Maxine Sinda Napal
@madmaxruns.bsky.social
Writer, ultrarunner, redhead. I like hills and roving picnics. Tiger mum to a legendary teen with Down syndrome. From Chicago to London to Essex and I ain't going back 🤣🏡
@clorroe.bsky.social I am loving the photos you caught of me before my @spinerace.bsky.social Challenger South attempt, but this one has by far captured the essence of it all.
THIS Spine race? This one?
Thank you so much. Having DNF'd at Hebden Hey I now have much #runfinishedbusiness for 2026 😜
THIS Spine race? This one?
Thank you so much. Having DNF'd at Hebden Hey I now have much #runfinishedbusiness for 2026 😜
July 2, 2025 at 4:15 PM
@clorroe.bsky.social I am loving the photos you caught of me before my @spinerace.bsky.social Challenger South attempt, but this one has by far captured the essence of it all.
THIS Spine race? This one?
Thank you so much. Having DNF'd at Hebden Hey I now have much #runfinishedbusiness for 2026 😜
THIS Spine race? This one?
Thank you so much. Having DNF'd at Hebden Hey I now have much #runfinishedbusiness for 2026 😜
My Spine Challenger South didn't go to plan at all and tapping out at Hebden Hey was absolutely gutwrenching, but the right decision.
The same experience that gets you to big start lines is what also tells you when it's just not your day. I came to be a finisher, not a liability.
Roll on 2026.
The same experience that gets you to big start lines is what also tells you when it's just not your day. I came to be a finisher, not a liability.
Roll on 2026.
June 21, 2025 at 10:44 AM
My Spine Challenger South didn't go to plan at all and tapping out at Hebden Hey was absolutely gutwrenching, but the right decision.
The same experience that gets you to big start lines is what also tells you when it's just not your day. I came to be a finisher, not a liability.
Roll on 2026.
The same experience that gets you to big start lines is what also tells you when it's just not your day. I came to be a finisher, not a liability.
Roll on 2026.
Reposted by Maxine Sinda Napal
Major study shows exercise improves cancer survival www.bbc.com/news/article... We’ve known this a while now so 👏🏻 to @yorkshire-cancer.bsky.social for funding their various exercise and cancer programmes. Details here: www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk/improving-ca...
Major study shows exercise improves cancer survival
Risk of dying was cut by a third after colon cancer patients dialled up exercise levels.
www.bbc.com
June 2, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Major study shows exercise improves cancer survival www.bbc.com/news/article... We’ve known this a while now so 👏🏻 to @yorkshire-cancer.bsky.social for funding their various exercise and cancer programmes. Details here: www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk/improving-ca...
You know that feeling when you PB? How about when you PB a 20 mile trail race by 51 minutes? 🤯💪💥
It's now Wednesday and I'm still in total disbelief about my third go at the Hathersage Hurtle, last meaningful effort before @spinerace.bsky.social Challenger South in a few weeks. Head game activated!
It's now Wednesday and I'm still in total disbelief about my third go at the Hathersage Hurtle, last meaningful effort before @spinerace.bsky.social Challenger South in a few weeks. Head game activated!
May 21, 2025 at 4:45 PM
You know that feeling when you PB? How about when you PB a 20 mile trail race by 51 minutes? 🤯💪💥
It's now Wednesday and I'm still in total disbelief about my third go at the Hathersage Hurtle, last meaningful effort before @spinerace.bsky.social Challenger South in a few weeks. Head game activated!
It's now Wednesday and I'm still in total disbelief about my third go at the Hathersage Hurtle, last meaningful effort before @spinerace.bsky.social Challenger South in a few weeks. Head game activated!
I can't say there's anything more conflicting than a no regret DNF. I tested my Spine pack on the Shropshire Way 80k & had to cave at 50k as the weight was too punishing. I'm proud but irked & putting that pack on a diet imminently!! What are your weight reduction secrets my fellow #ultrarunners ?
April 6, 2025 at 4:25 PM
I can't say there's anything more conflicting than a no regret DNF. I tested my Spine pack on the Shropshire Way 80k & had to cave at 50k as the weight was too punishing. I'm proud but irked & putting that pack on a diet imminently!! What are your weight reduction secrets my fellow #ultrarunners ?
Everyone has a story if you take the time to listen. I’ve been collecting the stories of everyday runners on Instagram … www.instagram.com/i_am_a_run.n...
April 3, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Just when I thought I was done shopping for @spinerace.bsky.social kit, I have shopped for more kit. I may need an intervention, but at least I think I'll pass kit check now 🤣😅 After all it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it...
