From Couch to 100+ Miles: How Running Transformed My Life
- Kayleigh Webster
- Jan 31
- 5 min read
Updated: May 14
In November 2020, the world felt like it was on pause. Lockdowns had stripped away my daily structure and left me drifting. I was spending most days on the couch, eating poorly, drinking too much, and feeling like I had zero direction. Work was on hold, my social life had dwindled, and I’d never considered myself an “athlete” by any stretch of the imagination. But in the midst of that aimlessness, something sparked. I decided it was time for a change—something to give me purpose and get me moving again. And so began my running journey.
Couch to 5k
When I first laced up my trainers and opened the Couch to 5K app, I had no idea how much my life was about to transform. Running at that point felt as foreign to me as a strict math problem or a foreign language. But I didn’t need to be a natural athlete; I just needed to show up. I followed the plan, focusing on those brief intervals of jogging and walking. Each session was a tiny victory, a reminder that I could put one foot in front of the other despite all the uncertainty swirling around me.
By Christmas Day, just a nine weeks after I’d started, I ran my first full 5k! To my surprise, it was as if a switch had flipped. That final run—3.1 miles without stopping—felt like unwrapping a present I never knew I wanted. Suddenly, running wasn’t just an activity; it was a source of strength, focus, and hope.
My First Half Marathon and Early Lessons
Buoyed by that success, I signed up for my very first half marathon: The Scottish Half, held in September 2021. It was a leap of faith, a giant “why not?” in the face of uncertainty. Training for it taught me so much. I learned about pacing, fuelling, and the grit it takes to keep going when your legs feel like lead. That first half marathon humbled me, wore me out, and taught me that you don’t have to love every step. I even swore I’d never do another one.
But there’s a funny thing about running—it doesn’t just test you; it changes you. By January 2022, I was already signing up for my second half marathon in May. The very distance I’d vowed never to tackle again was suddenly calling me back for more.
Going the Distance: From Marathons to Ultras
From there, my running horizons kept expanding. Before long, I was staring down a marathon sign-up page. I chose the Loch Ness Marathon in October 2022, and in doing so, I took another major step not just in mileage, but also in lifestyle. This period was the turning point when I decided to go plant-based and embrace sobriety—two life changes that would become powerful pillars in my running journey.
Training for Loch Ness taught me about endurance, mental resilience, and nutrition. Bananas became my best friend on the trail—simple, nutritious, and the perfect energy source. I crossed the marathon finish line in 4:37, hitting negative splits (faster in the second half than the first) and feeling like I still had fuel left in the tank. That sense of untapped potential lit a fire in me, and within weeks, I’d signed up for my first ultramarathon: Ultra X Scotland 50km.
Embracing the Ultra Mindset
Ultramarathons are a whole different ballgame. It’s not just about speed; it’s about persistence, problem-solving, and embracing discomfort. The training process for that 50km race led me to run not one, but two more marathons—Rome and Manchester—as part of my preparation. Rome was a milestone: I finished in 4:09 with negative splits, feeling stronger than ever. It confirmed what I’d suspected—I could push further if I wanted speed—but distance felt like my true calling.
Since that first ultra, I’ve immersed myself in events that tested my limits:
Run the Blades 50km
The Highlander Backyard Ultra (12 yards, 50 miles)
Devil of the Highlands (42 miles)
Glen Ogle 33
The Highland Fling (53 miles)
Rasselbock Backyard Ultra (19 yards, 79 miles)
West Highland Way Race (97 miles)
And most recently a victory as the last one standing at Golspie Backyard Ultra.
I’ve also taken on personal challenges, like the Goggins 4x4x48 (running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours), my own 3x3x3 concept, and a series of seven marathons in seven days. Each challenge taught me something new about myself—my resilience, my adaptability, and how unconventional training sets me up for success.
Fuelling Body and Soul
All along this journey, I’ve discovered that what we put into our bodies and how we frame our goals has a massive impact. Going plant-based and sober refined my approach to training and recovery. Better sleep, faster bounce-backs from long runs, and a sense of clarity that guided me through tough decisions—all of these have become integral to my performance.
The Running Road Ahead
Looking back, it’s hard to believe that I started as someone who could barely jog a few blocks. Over time, running became more than just exercise—it turned into a space for growth, discovery, and building unshakeable confidence. Now, I’ve pushed myself to places I never imagined, from marathons to ultramarathons, including winning a Backyard Ultra.
If you’re wondering whether running is for you, the answer is yes. Every runner starts somewhere, and it’s not about speed or distance—it’s about starting. That first step, no matter how small, sets everything else in motion.
Turning Passion into Purpose
Running has reshaped my life in ways I never imagined, and I've seen first-hand how transformative it can be. That’s why I became a qualified running coach—not just to create training plans, but to inspire others to push boundaries and achieve breakthroughs they never thought possible.
With a BSc in Psychology, a UK Athletics Coach in Running Fitness and UESCA Ultrarunning Coach Certification, my approach is anything but ordinary. It’s not just about running miles; it’s about cultivating mental resilience, optimising recovery, and tailoring every element—mindset, nutrition, and training—so that it fits your unique lifestyle. Together, we’ll work to build sustainable progress, boost your confidence, and deliver long-term results.
My coaching philosophy dares to be different. I challenge the traditional norms of endurance training while adhering to the best practices outlined by UK Athletics and UESCA. Whether you’re aiming for your first 5K, a marathon PB, or an ultramarathon that pushes your limits, I’ll craft a plan designed specifically for you—combining the science of biomechanics, nutrition, and mental preparation with a flexible, athlete-centred mindset.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're ready to take the next step, I’d be honoured to join your journey. We’ll define a clear path towards your goals, empowering you to grow and thrive along the way. Find out more here.
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