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ring o’ fire – Run Eat Repeat trail running blog https://runeatrepeat.co.uk running | fuel for running | smoothies #lifespleasures Sat, 17 Feb 2018 11:39:38 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4 Lowri Morgan on #her333 Ultra exploits https://runeatrepeat.co.uk/lowri-morgan-interview-her333-ultrarunning/ https://runeatrepeat.co.uk/lowri-morgan-interview-her333-ultrarunning/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2016 21:39:43 +0000 http://runeatrepeat.co.uk/?p=1560 World Class Ultra endurance marathon runner, Lowri Morgan, speaks about #Her333 challenge & her experiences of #UltraRunning and #Adventure

This is one of a series of amazing feats Lowri has in store 2016/17. #BeInspired

Lowri, for those that don’t know you. could you just tell us a little about yourself please?

When I was growing up, I always wanted to be a classical singer. That is what I had always dreamt of becoming and what I had trained to do. On the other hand, adventure and sport was always a passion of mine. But life chose a different path for me. Now people call me an Adventurer, Endurance runner and Presenter. Luckily, through my work as a Broadcaster I have been very fortunate to have followed world championships, jumped out of planes, dived looking for Pirates’ ships, lived with indigenous tribes and was one of only 80 in the world to have seen the wreck of the Titanic. I’ve also raced in some of the World most toughest endurance events.

Amazing! Why do you run?

I do it for charity, my family and for my 18 month old son – to teach him about having goals. Because when we do have a goal, where we have to stretch for that goal,a goal that takes us out of our comfort zone, we will find some talents and abilities we never knew we had.

I also do it because this is what I live for. I live for the challenge, for putting myself in a place where I feel I’ve got nothing left, where I feel beyond broken, beyond empty, but I find a way to keep going. Because I love looking behind me at the trail, to the bottom of mountain, and seeing the journey I’ve just taken. I am always amazed at how we can keep moving those boundaries.

Tell us more about your 333 challenge (#her333)

It was 2014 when I initially hatched this idea. I wanted to go for a ‘world first’ challenge but also wanted to do it in Wales. Eventually, I thought of the 333 Challenge; three ultra-marathons, taking in three of Wales’ highest peaks, in three days. I still haven’t been through the Guinness book of World Records, but I don’t think anyone has ever completed this in three days.

This wasn’t the first extreme endurance challenge I’d done as part of an S4C series. In 2009, I took part in the 120-mile Amazon Jungle Marathon, and two years later we filmed the second series, when I managed to complete the 350-mile 6633 Ultra Marathon, which is held within the Arctic Circle. So it was inevitable that I would someday feel the need to take on something else.

However everything changed shortly after pitching the idea, when I found out I was pregnant. I knew becoming pregnant in the meantime would make the story a very different one, but the challenge always remained the same.

Why?

In 2015, fitness and endurance wise, I was back to square one after having my son. despite running throughout my pregnancy and returning to running 2 weeks after having him, I really struggled to even complete a mile. However, I knew with all the lessons I’d learnt during my races over the years, I’d get back to where I was before. I knew it would take a lot of hard work and sacrifice – there’d be tears of sadness and joy but I just knew I could do it. The drive to get back out there racing and pushing boundaries was an emotion too strong to ignore.

Did having a camera alongside you constantly help or hinder?

Sometimes that producers’ hat offers some escapism. In a challenge like this, it can be advantageous because thinking about what you’re going to say to the camera can take your mind off the pain you’re experiencing. Other times though, you just need to focus on the rhythm of your feet.

It’s not just the body that tires, but your mind tires too and it wasn’t always easy thinking about what to say next. I had some amazing Welsh endurance runners keeping me company along the way. It was great to have them by my side and to hear their stories about what inspires them to get out there. Having said that, it was tougher than expected to run 150 miles and interviewing 8 inspirational people at the same time. But the greater the challenge, the bigger the success. And 333 was much more challenging than I ever thought.

You’ve accomplished incredible feats of endurance running yet don’t see them as massive challenges. Why is that?

Before going into the 350 mile week-long 6633 Ultra, I struggled with the thought of completing that distance. So I decided that I wasn’t going to think of it as one long race. I broke the distance up into smaller chunks.

Apparently there are 2 rules in ultra running – to get to the start line and to get to the finish line. I’ve created a 3rd one – to keep my head down and take one step at a time. It may sound simple, but it’s the truth. And that is how I face every race now – I take one mile/stage/day at a time.

What got into those challenges?

I used to run competitively at school but when I was 18 I badly shattered my knee in a sporting accident. I spent a year in a cast, in a wheelchair and on crutches. I was told that my running career had come to an end and that I would never be able to run properly again. Even after that, I remember leaving the Hospital in that wheelchair full of determination to prove to myself that this was not true. 3 years after the operation, I ran my first marathon, then moved on to Ironman and in 2008 I was introduced to the World of Ultra running with The Jungle Marathon in the Amazon.