#ultrarunning #running
#ultrarunning #running
April 1, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Just when I thought I was done shopping for @spinerace.bsky.social kit, I have shopped for more kit. I may need an intervention, but at least I think I'll pass kit check now 🤣😅 After all it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it...
#ultrarunning #running
#ultrarunning #running
Reposted by Maxine Sinda Napal
Gut problems during ultras:
This is far from detailed, (and sadly also far from brief) but aims to explain why gut problems are so prevalent in ultra running. Along with foot problems, mental issues, and falls, guts are right up there for common DNF causes.
1/19 🧵 So sorry for the length!
This is far from detailed, (and sadly also far from brief) but aims to explain why gut problems are so prevalent in ultra running. Along with foot problems, mental issues, and falls, guts are right up there for common DNF causes.
1/19 🧵 So sorry for the length!
March 30, 2025 at 5:21 PM
This is a great read + I'm glad to see I already do most of this! My favourite coping mechanism is the concept of taking on pain as a passenger in the car I'm driving (in this case, my body). I just say aloud 'shut up and get in the boot, I'm driving', then picture it banging to be let out. Nope. 🤣💥
❝By recognizing that fatigue is as much a mental construct as a physical reality, we can develop strategies to renegotiate our internal boundaries.
—Nicole Linke
nicolelinke.com/psychologica...
Plus three such strategies to experiment with.
#running #trailrunning #ultrarunning
—Nicole Linke
nicolelinke.com/psychologica...
Plus three such strategies to experiment with.
#running #trailrunning #ultrarunning
psychological secrets for ultrarunning success
To succeed in ultrarunning you need to train your mind just as you train your body. This article shows you how.
nicolelinke.com
March 28, 2025 at 10:45 AM
This is a great read + I'm glad to see I already do most of this! My favourite coping mechanism is the concept of taking on pain as a passenger in the car I'm driving (in this case, my body). I just say aloud 'shut up and get in the boot, I'm driving', then picture it banging to be let out. Nope. 🤣💥
I've been training mostly w/easy hike/trots lugging around an 8kg+ pack training for Spine Challenger South, but the strength & speed gains are epic. Went for an easy joggle today & ended up w/a 400m pb sub 8 min/miles. I've never held a lengthy 7 pace & am so stoked. I'm SLOW, dawg!! 💥
#running
#running
March 26, 2025 at 5:50 PM
I've been training mostly w/easy hike/trots lugging around an 8kg+ pack training for Spine Challenger South, but the strength & speed gains are epic. Went for an easy joggle today & ended up w/a 400m pb sub 8 min/miles. I've never held a lengthy 7 pace & am so stoked. I'm SLOW, dawg!! 💥
#running
#running
Has anyone ever used #compression boots for #running recovery? I tend to do well with Epsom Salt baths and compression socks but wondering if the boots are a real next level recovery treatment or a bunch of bunko?
#ultrarunning #recovery #trailrunning #ukrunchat
#ultrarunning #recovery #trailrunning #ukrunchat
March 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Has anyone ever used #compression boots for #running recovery? I tend to do well with Epsom Salt baths and compression socks but wondering if the boots are a real next level recovery treatment or a bunch of bunko?
#ultrarunning #recovery #trailrunning #ukrunchat
#ultrarunning #recovery #trailrunning #ukrunchat
Too right, what an incredibly inspiring role model for everyone. I feel so lucky to have witnessed this unfold after following the race for years. I was in floods when she finished!
Fabulous film, do watch it 🙌💪
Fabulous film, do watch it 🙌💪
Greatness takes many forms.
This, for me, is the athletic achievement of the century.
What Jasmin did over those 60 hours cannot be overstated.
It's a fab film too.
youtu.be/PgTEsybXw-4?...
#bm100
#ultrarunning
This, for me, is the athletic achievement of the century.
What Jasmin did over those 60 hours cannot be overstated.
It's a fab film too.
youtu.be/PgTEsybXw-4?...
#bm100
#ultrarunning
The Finisher: Jasmin Paris and the Barkley Marathons (Full Documentary)
YouTube video by Singletrack
youtu.be
March 23, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Too right, what an incredibly inspiring role model for everyone. I feel so lucky to have witnessed this unfold after following the race for years. I was in floods when she finished!
