Most runners know the frustration of their GPS watch dying halfway through a race. Canadian runner Kat Clewley has experienced something considerably worse. Twice she has completed a marathon running backwards, and twice the camera recording her achievement has run out of battery.
Now, she is preparing for her biggest challenge yet, attempting to cover 100km entirely in reverse in pursuit of a Guinness World Records title.
The unusual attempt will take place on Saturday October 17th at the Ray Lewis Track and Field Centre in Hamilton, Ontario.
That's the equivalent of 250 laps of a standard athletics track, all while facing the opposite direction to the one she's travelling.
And if anyone thinks this sounds like a ridiculous way to spend a Saturday, Clewley has already proved that she knows exactly what she's doing.
A World Record Holder With Unfinished Business
Clewley is no stranger to running long distances backwards, a discipline known as retro running.
In 2015, the former professional footballer completed the Hamilton Road2Hope Marathon backwards in 4:48:42, establishing a remarkable benchmark for the unusual discipline.
Unfortunately, there was a problem. The GoPro camera intended to document her performance ran out of battery, leaving her without the necessary footage for official Guinness recognition.
Undeterred, she returned in 2017 and improved her time to 4:26:06.
Incredibly, the same thing happened again. Her camera battery died before the attempt could be properly documented.
Although Clewley is recognised as a women's backwards marathon world record holder, official Guinness recognition has remained unfinished business.
Her solution? Increase the distance from 42.2km to 100km and give the record books another go.
Hopefully, someone has remembered to charge the cameras this time.
It All Started With a Dog Called Vanilla
Perhaps the strangest part of Clewley's running career is how she became involved in retro running in the first place.
It began during an ordinary training run with her dog, Vanilla.
On a particularly warm day, Vanilla began slowing down, prompting Clewley to turn around and jog backwards so she could keep an eye on her four legged companion.
After approximately ten minutes, she realised she rather enjoyed running in reverse.
What began as a practical way of keeping watch over her dog eventually developed into a serious sporting pursuit.
Retro running is an established, if relatively obscure, form of athletics. It requires runners to move backwards throughout their effort, placing different demands on their muscles, balance and coordination.
Maintaining direction also presents an obvious difficulty. Looking over your shoulder becomes rather important when you cannot see where you are going.
Covering 100km under those conditions adds another dimension to an already demanding ultramarathon distance.
An Unusual Record Attempt in Aid of a Worthy Cause
Clewley's latest challenge also has a charitable purpose.
She is raising funds for Good Shepherd's Steps to Health programme in Hamilton, which provides exercise, nutrition, cooking and other lifestyle activities for adults living with mental health conditions.
The fundraising target is CA$6,200, with donations intended to help programme participants attend camp.
Members of the public are also being encouraged to visit the track and try retro running for themselves.
The public event will run from 9am until 5pm local time on Saturday, giving spectators an opportunity to witness one of the more unusual endurance challenges taking place this weekend.
For Clewley, the objective is straightforward, even if the method is anything but.
One hundred kilometres, backwards, with a Guinness World Records title on the line.
After two previous attempts were undermined by camera batteries, getting the entire performance on film might be almost as satisfying as reaching the finish.
Support Kat Clewley's Fundraising Campaign
