Sabrina

Age: 45
From: Stroud
Occupation: Ultramarathon Runner, Charity Founder, Author, Mum of 4 and Grandmother of 3.

What made you want to be a contestant on Survivor?

It hit me at the right time! If you were told on a cold UK winters night about a show that was highly likely to be filmed on a tropical island, involved physical and mental challenges, and meant you couldn’t be contacted for the whole time you were there – wouldn’t you be interested?!

What qualities did you think you’d bring to the game?

I believed my social skills would help me immensely in the game, also my nurturing maternal side and my fearless ability to rough it with the best of them!

How did you prepare yourself mentally and physically for taking part?

In the months before I ran two multi-stage 300K off-road trail ultramarathons. One of them being in the remote Scottish highlands. I camped out. I ate rations. I gladly put myself in a deep dark hole physically and mentally.

Did you have a strategy of how you were going to play the game?

My strategy was to try not to be a threat, to dull my personality and to not assume a lead role or be bossy. To be silent!

How competitive are you?

I’m competitive with myself more than anyone else. If I am on a team, I will be the biggest and loudest cheerleader for the people who are in my tribe. I make no apologies for using all the skills I have to build my people up for the benefit of whatever side I am on or cause I am fighting for.

What kind of challenges were you most looking forward to?

Agility challenges, puzzles and anything that included the act of running or endurance.

How did you cope with living on a beach with no home comforts?

I took to it like a duck to water. I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed it, it felt like home! I have a massive snake phobia and that is something I was absolutely terrified of, I really didn’t want to see a snake or have one on me.

How did you cope with the hunger?

I’m an ultra-runner and once upon a time I ran an 89K race (as part of a 250K stage race) in the Sahara desert on little more than a bag of mini-cheddars because I couldn’t heat my food. Suffice to say, I didn’t have an issue with hunger.

What did you learn from being on the show?

To never EVER change myself or dull my shine to make others feel comfortable being around me or in order for me to fit in. I am the woman I have survived to be and thrive being. And to ALWAYS to trust my gut instinct… If someone, or something, feels off, it probably is.