Instagram story viewer> @hem.runner> Posts

Hem Rana

@hem.runner

1.4K

followers

1653

following

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

Montane Winter Spine 2025 🏔️❄️

Second crack at Britain’s Most Brutal Race, and what a difference a year makes! This time, I managed to finish two days ahead than last year’s attempt. The biggest game-changer? No blisters! However, I suffered chafing in my back from my backpack, which I should’ve treated earlier at CP1.

The Spine truly lived up to its reputation with wild conditions this year. Waist-deep snow, black ice slips (luckily no injuries!), and relentless challenges made the early stages brutal. Thankfully, the weather improved as the race progressed. I had no sleep plans but 2 hours of sleep at every checkpoint (except Hebden) worked wonders. Still, I’ll never forget the surreal, sleep-deprived stretch from Greg’s Hut to Alston—I’m not even sure how I got there!

A huge thank you to the race organisers, the incredible volunteers, and my fellow participants for making this journey so unforgettable. To everyone who supported and encouraged me—thank you for being part of this journey.

@spinerace

#spine #spinerace #winterspine #winterspine2025 #Britainsmostbrutal #ultrarunning #trailrunning #mindovermiles #ultraendurance #chasinglimits #keeppushing #pennineway #penninewaynatiinaltrail by @hem.runner

294

38

2 years ago

Last Friday, after work, I drove to Keswick for a solo attempt at the Bob Graham Round (BGR). I managed to complete the round in 23 hours, 30 minutes, and 33 seconds—thrilled to finish in under 24 hours! It was an epic outing.

For those unfamiliar with the BGR, it’s a long-distance fell running challenge in the Lake District. It requires scaling 42 peaks over 66 miles (106 kilometers) with an elevation gain of around 27,000 feet (8,200 meters). The goal is to conquer this round within 24 hours.

I’m not quite sure what came over me, but the idea struck me on Wednesday during my rest day. By Tuesday, I had already covered over 80 miles in just four days. This included back-to-back long runs in the hills on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, followed by a track speed session on Tuesday. So, my legs were far from well-rested—not the typical preparation you’d expect for tackling the Bob Graham Round without a proper taper. I guess my confidence was sky-high due to the extensive training I had done leading up to the Hardmoors 110 race and the fact that I had kept up my training momentum.

Shoes - @inov_8 Trailfly G280 with insole from @saucony Xodus Ultra 2
Socks- @injinji

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#bgr #bobgrahamround #fell #fellrunning #trailrunning #ultrarunning #lakedistrict #lakedistrictnationalpark #explore #challenge #challengeyourself #outdoors #outdooradventures #runningcommunity #ultrarunning #trailrunning #mountainrunning #adventure #soloadventure taken in Moot Hall by @hem.runner

206

39

2 years ago

Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc 2024 (UTMB 2024) - 176KM || 10000M+ ⛰️ || 🇫🇷 🇮🇹 🇨🇭 || 37:28:08 ⏱️ || 588/2761 (Finishers - 1760, DNF - 1001)

🏔 What a Journey! 🏃‍♂️ - The Big Loop completed.

UTMB was everything I imagined and more — brutal, physically and mentally demanding, yet profoundly rewarding. My original plan to arrive early in Chamonix and acclimatize was thrown off by a few setbacks, leaving me with just 24 hours before the race. But I embraced the challenge, knowing that the best adventures often come when things don’t go as planned.

The first three climbs—Col de Voza, Les Chapieux, and Col de la Seigne—were a real struggle. Each step felt like a battle against the altitude, as I gasped for breath and fought to keep going. My training at lower elevations hadn’t fully prepared me for the demands of these 2000m climbs. In the second half, my pace slowed as fatigue set in, and every step grew heavier. But this is where the true challenge of the UTMB lies—pushing through when your body wants to quit.

Crossing that finish line wasn’t just about completing the course; it was a victory over every doubt, pain, and obstacle along the way. I’m incredibly grateful to be able to run and explore these beautiful trails. Thank you to everyone who supported me—your encouragement was my fuel. And to the incredible trail running community I met, it was an honor to share this journey with you.

To anyone chasing your own running goals or facing life’s challenges: keep going, one step at a time. The struggle is part of the journey, and the reward is worth every ounce of effort. Perseverance, resilience, and a little grit can take you further than you ever imagined. 🌟

Big shout out to the incredible @grgtirtha bahini who crushed her first 100 miler in this tough course. She is a true inspiration to so many of us.

Also big well done to @jimeerai who smashed his first 100miler in this brutal course. @jay.rai.9 also smashed the CCC under 20 hours. Many thanks to both who did all the planning for accommodations and travel.

@utmbmontblanc @utmbworldseries taken in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc by @hem.runner

215

42

2 years ago

Ah, the joys of running….. by @hem.runner

13

0

21 minutes ago

Viking Chase Fell Race - 11 Oct 26

24/138. Eight minutes quicker than last year. No prizes this time though, unlike last year when I won my age category. 😂

Absolutely stunning day and I felt strong throughout. Was so happy that I had regained my downhill confidence and was being grateful that my dodgy right ankle was getting stronger. But probably got too optimistic. Just before the final descent, I rolled it over again 🤦‍♂️😫

Went for a run today to check the ankle. There’s still a hint of pain but thankfully the pain is tolerable. I’ll take it easy over the next couple of days and hopefully the pain will settle down.

#fellrunning #vikingchase #trailrunning #northyorkmoors #outdoors by @hem.runner

54

0

a day ago

Today is World Mental Health Day. Mental health matters every single day, not just today.

For me, running has played a huge part in keeping my mental health in check.

We all have different ways of looking after our mental health.

What’s yours?

#mentalhealth #worldmentalhealthday #resilience #outdoors #explore by @hem.runner

47

1

3 days ago

Happy place.

#outdoors #trailrunning #running #explore #training by @hem.runner

39

0

5 days ago

Minster Way - Beverley to York

Sat 3 Oct 26

Epic day out with Katie.

#trailrunning #outdoors #explore #training #yorkshire taken in York Minster by @hem.runner

60

3

5 days ago

#sharpedge #blencathra #outdoors taken in Sharp Edge Blencathra by @hem.runner

54

0

6 days ago

Run free and wild.

#running #trailrunning #outdoors #trailrunner #yorkshiredales taken in Yorkshire Dales National Park by @hem.runner

61

0

7 days ago

Great day out with fellow club members yesterday for the recce of the British Fell & Hill Relays Championship which will be taking place in Todmorden on Saturday 17 October 2026.

@york_knavesmire_harriers

#fellrunning #outdoors #trailrunning #running #training taken in Todmorden by @hem.runner

86

7

8 days ago

Minster Way, Beverley to York — 52 miles with Katie (3 Oct 26)

Finally ticked the Minster Way off the bucket list. And really thanks to @cockerjenson, Katie for making it happen. Just a few months ago, we were chatting about running and I mentioned that the Minster Way had been on my bucket list for a while. With very little thought, Katie picked a date and simply said, “We’ll do it on 3rd October.” I honestly thought she was joking. She wasn’t. 😂

Impressive resilience from Katie so massive well done to her. With little to no training, she took on the challenge and absolutely smashed it.

The route is mostly flat, with a mixture of fields and tarmac and a little bit of climbing around the Yorkshire Wolds. We were incredibly lucky with the weather, glorious sunshine and dry conditions underfoot.

Huge thank you to @benjaminmancey for the top-notch crewing, encouragement and support throughout. We couldn’t have done it without you.

#minsterway #running #outdoors #yorkshire #explore taken in York Minster by @hem.runner

148

3

9 days ago