Jo Meek

Jo Meek is a legend in Winchester running circles – sadly our paths didn’t overlap when she lived here but I’ve heard lots about her hard training and brilliant racing. I’ve followed her progress since and have been in awe of her resilience and ability to do sessions on a treadmill without falling off. Jo has recently came 5^th at the Trans Jeju race by UTMB in South Korea. I asked Jo about her years in Winchester, her training and what’s next for this phenomenal athlete.

We lived in Hampshire for 5 yrs. We moved up there for work reasons, but I had set a goal that we’d stay there for 5yrs before heading back to Devon. That’s home! I was already a member of Winchester AC though because I had joined under the coaching guidance of Nick Anderson and I raced for the club for a number of years which subsequently got me lifetime membership. I moved to Nick’s group to build up to the marathon. After achieving what I thought was my marathon PB I moved to ultra distances. This was in 2014. A long time ago! 

I do know what to do but I like to be guided (held back!) by a coach (Jo is coached by Martin Cox). I think I would tend to over do it otherwise. I was coached by someone else before, but we had reached a peak and I needed a change. 

I’ve always been better at the longer races. I think my optimal distance is up to 100km. After that I’m not so effective at fuelling so that tends to let me down. Ultimately my favourite distance is the one I’m successful at! However, I do love a XC race. It’s just you and your ability. It’s pure racing! And I love racing. This hasn’t changed over time although my ability has.

My basic training is on a 7 day cycle and is based on marathon training. I used to do 2-3 hard sessions a week but now that has dropped to 2 max and one long run. 

I love running at home watching the seasons change. I love running with Wilfred, my border terrier (even though it’s not the most fast or smooth as he darts off on various scents!). 

It’s taken me a while to accept it is where I’m at with the peri-menopause. I have now accepted it’s happening and that my physiology won’t ever be as good again, but I won’t give in to the symptoms. I use HRT which has helped with the physical aspects but the feeling I can’t cope as well still persists and I really stand up to that! It’s an active discussion and process! 

One of my running highlights was I ran for England after coming 2nd in the XC nationals at Parliament Hill, London. That was an incredible feeling! However, what really projected me onto the elite running scene was my 2nd place at the Marathon des Sables in 2014. So, this result will always be a highlight. I am still the highest British female finisher. 

I love the National XC champs in the UK. It brings out all levels and all clubs. Such a great mix!

Internationally there are now so many races but the atmosphere of the UTMB race week is exceptional!

My best performance was when I came 2nd the CCC (part of the UTMB racing weekend) and that finish line will be something I’ll never forget! I learnt that anything is possible! 

I feel my worst performances have been at the UTMB 100mile loop. I never got the fuelling right as the main issue. I’ve had 4 attempts and on the 4th one I finally descended into Courmayeur (half way) without my quads feeling trashed and thought this is my year to nail it. However, my body had other ideas. I began to feel awful and soon all my fuelling went straight through me. I had contracted norovirus (and also covid!). So, two successful attempts and two DNF’s. Once I laid on my bed of nails and beat myself with some birch I soon came to terms with it! 

My philosphophy is to enjoy the journey! Life moves on so quickly and the results aren’t always what you want but the journey can be everything! 

I honestly don’t know what keeps me motivated. The routine of training is intrinsic in me. Probably because I now don’t know another way. I’ve been doing it for 30yrs+ now! I’ve always trained to race. 

Sometimes I practise visualisation if I know the course but that’s it really. What I do make sure is that my head is empty of stresses. I work hard to compartmentalise. I can’t race an ultra with my head full or if I’m emotionally tired (I tried it unsuccessfully!) I need it empty to embrace the pain cave and dig for motivation!

As I set off to race my last race of 2025 I’ll be wearing the SCOTT Kinabalu trail shoes which are the best shoes they’ve made in terms of comfort and traction. They will be on sale soon!

XMiles is also a great place to buy a variety of fuelling options. I have tried and tested many options and I’m going to use SIS beta fuel gels, Precision fuel gels & chews and Maurten drink mix in this ultra. 

I train in a variety of shoes, all made by SCOTT as I’m fortunate enough to be sponsored by them. I have feet like a hobbit so have to wear a men’s shoe for the width. I do rotate my shoes depending on the run. My favourites are the Supertrac RC 3 and the Kinabalu trail. 

Yes, I definitely do strength training. Do it! I’ve been committed to this for years, once or twice a week. I do some home body weight exercises focusing on glute control. I also do some heavy weights in a gym. I like squatting heavy (I weigh about 54kg and squat to 90degs 70kg and split squat up to 60kg on a good day)- it makes you strong and powerful!

I’m not sure anyone has influenced me really in running. I just do it because I love it and now it’s like an old friend. The people who are elite seem to be too good to make it realistic/ achievable for me. Perhaps this has limited my ambition, but I am a realist of my talents and the lengths I was prepared to go to. I was never good enough to consider not working. I love my job as a physio, and I never wanted to give it up so the everyday runner is more inspiring because of the juggling act and we still get it done! 

Next year I’m going to finish my 6th and final World Marathon Major in Tokyo. Hopefully I’ll be able to say I got them all done in under 3hrs. Got some work to do! Then I’m ready for a change. I’m going to embrace cross training officially and try an Ironman!