Fabulous film, do watch it 🙌💪
Fabulous film, do watch it 🙌💪
In prep for @spinerace.bsky.social Challenger South, I'm obsessing about how my kit feels and where I'm stashing everything. Occurs to me I love the mad, granular personalisation I do for #ultras like adding straps, cutting bits off shoes & chopping off straws to sit lower. When it works it's magic✨
March 22, 2025 at 9:03 PM
In prep for @spinerace.bsky.social Challenger South, I'm obsessing about how my kit feels and where I'm stashing everything. Occurs to me I love the mad, granular personalisation I do for #ultras like adding straps, cutting bits off shoes & chopping off straws to sit lower. When it works it's magic✨
I managed to squeeze in a training #run earlier while my son was at a meet up with some future travelling companions. Thought I'd have an hour in #HainaultForest but lost 15 min trying to log in to my RingGo account. Idk if we'll ever have microchips but I'm 15 min closer to saying hell yeah now 😅🫠
March 22, 2025 at 6:51 PM
I managed to squeeze in a training #run earlier while my son was at a meet up with some future travelling companions. Thought I'd have an hour in #HainaultForest but lost 15 min trying to log in to my RingGo account. Idk if we'll ever have microchips but I'm 15 min closer to saying hell yeah now 😅🫠
📚Book Announcement📚
Back at the Barkley firepit this year – and thrilled to announce THE ENDURANCE ARTIST is now available for pre-order! This rare look into Lazarus Lake will be published by 80/20 and distributed by Simon & Schuster. #BM100🔗bit.ly/3FuwNe5
Back at the Barkley firepit this year – and thrilled to announce THE ENDURANCE ARTIST is now available for pre-order! This rare look into Lazarus Lake will be published by 80/20 and distributed by Simon & Schuster. #BM100🔗bit.ly/3FuwNe5
March 22, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Reposted by Maxine Sinda Napal
March 22, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Telling and so very Laz!
March 22, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Telling and so very Laz!
This is marvellous. Sounds twee but trees are so underrated.
The first National Forest in 30 years, has been announced
The Western Forest, between the Cotswolds & Mendips, will see 20m trees planted over the next 25 years, creating 2,500 hectares of new woodland.
The Labour manifesto promised 3 new national forests. This starts delivering on that promise.
The Western Forest, between the Cotswolds & Mendips, will see 20m trees planted over the next 25 years, creating 2,500 hectares of new woodland.
The Labour manifesto promised 3 new national forests. This starts delivering on that promise.
Government to plant first National Forest in 30 years
20 million trees are to be planted across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset by 2050.
www.gov.uk
March 21, 2025 at 8:18 PM
This is marvellous. Sounds twee but trees are so underrated.
This legend and I wish everyone a happy World #downsyndrome Day. I'm elated that not only does he prove the doubters wrong every day, but he's getting curious about #running from watching me. I often think of the phrase 'who are you inspiring?' but I daren't question that it works both ways 😉💙
March 21, 2025 at 4:14 PM
This legend and I wish everyone a happy World #downsyndrome Day. I'm elated that not only does he prove the doubters wrong every day, but he's getting curious about #running from watching me. I often think of the phrase 'who are you inspiring?' but I daren't question that it works both ways 😉💙
Why is it so rare for product listings + reviews for running shoes to only show side views + not from the top? As a back of pack ultrarunner I am most concerned about whether my toes can splay comfortably. They're going to be in there a very long time 😅🤣
#ShowMeTheToeBox #running #ultrarunning
#ShowMeTheToeBox #running #ultrarunning
March 20, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Why is it so rare for product listings + reviews for running shoes to only show side views + not from the top? As a back of pack ultrarunner I am most concerned about whether my toes can splay comfortably. They're going to be in there a very long time 😅🤣
#ShowMeTheToeBox #running #ultrarunning
#ShowMeTheToeBox #running #ultrarunning
In March 2024, Jasmin Paris made history as the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons, touching the yellow gate with just 1:39 to spare.
"The Finisher" follows her three-year journey, featuring insights from legends like Lazarus Lake, Jared Campbell, Courtney Dauwalter, and more.
#bm100
"The Finisher" follows her three-year journey, featuring insights from legends like Lazarus Lake, Jared Campbell, Courtney Dauwalter, and more.
#bm100
March 20, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Reposted by Maxine Sinda Napal
All of you recognize this sign, which is from the iconic Yellow Gate. This is the sign that was in the documentary; the sign Jasmin Paris collapsed next to when she finished the Barkley; the sign countless Barkers have passed as they ran the race . . . 1/2
March 20, 2025 at 4:01 AM
All of you recognize this sign, which is from the iconic Yellow Gate. This is the sign that was in the documentary; the sign Jasmin Paris collapsed next to when she finished the Barkley; the sign countless Barkers have passed as they ran the race . . . 1/2
Legends gonna legend. #bm100
John Kelly completes the loop 3 and ‘Fun Run’ in 39:50:27.
📸 www.instagram.com/davidmiller....
#BM100 #barkleymarathons
📸 www.instagram.com/davidmiller....
#BM100 #barkleymarathons
March 20, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Legends gonna legend. #bm100