S5E4: How a Working Vet Became the 24-Hour World Record Holder Artwork

Mid Life Athlete

Many more of us are challenging ourselves and performing at a high level in sport, particularly endurance sports, well into our middle age. This podcast explores everything you want to know as a mid-life athlete, from how age affects our performance; how our bodies react to training; how should we train as a mid-life athlete; how can we prevent injury; what’s the best recovery process; tips on nutrition and how can we improve our mental health & psychology. We’ll interview experts in their field from coaches, medical professionals, trainers etc and a range of successful mid-life athletes to explore the secrets to success as a mid-life athlete. The Midlife Athlete podcasts are free and we hope our fans enjoy them. Go to https://midlifeathlete.substack.com to subscribe to our newsletter and automatically get our latest podcasts, blogs, offers etc into your inbox. Email us via midlifeathletepodcast@gmail.com Twitter @PodMidInstagram @mid_life_athlete Midlife Athlete podcast uses Buzzsprout to get our shows out to the world. Buzzsprout is easy, inexpensive and a fun way to have your own talk show. We love how our show is online and listed in all the major podcast directories (like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more) within minutes of finishing our podcast.To get started with Buzzsprout, use the link below. It lets Buzzsprout know we sent you and helps support our show. Plus if you sign up for a paid plan they’ll send you a $20 Amazon gift card.https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1456093

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Mid Life Athlete

S5E4: How a Working Vet Became the 24-Hour World Record Holder

April 11, 2026 • Jason Smith & Greg Ryan • Season 5 • Episode 4

0:00 | 46:48

Jason (& Greg when he joins) chat to Sarah Webster, a 46-year-old veterinary surgeon, mum, and the women's 24-hour world record holder. She ran 278km — 173 miles — around a track in Albi, France, and it was only her second attempt at the distance. She didn't run her first ultra until she was 43.

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah to unpack how a self-described "not particularly talented" junior runner returned to the sport in her mid-30s, built patiently for a decade, and ended up rewriting the record books — all while holding down a full-time job and raising a family.

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