Running Ultra Marathons and Decarbonising Fleets: Lessons in Endurance and Planning

Those of you who know me, know how much I love taking part in ultra running marathons.

My last event was a couple of weeks ago and involved running 66 miles (106km) around the Isle of Wight. Let’s say I had many hours to think about issues that I don’t normally have time to consider, including the comparisons between running an ultra and decarbonising fleets.

There comes a point in every event when my legs hurt, my energy dips, and the voice in my head says, “This might be too much; let’s just stop”.  It’s in those moments that I realise what endurance really means: the ability to stay focused on the long game, even when the immediate path is tough. It turns out that decarbonising transport fleets demands the same mindset.

Over the years, I’ve found myself drawing on lessons from long-distance running while working with fleet operators, local authorities, and policymakers who are tackling the long, complex journey to net zero.

Here are a few parallels that stand out.

1. Standing on the start line whilst not feeling ready

When training for a 100km race, there is rarely a moment when I feel fully prepared and 100% happy with my training. I’ve learnt to accept that I just need to show up on the start line and accept my imperfections (and have trusting in my planning).

Decarbonisation works the same way.

Many fleets delay action because they can’t electrify everything at once, or don’t have a perfect funding pipeline. But perfection is the enemy of progress. Just like logging those first awkward training miles on Strava, getting started, however small, is what matters.

You don’t need to run the whole race today. You just need to take the first step.

2. Pacing is everything

Burn out too early in an ultra and you may never finish. Go out too hard on fleet transition, and you risk stranded assets, budget overruns, or operational disruption.

In both cases, the right pace is one that keeps you moving sustainably. For fleet operators, that means phased vehicle replacement, realistic infrastructure rollouts, and aligning your strategy with grant cycles and tech maturity.

Your plan doesn’t have to be fast. It just has to be intentional.

3. Know your terrain

No two races are the same. Some are hilly, boggy and brutal. Others roll gently through flatlands and, even better, downhill. Before an ultra, I’ll study the course, tailor my gear, and adapt my fuelling strategy accordingly.

Decarbonisation is no different. The best strategies are localised, data-driven, and tailored to your fleet’s operational “terrain” and not lifted from a template.

4. The right support crew makes the difference

Solo runners need support: nutrition checkpoints, medics, pacers, and people cheering you on.

Fleet transition isn’t a solo journey. You need internal champions, engaged drivers, suppliers who understand your goals, and expert advisors who have done this before.

Surround yourself with people who have run the course before and will help you reach your next checkpoint.

5. Celebrate the progress, not just the finish

Personally, I don’t just celebrate finish lines but I also celebrate breakthroughs: the first time I ran without injury, or when I finally cracked nutrition. Those are moments of pride.

Fleet decarbonisation needs the same mindset. Celebrate developing your decarbonisation plan. Celebrate your early vehicle and infrastructure trials. Celebrate your first funding award. Celebrate your cost savings.

Recognising progress builds momentum, and resilience, for the miles ahead.

A Shared Mindset: Strategy, Stamina, and Purpose

Whether I’m out on a mountain trail or helping a client develop a zero-emissions roadmap, the principles are the same:

• Plan ahead, but adapt as needed.

• Prioritise consistency over perfection.

• Know that the most meaningful progress often comes slowly, quietly, and with grit and determination.

Ultra running teaches patience, perseverance, and an appreciation for long-haul transformation.

Fleet decarbonisation demands nothing less.

Ready to Map Your Fleet’s Net Zero Journey?

At Sarah Wixey Consulting, I help organisations navigate their decarbonisation journey with clarity, confidence, and a strategic plan that fits their operational landscape.

If you’d like to talk about what your first (or next) step should be, I’d love to hear from you.

Always interested to hear about ultra races too.

📩 sarah@sarahwixeyconsulting.co.uk