Preparing Yourself to Dream Big

We caught up with Active Root ambassador Jackie Stretton to hear about her remarkable journey to completing the Lakeland 100 eleven times, the lessons she’s learnt along the way and how Active Root helps her fuel without upsetting her stomach. Here’s what she had to say!

My name is Jackie, and I am primarily a runner, but have also dabbled in obstacle racing, adventure racing, cycling and triathlons. I learned to love sport in my later teen years, and have always viewed races as adventures, because they allow me to discover who I am and see the world in the process. I'm both a competitive runner with a marathon PB of 2h53m, but also a fun runner, not really taking it too seriously. Mostly, I just love the opportunity to keep fit, travel somewhere new and take on a challenge.

My absolute favourite race, which I return to every year, is the Lakeland 100. I first came across this event in 2011, when I took part in the Lakeland 50. Before that, I’d never run more than a half marathon, so really, I had no idea what I was letting myself in for. I was one of the youngest on the start line and was very naïve. I remember smiling the whole way round, fuelling myself on dry bread and soup because I knew no different. Despite the pain, I loved every minute. That race taught me to believe in myself, and to fight for what I wanted to achieve.

Sadly, in 2012 I was involved in a very bad car accident. I was hit by a stolen car in a police pursuit, which resulted in a head injury with bleeding on the brain, a broken back, and a broken leg. I had to learn to walk all over again, and was told I’d probably wouldn’t be able to run properly anymore. I was devastated because running is part of who I am, and I didn’t know what I would do without it. But what I had achieved at Lakeland the year before kept screaming out to me, and I realised that nothing is impossible unless you aren’t willing to try. So in between my rehab sessions, I began training and 15 months after my crash, I went back to the Lakes for my first attempt at the Lakeland 100.

Unfortunately, Lakeland 100 didn’t go to plan. I rolled my ankle very badly very early on which resulted in a trip to A&E.  I was gutted because I had been so determined to prove to myself that I could do it, but the DNF only fuelled the fire and showed me how much I wanted to get to that finish line.  So I went back the following year to try once again, and couldn’t believe it when I actually succeeded. I was so shocked that I decided I had to go back again just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. And so began my love for ultras.

One of the biggest battles I’ve faced through my training and racing is how to fuel correctly. I train most days – usually strength work, conditioning, and HIIT style workouts, so I have to make sure I take enough on board, which can sometimes be difficult to juggle amongst a hectic lifestyle. I also suffer from lots of stomach issues, so I must be very careful about what I consume and when. When I race, I tend to stick to proper foods, mostly savoury – lots of bread, nuts and cereal bars. Baby food also works a treat! However, on my shorter, faster races, as well as in the later stages of my ultras, I’ve realised how much a quick sugar hit can benefit me.

When I came across Active Root, which was recommended to me by a local running shop, I was delighted. It became a bit of a ritual to drink the Electrolite Drink Mix the day before a race, and also alongside breakfast on the day of a race. I have found this always settles my stomach and gets key nutrients in without any hassle. I’ve also started using the Energy Gels for a quick sugar hit if I’m struggling, or even before an early, long training run. I’ve sampled lots of different gels in the past and have found out the hard way that they usually result in an emergency toilet stop. Active Root doesn’t give me this problem. I know it’s always a safe and reliable choice. The range available has grown over the past few years, and I will continue to reach for Active Root first.

In 2025, after a very long journey, I became the first female to complete Lakeland 100 ten times.  It has become my annual pilgrimage, mixed in between other races, including, amongst many others, the Northern Traverse, Spine Challenger South, Transylvania 50k, an ice marathon in Sweden, the Lake Garda marathon and my toughest challenge of all – the MIUT 115k. I’ve come a long way from my very naïve start at the Lakeland 50, and these days, I understand that one of the most important aspects of being able to achieve such great feats is to eat properly. Having a reliable and trusty fuel source is essential. I’ve found that the ginger in Active Root works for me. As someone who doesn’t like the taste of ginger, the flavours of the drinks and gels were a pleasant surprise, because they’re not overwhelming. If I could give one tip to anyone training and racing regularly, it would be to find the right brand for you, build it into your routine, and trust it.

I recently finished my 11th Lakeland 100. I drank Sports Drink Mix in the days prior to the event, and throughout the race, and was pleased to have no stomach issues at all.

The main thing I’ve learnt through my sporting life is that you’re capable of more than you think you are.  With the right tools in your belt, you can always dare to Dream Big.