What have you learned about yourself through ultra running?

I have learnt that the most important word in adventure racing – is patience. You’ve got to have a lot of patience. Even when you’re running a 5km all of a sudden you feel like you want to get there. You get panicky. You’re not doing what you want to do, and you panic. You want to get to the end. And you’ve got to just let it go and let it come and you’ll get there. By being patient, I was able to find my fitness again after becoming a mother and have been able to tell myself ‘I am going to make it’ – even if it means, as in some cases (6633 Ultra), dragging my fractured feet to the finish line.

What do you think about when you’re running?

Some races are humbling. The Arctic race stripped my soul bare, but it also, very slowly, rebuilt it. Tears would well up in my eyes and instantly freeze but I had a positive attitude – any negative thoughts and I would have given up. My heart sank when I’d watch the sun setting and the darkness would arrive but I kept reminding myself that it was also the time that the northern lights would come out to entertain me

During the tough times, I keep reminding myself why do I run? Quite simply I love it. I love the freedom it gives me, the space to be by myself, the beautiful countries I have had the privilege to race in, pushing the boundaries beyond what other people consider normal and lastly the people I have met along the way who have inspired me, made me dig deeper, strive to be better and believe in myself.

What is your typical training regime now?

After having my son in 2015, I obviously found it very difficult to find the time to train. I used to run 100/120miles a week but I couldn’t and still can’t achieve what I used to do in the past. However, I found that my fitness improved quickly. My training was more intense because I had much less time to run, so I had to push myself more in each session. I try to get a run in early in the morning before the family get up. I then try fit in an afternoon session (either on my own or pushing the pram with my son, and dog).

It does though depend on the race and the terrain I’ll be attempting.

What’s your greatest achievement?

Having my son but In the world of running? I think it would have to be crossing the line in the 6633 Ultra. I was the only one to finish that year and at the time only the 6th person to do it. No-one was forcing me or motivating me to keep going and no-one was stopping me from either. It was a constant battle between me and myself but I never gave up. And that makes me proud.

Who inspires you and why?

I have the utmost respect and admiration for some amazing endurance athletes. But I am constantly inspired by runners I meet along the way. I am a sports presenter and am often interviewing runners as they cross the finish line in half and full marathons. The stories from the fastest to the slowest always inspire and drive me on.

What legacy for “2016 the Wales Year of Adventure” do you hope?

I hope the our (the Ambassadors’) endeavours might also inspire people of all abilities and all ages to take on their own challenges around Wales (and beyond) and to step out of our comfort zone in order to improve our own lives or others.

What is your favourite nutrition / running fuel?

I enjoy Primal Pantry bars and I also like to eat ‘fresh’ food when I can. On self-sufficient races, Mountain House foods are found in my rucksack.

Any amazing recipe you’d like to share?

I do like baking low(er) fat and low sugar chocolate and banana brownies.

Any key advice for runners far & wide?

Training results in some amazing rewards, but it’s also tough. However I’ve learnt over the years, that by putting one foot in front of another the finish line does eventually come. So do not quit because you’d be constantly amazed at what you keep finding deep in the soul.

What’s next for you?

I’m planning an international run and a World Record in 5 weeks time. It all depends on sponsorship but I’m crossing fingers that it’ll all come together in time.

Awesome! You can watch the #Her333 series on either BBC iPlayer or S4C below (with subtitles)

pic @s4c

Lowri, thank you so much for your interview. #Her333 is a fantastic, awe-inspiring series. Good luck with your World Record attempt – we can’t wait to hear how it goes!

Jeff

]]> https://runeatrepeat.co.uk/lowri-morgan-interview-her333-ultrarunning/feed/ 1 His fire burns, burns, burns: Dom Williams interview https://runeatrepeat.co.uk/dom-williams-interview/ https://runeatrepeat.co.uk/dom-williams-interview/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2015 11:42:31 +0000 http://runeatrepeat.co.uk/?p=1254 In our latest interview, we chat to Dom Williams – a gent who in so many ways embodies the spirit of what running can do for people and communities.

Dom, where on earth do we start?! You’ve achieved so much recently but let’s begin with something straightforward…

How did you get into running?
I got in to running in the spring of 2011, it started with an invite from my brother to do the Bristol 10k. That was April/May time and afterwards I didn’t think much about it until a month later my partner (Katy) asked me to stand in for a friend of ours in the Bristol half, which was early to mid September. I agreed and set out training, that’s when it all really began. In between watching Eddie Izzard’s amazing run around the country, a trip to Anfield and the Bristol half, the Hillsborough-Anfield run was born.

