Unfit and suffering from depression, Sabrina Pace-Humphreys found lasting joy in running in the countryside. Now a champion of ultramarathons, she helps other black runners to enjoy Britain’s wild places
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Part of BBC Radio Three series Between the Ears, The Racing Mind is an innovative meditation on ultrarunning, featuring interview, poetry, sound and music. Available on BBC Sounds.
Forme, 2016 was a life-changing year for a few reasons. Number one, I gave up drinking alcohol and embarked upon a life of sobriety, and – a close second – I took my first steps into the activity of trail running. Both were decisions that changed my life for the better, in ways I could never have imagined.
I took up running in 2009, following the birth of my fourth child. It’s important for me to say that I don’t come from a sport-oriented family, I didn’t run as a child and throughout my teenage years and twenties, I avoided any activity that involved being outdoors. Why? Because, as a mixed-race person, racialised as black, and living in a rural market town, my experience of rural racism meant the outdoors wasn’t a safe space for me, due to the abuse I encountered.
But that all changed when, at a 12-week postnatal check with my GP, it was suggested that my sustained low mood and intrusive negative thought patterns about myself, my baby and my life were symptoms of postnatal depression. Alongside medication and talk therapy, my GP suggested I do something that gave me some alone time, away from the family environment. Why not “try jogging”?
I remember that first run on a canal towpath, my first-ever trail run. An experience where, at five stone overweight and lacking any fitness, I shuffled for one minute and walked for one minute. All the while trying to cover a mile, to breathe and keep my body upright, to get home in one piece.
I remember falling through our back door, spreadeagled on the floor in my kitchen, my husband asking me “how was it?” And my one-word response “hard”. But, even though that first run was incredibly tough, I realised right there on the kitchen floor that I had not thought of anything other than moving my body forward, of breathing, of being present in the moment. For the duration of that run, my depression had taken a back seat. And I wanted more of that headspace.
“For it was – is – in the act of trail running that I have found mental and physical strength”
GETTING ON TRACK
It took me seven years to feel confident enough to transition from road running to trail running. A decision made when, for my 40th birthday, I decided to train for the Marathon Des Sables, a multiday, 156-mile trail race in the Sahara Desert. Every single training run I did for this race – other than a week in Lanzarote – took place on UK trails. I had to venture off-road, learn how to read a map, find footpaths, create routes that would imitate – as far as possible – the ups, downs and geological terrain that I might experience in the Sahara.It was no mean feat, but it was fun. A mentally healing experience that fast became my favourite thing to do. For it was – is – in the act of trail running that I have found mental and physical strength. Don’t get me wrong – at first it was hard. That fear of getting lost, of falling and hurting myself with no one around to help me. But once I built a little confidence, my trail-running experience just got better.
Trail running takes me to places inaccessible by car, train or bus. To the top of hills where, at the break of dawn, I feel gratitude for the body I have, the mental resilience I have built. It reallyis a form of nirvana. Being able to traverse natural landscapes that I’d only seen portrayed in books or on TV has transformed my fear of the outdoors to curiosity. To run through a lush hidden valley as the early morning mist rises and see, in the distance, a lone deer; to feel the power of that connection to her as we stare at each other – it’s magical. I cannot help but feel innate joy, privilege, a sense of belonging and comfort in my rightful place as a lover of the outdoors. Each time I trail run, I experience these waves of wellbeing that stay with me long after the run has finished.
I am a trail-running addict, and proud of it. I believe, as a form of running for beginners, there is nothing better.The terrain of trails lends itself to the alleviation of injuries associated with road running. Unlike concrete, a trail ‘gives’; it works with your body, not against it. And it’s an amazing all-over body workout, too. But, more than that, it forces you to be present, in the moment, to be mindful.
BLACK TRAIL RUNNERS
Sharing the beauty of trail running is my purpose. It’s why I lead local running groups for women and retrained as a run coach and a personal trainer. And it’s why, in 2020, I co-founded the community and campaigning charity, Black Trail Runners. Our mission is to increase the inclusion and representation of black people in trail running. Why?Because there are barriers that exist for black people when it comes to access to the sport, as well as skills and representation.Some examples of initiatives we work on include providing financial support for access to the outdoors, trail events, event entry fees and kit. We work to build confidence via our trail-taster skills days in navigation, map reading, footwear and clothing, nutrition, safety and trail-running technique. And we encourage representation, providing opportunities across traditional and social media platforms via audio and visual content, for our community members to shine and show the joy they experience running on the trail. To inspire black people, of all ages, to be what they can NOW see. Our community is a safe space. A place to feel connected, to share knowledge, lived experience and revel in the joy that trail running brings. We add new members daily and also have thousands following us online. A recurring comment from our members being: “I belong here!”
We’re so excited about the launch of the first trail-running event designed by Black Trail Runners, at Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire on 11 September 2022; blacktothetrails.co.uk. If you want to try trail running and believe the outdoors should be for everyone, this is a must-attend event. I hope to meet you there.
Sabrina Pace-Humphreys is a coach and co-founder of Black Trail Runners.
Her memoir, Black Sheep: A Story of Rural Racism, Identity and Hope, is out now (Quercus Books, £16.99).
HOW TO GET STARTED IN TRAIL RUNNING
1 REACH OUT
Follow me online and ask questions. If I can’t help you, I’ll know someone who can.
2 JOIN BLACK TRAIL RUNNERS
We are a community and campaigning charity that seeks to diversify trail running. No matter what your skin colour, you are welcome.
3 FOOTWEAR
If you like trail running, you’ll need a pair of trail shoes. They are different to road trainers in that they have more grip. Ask for advice or visit your local sport-shoe store to see what’s on offer.
4 FIND A TRAIL
That means anything that’s not tarmac! The local park is a good start.
5 WALKING IS NOT CHEATING
The nature of trail running is that, ultimately, it will include elements of walking due to the terrain. Walking does not mean you have failed. It means you are sensible!
6 BUY A LOCAL MAP/USE AN ONLINE NAVIGATION APP
Get to know your locale. You’ll be amazed to find hidden paths you never knew existed. Or use a navigation app, such as OS App, that makes it easy to find a route and follow it.
7 TAKE YOUR PHONE
Make sure your phone is fully charged. Why? In case of emergency and also to take amazing photos.
8 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Carry something that has your emergency contact details. I keep a laminated card in the back of my phone case.
9 FOOD
I like to carry a high-carbohydrate emergency snack; a chocolate-peanut bar works for me.
10 HYDRATION
This depends on the distance you’re running. I always like to carry some water, just in case.
BLACK WALKING AND RUNNING GROUPS
Black Trail Runners
A community and campaigning charity that seeks to increase inclusion, participation and representation of black people in trail running. blacktrailrunners.run
Black Girls Do Run
A running community that inspires, encourages and motivates black women to run. blackgirlsdorun.co.uk
Black Girls Hike
An organisation offering black women the opportunities to explore the outdoors, hosting group hikes and activity days. bghuk.com
Ultra Black Running
This group stages trail events and outdoor experiences that champion and empower black runners. instagram.com/ultrablackrunning