Q&A with Cornwall Running Guides
‘Running Wild’ with Wendy Chapman & Stuart Musson of Cornwall Running Guides & Coaching
The winding coastal paths and roaming wilds of Cornwall provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. So many of our guests enjoy nothing better than combining these scintillating views with an invigorating run.
Meet Wendy Chapman and Stuart Mussan, a pair of intrepid Cornish athletes keen to share their passion for the great outdoors. As qualified running coaches, they regularly lead groups and individuals along the many tracks and trails that help make Cornwall one of Britain’s most exciting destinations for runners.
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Our very own roving reporter, Mr Toad, was lucky enough to catch up with both Wendy and Stuart, in between their busy coaching schedules, to find out more about their inspiring outdoor enterprise…
Q&A with Cornish Adventure Runners, Wendy Chapman & Stuart Mussan
Mr Toad: When and why did you start running?
Stuart: My dad signed me up for the 2010 Brighton Marathon as a Christmas gift. I had no choice, I had to start training. We crossed the finish line together and since then, I’ve been hooked.
Wendy: I started running in 2012 to improve my fitness for mountain bike racing. I realised then how much I loved running and it took over from the biking.
Mr Toad: Why does the county of Cornwall remain ever-popular among trail runners?
Stuart: Cornwall has a massive variety of terrain and routes. We’re really lucky to have some three hundred miles of coastal path, an extensive network of footpaths, and even moorland. It really is a beautiful part of the world to run in.
Wendy: Ditto. Also, what’s great about Cornwall is the accessibility of all the tracks, trails and bridleways. There’s not much that is off-limits.
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Mr Toad: Could you explain to our readers how your guided runs work?
Wendy: We offer two types of guided run: group runs, when we announce a date and location for anyone to come along and run, and individual guided runs where the location is chosen by the customer.
Stuart: It’s quite simple, we get together and go for a run, sharing both our love for running and the beauty of Cornwall. Whether you are visiting and want to explore the area, or you’re a local looking for a new route, we’ll tailor a run to meet your needs.
Mr Toad: What if I can’t keep up?
Stuart: We run together, as a group, and it’s never a race. You run at your own pace and hopefully have some fun along the way.
Wendy: Our policy is to always run at the pace of the slowest runner. The aim of our runs is to have an enjoyable experience, admiring the views and exploring the surrounding areas.
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Mr Toad: Are there benefits to running in a group?
Wendy: Running with a group is a really social experience, you get to meet like-minded people, and you might even make a new running friend who you can arrange further runs with. Also, running as a group will sometimes push you along faster than if you were running alone – if that’s what you want.
Stuart: To me, it’s all about the social element. You get to share race stories and training tips while having fun. It’s also a great way to get motivated, with others spurring you on. Everything feels easier in a group, even ‘that hill’ you’ve been dreading.
Mr Toad: Have you got a particular favourite trail?
Stuart: I love the South West Coast path, it feels different each month of the year, and the landscapes are all individually beautiful. It has something to offer all types of runner, from muddy and hilly to flat and grassy, it has it all!
Wendy: There are so many trails in Cornwall it would be hard to pick out a favourite. We have such variety, from a fast descent off the Beacon to a hard climb at Tintagel.
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Mr Toad: How would you best describe the phenomenon known as the ‘Runner’s High’?
Wendy: You feel a bit down, you go for a run, and regardless of times and speed, you come back happy! The endorphins you get from running give you such a natural high.
Stuart: I think it’s different for every runner. For me it’s that feeling of satisfaction at the end of the run or race, knowing I’ve done my best, then the knowledge that I can eat that extra slice of cake without feeling too guilty
Mr Toad: How do you motivate yourselves to run on those damp and gloomy days?
Wendy: I think if you really love running you don’t need much motivation. If you have half-decent kit you can run in all kinds of weather and still come back with a smile on your face.
Stuart: I try to remember it’s never as bad out there as it looks. I rarely regret a run that I’ve finished, but I often regret a run I haven’t started.
Mr Toad: How do you tackle steep summits and unforgiving hills?
Stuart: I remember my training, focus on my form and try not to be overwhelmed by the hill, breaking it down into sections. My advice is to try not to think about how hard it is and focus your mind on something else. Before you know it, you’re at the top. It’s also totally fine to walk up hills, we all do it occasionally.
Wendy: My advice is not to look up, and just keep tap, tap, tappin’ those feet!
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Mr Toad: Have you had many close encounters with the local wildlife?
Wendy: We regularly encounter all sorts of wildlife on our runs, from rabbits, foxes and deer to lots of species of birds. I confess to being a bit of a twitcher (bird watcher) so I’m always on the lookout for our feathered friends, in fact, last summer we were lucky enough to see choughs.
Stuart: Lots. If you’re out running in the Cornish countryside, you’ll often meet a friendly cow or two, which still unnerves me a little because they are so big, and I don’t completely trust them. I’ve enjoyed some amazing wildlife encounters and look forward to many more.
Mr Toad: What’s been your most memorable race to date, and what running accolades have you set your sights on?
Stuart: After completing a few marathons, I wanted to try something slightly more challenging and entered the world of ultra-running (running distances beyond the traditional 26.2-mile marathon). I was instantly hooked on these longer endurance challenges and my absolute highlight was finishing the 100-mile South Downs Way. I set myself a goal of completing this one in under 24- hours, which would earn me the coveted ‘100 Miles, One Day’ belt buckle trophy. I was absolutely delighted (and exhausted!) to finish in 22 hours. For the future, myself and Wendy have set a challenge to run the whole south coast of Cornwall non-stop. We have both done the whole north coast and want to have a crack at this one together – so watch this space!
Wendy: Most memorable is not a race but an event known as the At-Your-Pace North Coast Challenge. You start up in the Bude area, on the Devon and Cornwall border, and run all the way along the coast path to Land’s End. It’s such an achievement to complete it and you create so many good memories along the way, something that I will never forget. This year, I’d like to run a sub three-hour marathon, plus I have some other trail races in mind, but nothing concrete yet.
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Mr Toad: How do you prepare for a run?
Wendy: Quick bit of food and out the door.
Stuart: For shorter runs, I tend to pretty much just lace up my shoes, check the weather and hit the trails. For longer runs, I will always carry some essential kit. I always make sure I’ve eaten well and am fully hydrated before taking on anything challenging.
Mr Toad: What does running mean to you?
Stuart: Running, to me, is mostly about freedom, the freedom of exploring the great outdoors and also the freedom you can find within yourself. It really is great for both body and mind. Running has opened so many new pathways for me, I’ve made great friends, I’m always learning, and it keeps me fit.
Wendy: I love running, it’s a real passion for me. If I’m not actually running then I’m always thinking about running – races, new routes, training strategies, I’m a bit obsessed.
Mr Toad: What’s your ‘go to’ motivational phrase or thought when the going gets tough?
Wendy: I sing the Queen song ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’.
Stuart: Left foot, right foot, breathe! It’s simple but I find it really helps me refocus and gets my head back in the game.
Thank you, Wendy and Stuart of Cornwall Running Guides & Coaching for your inspiring answers. We look forward to keeping pace with all your latest challenges and accomplishments.
Toad Hall Cottages has got hundreds of gorgeous holiday properties scattered up and down the sun-kissed Cornish coast, an ideal base for all your South West adventures.