Did you ever see yourself running the distances and organising the events you have back then?
From watching the Eddie Izzard run I knew I could do something along those lines, it really set my imagination off on what I could do, and what I can do in the future.

You’re the man behind the Hillsborough-Anfield Run. How would you describe what that has given you?
When I started out on getting the Hillsborough run going I never for one second thought I’d meet so many inspirational people, people I know consider friends. I feel very proud of what we (everyone who has been involved with the H-A run team) have achieved since the first run in 2012 and hope we have done everyone concerned proud, it may only be a small thing we do but each and every one of us have put our all in to every step taken in remembering the 96.

You’re very passionate about using running for good causes. What is your proudest moment?
There are so many but, I guess walking across from the Isla Gladstone to the start area for the first Run For The 96 5k and seeing around 2,500 people waiting to take part, just unbelievable pride. Knowing a lot of Family members who lost loved ones at Hillsborough were there and survivors too, it was an amazing sight to behold.

It was an amazing sight indeed Dom. I did it with my family and it was a very special day

You were very recently nominated for the “Best Running Moment” in the Merseyside Running Community Awards 2015. How did that make you feel?
I was really shocked to be honest, of course I knew about the awards but never thought for a moment I’d get a nomination. If I’m honest I would have liked to see the team get nominated but hopefully I can go on to win this one and can accept it on behalf of the whole team. If not, we can still be really proud of all we have tried to do with the run and we’ll carry on doing our best.

Well I voted and certainly congratulate you on that! What are your hopes for the community legacy of “Run for the 96 5k”?
Thanks Jeff, it means a lot to get support for what we do. I just hope Run For The 96 grows and is embraced in the spirit it was intended to, bringing people together for a day to remember. So much sadness comes from Hillsborough but I know a lot of the Families had a really good day, leaving in high spirits and looking forward to next year. Hopefully some justice will have been found by then!

As if completing Hillsborough-Anfield Run 5 times wasn’t enough, you’ve achieved other amazing feats. Could you tell us about the “Ring O Fire”?
Where do I start? It was absolutely brutal, day 1 is gruelling to say the least, 35.7 miles of tough coastline trail followed by a flatter but still very tough 65.9 miles then a further 33.4 miles with a mountain and descent to finish! I’m already entered for next year, the scenery there is incredible so why not?

Where is your favourite place to run?
I live very close to the Glastonbury festival site ( a good few miles from Glastonbury) and there are some cracking hills I can take in as well as being able to look over at the pyramid stage, it’s quite some view. I’ll often finish that particular 8 miler up Paul Nicholls hill gallop where some of the greats of National Hunt racing have been trained, it’s easy to see why they have an edge!

Haha excellent Music or silence when running?
I’ll often have music on for the shorter runs but when you get over 20 miles it can get a bit much, mostly music though.

How important are family and friends in helping you achieve what you have?
Easy this, they are massively important. All the training can be a huge strain sometimes but ultimately I have their full support.

What gives you such drive?
I wish I knew the answer to that, I’ve never been particularly driven by anything but running is different. A lot of people think I’m crazy running the distances I do but it’s easy when you enjoy it so much.

What is the worst thing anyone has said to you?
Roy Hodgson is the new Liverpool manager.

What is the best thing anyone has said to you?
Jürgen Klopp is the new Liverpool manager.

Real food or not when it comes to running?
I tend to eat what I want but I get cravings for healthy foods, I don’t really have a specific diet.

What is your favourite running #fuelfood at the moment?
I’m a big fan of broccoli at all times but especially leading up to a long run and bananas, I love bananas.

Yep, you can’t beat bananas in my view

And if you could invite anyone on your favourite run, who would you ask?
This is a strange one for me because as a personality I’m not bothered by him but, it would have to be Eddie Izzard. I’d love to talk to him about his run around Britain but more than anything I’d like to thank him for inspiring me to run these long distances.

What other events are on your bucket list?
No bucket list as such though I’d love to do the UTMB and North Pole marathon, aside from that I have a run in mind that has been in my head from almost the first day I set out on these longer runs. If I ever get the chance (it’s a huge if) I’d like to organise a team to run from the Spion Kop in Durban, South Africa to the Kop at Anfield. Whether this will ever be attainable I don’t know but if I could get the backing I would definitely do that.

I’m sure you can and will! Who or what inspires you?
All the Families and survivors of Hillsborough have been a massive inspiration, what they have been through and continue to go through for the last 26 and a half years is a disgrace. I hope 2016 can bring some closure to them all.

#JFT96

I could not agree more…

Superb that Dom! Hugely grateful to you for doing this interview. You’ve shown what people can achieve when they really set their minds to something. I wonder how many people you yourself have now inspired to run because of your own achievements

All the best!

Jeff

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