From farm shop to Royal Mile: Tammy's 100-mile madcap challenge for RNC

If you've ever popped into the Oakchurch Farm Shop, you'll likely recognise Tammy, the Shop's General Manager, who's usually busy keeping things running. But these days, when she isn't at Oakchurch you'll find her doing a different type of "running" at thePoint4 gym, training for a challenge that most people would shy away from.

Pictured: Tammy standing in front of the College entrance

Between 4-6 July, 45-year-old Tammy and her friend Ann Lake are taking on the Rat Race 100: Castle to Castle - a 100-mile run or walk ultramarathon over 48 hours, starting at Bamburgh Castle and ending at Edinburgh Castle.

This is the next chapter in an incredibly personal journey for Tammy. After losing an astounding 5.5 stone, she’s found a new passion for health and fitness.

Joining the College-owned gym, thePoint4, was originally about physical and mental wellbeing, but as she approaches 50, she’s decided to see exactly what she’s capable of.

Training at thePoint4 has also given Tammy a glimpse into the extraordinary work of the College. Seeing the students’ determination has inspired her to turn her "madcap" ultramarathon into a fundraising effort for RNC.

‘I’m absolutely terrified,’ Tammy admits. ‘The route is 60 miles of off-road trails and 40 miles on the road. The worst part? The final mile is a straight incline up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. But after touring the College and meeting the brilliant students, I’m spurred on. In those dark times when I’m at breaking point, I’ll be thinking of them.’

Tammy is currently under a training regime with Harry Boswell, Personal Trainer at thePoint4, who is making sure she’s ready for the 100-mile trek. Harry said:

‘I’ve been working with Tammy for well over a year now. Firstly, I supported her with her weight loss and got her more comfortable in the gym. After a while she wanted more of a challenge and she started looking at events and competitions. The Rat Race 100 was the thing she fixed on. So, I said let’s go for it, why not! I help her with conditioning and the injury prevention side of her training. Recently she’s had a niggle in her knee, so we’ve been rehabbing to allow her to train at weekends.’

We’ll be following Tammy every step of the way as she prepares for the ultimate test of endurance. From the farm shop to the castle gates - go on, Tammy!

If you’d like to help Tammy conquer the Rat Race 100 you can show your support by sponsoring her here.