History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects #41: Mel Hyder Wilson Run Gold Medal
The total list of Wilson Run record holders, both male and female, can be counted on two hands, without the need for taking off socks to gain extra digits to count with. Only two of these record holders have gone on to break their own record, C. P .Charlesworth who set the first boys records, and Melanie Hyder, current girls’ record holder.
Both of Melanie’s races were incredible to witness. She raced with the leading boys and on the evening of her Wilson Runs, she climbed the stage with the front male runners to take her place in finish line order. Melanie’s record winning gold medals are certainly worthy of a place in the ‘History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects.’
Melanie kindly agreed to be interviewed for the series. Her answers were so insightful that the interview is printed here in full:
You were given quite a bit of freedom in your training (if I remember right, you were granted the rare privilege of being allowed to run alone). How much did the opportunity to run in the Howgills and the local landscape inspire your running?
I was very fortunate and extremely grateful to be granted the opportunity to run alone in the Howgills. Solo running certainly required taking precautions. I always had a bumbag with appropriate safety kit.
The Howgills presented a new challenge and landscape, I was more familiar with vertical climbs and technical trails around the lakes. The tough mossy route up to Winder and beyond became a favourite of mine. I often ran above Winder all the way up to Calder and continued into the heart of the Howgill fells. It seemed like a remote wilderness, a peaceful place full of beautiful fell ponies. This gave me a sense of independence and an appreciation of what it means to be fit and healthy, something that should never be taken for granted. Running freely in this landscape, as I did, made me realise how much running can ground you whilst providing both a physical and mental boost.
Did you take part in many external running competitions when you were at School?
I was lucky enough to have some weekends free to compete in a number of events across the UK. Some of these were local favourites whilst other races were more competitive. Sedbergh School supported me in my external running events and celebrated my achievements.
You first broke the Wilson Run record in 2010, taking around 7 minutes off the existing girls’ record. Did you set out to break the record that day?
Yes, this was the goal I was working towards the day I set foot in Sedbergh School. I knew it would be challenging, but I was very determined and gave the race my all. I had recced the course several times and quickly became familiar with the tougher parts, knowing where I had to dig deep.
During the weeks leading up to the event it almost seemed impossible to walk around the school grounds without someone making a reference to breaking the Wilson Run record. The pressure was on! Fortunately, I thrived off this pressure. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by many supportive people who further motivated me to achieve this goal.
In 2011 you broke your own record taking another three and a half minutes off the time. Were you hoping to beat your previous win?
Absolutely. I was determined to beat my time from the previous year. With all my hard work, dedication and some fantastic coaching at Sedbergh, I felt confident. The conditions were in my favour, and I was careful to taper my training, taking time to rest my mind and body a week before the race. This paid off well.
Do you have any tips for runners preparing for the Wilson Run?
It can be quite a daunting task to take on this distance for young runners, especially for those who don’t consider themselves to be runners. To be Wilson Run ready isn’t all about running the distance. Training should include hill repetitions and running on terrain you’d expect to find in the race. I would suggest varying the distance of your runs and using different types of training such as interval and tempo runs. Make it sociable if that works for you.
Find a pre- race routine and a training routine that you can stick to. Recce sections of the course and don’t feel pressured to follow another person’s training regime. Most importantly build up gradually. Start training early rather then later so you can rest up before the race.
Did any staff particularly support your desire to run at Sedbergh?
Mr Richardson, who was one of the geography teachers during my time at Sedbergh, acted as my primary running coach throughout my two years at the school. Mr Richardson inspired and supported me to be the runner I was when at Sedbergh. I felt he was a very relatable teacher and easy to talk to. His dedication to running at Sedbergh School did not go unnoticed and was much appreciated. He pushed me to be as fast as the boys and really rooted for me in the Wilson Run and in external events.
On Thursday afternoons I would look forward to the late Mr Symonds leading the run. Mr Symonds had a great sense of direction and his long history on the fells was inspirational.
Mr Moss was also very enthusiastic about distance running and a kind face who supported me throughout my time at Sedbergh.
Have you continued to run after Sedbergh?
Running is a sport which I still enjoy to this day. I’m certainly not as competitive as I was when I was a pupil. I now enjoy participating in trail-based marathons.
Is Sedbergh a good choice for pupils who enjoy running?
Sedbergh School is an excellent choice for those who love to run and wish to improve. The landscape provides running enthusiasts with numerous running routes and I’m sure there are still plenty of staff who encourage runners to achieve their goals.
As a pupil, I remember seeing many running routes mapped out and posted on the downstairs wall of Lupton House. It was fantastic to be at a school where pupils were encouraged to go out and explore the area through running. The school also provided an opportunity to for students to compete at some stunning locations and competitive athletic events.