R2Kast 416 – Jemma Wilkinson on farming, recovery and pushing physical limits
R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In · Wallace Currie
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Show Notes
Today we welcome Jemma to the R2Kast 🎙️ A sheep farmer, ultra runner and multiple time world record holder whose story covers farming, serious injury and rebuilding both physically and mentally. 🌾
We started with life on her new farm, moving from the original family place after her dad passed away, downsizing, starting again and slowly building a flock of around 300 ewes alongside a small developing suckler herd. There was plenty of chat about flooding, mixed grazing, soil health and learning what a new farm can actually carry.
Jemma then shared the accident that changed everything. Being hit by a lorry while working in London, multiple surgeries, muscle grafts and a long recovery period before returning home to farm. We spoke about PTSD, the mental side of recovery, and how getting a collie pup became part of pushing herself physically again.
Strength training became a turning point. Moving from being self conscious about scars to being proud of what her body could do. That eventually led to ultra running, cycling from Sandbanks to Saint Tropez, and being part of a team that set world records for sled push over one, twelve and twenty four hours.
We also spoke about the appeal of ultra running, not for speed, but for the places it takes you. From the Pennine Way to Peru and Kyrgyzstan, and the balance between farming, adventure and protecting your own headspace.
Enjoy! 🙂
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