sturdy, even when it got steeper or looser underfoot. They looked great too. I'd definitely wear them again."

Her standout kit choice came from DO Clothing. After years of trying women's running shorts that either lacked useful pockets or rode up during a run, she found a pair that stayed put and carried what she needed. Her other recommendation was simple: spare socks. Trail days usually mean more time outside than road races, and dry feet can make a big difference once the hours start adding up.

The finish was Anna's favourite part of the day. The final field gave runners a clear view of the line in the distance, while those already finished stayed around to cheer the next group home.

"The post-race atmosphere was the best bit. Everyone was hanging around at the finish and cheering runners in as they came through. My favourite moment was the final field, when you could see the finish line in the distance. It was really motivating."

RunHerWay played a big part in getting Anna to the start line. She credits the community with encouraging more women to enter unfamiliar spaces, take on harder events and keep pushing towards the next challenge.

"A shoutout to my run club, RunHerWay. They're the community that got me out here in the first place and are always pushing women into new spaces and to do hard things."

The Chilterns gave Anna the trail miles she came for, a proper test in the heat and another solid day banked before Peak Divide in October.