Here he talks about #Run1000Miles, favourite places to run, preferred nutrition and more.
Eddie, what was your reason for getting involved in the #Run1000Miles Challenge?
To be honest, I’m not sure, I think part of the motivation was to get a free ruff. I subscribe to Trail Running magazine and so became aware of the challenge early on. As I reckon that I run about a thousand miles most years, unless I get injured, joining in was a no-brainer.
I didn’t really think about it all that much, but the Facebook group grew and I got more involved in the social media side of things, through that. The group was a real inspiration and it was great to read people’s stories, to meet a couple of folk from the group in real life and to see the photos.
How did you get into running and when?
I guess that it started when I was a teenager in the seventies, growing up in the North East. I did a morning and evening paper-round of about a mile and a half and I used to really enjoy running it. When I got to University and was no longer delivering papers, I started running just to keep fit. This carried on through my twenties; nothing serious, just the odd two or three mile jog to keep the muscles moving. Then my family moved to rural West Africa – no electricity, no running water, but plenty of mosquitos. At that point my running went out of the window. Twenty years later, I found myself living in High Wycombe and somehow I’d become overweight and middle aged. One morning, I decided to set the alarm for half an hour earlier and go for a run. I walked up the hill behind our house and jogged down through the woods. A year later, I was running five miles and the following year I did my first half and a year later, the London Marathon. I’m still overweight (though less than I was) and I’m still middle aged, but I am a lot fitter than I was.
You now live in Yorkshire – where is your favourite local spot to run?
We’ve been in Yorkshire for less than a year, so there is still a lot to explore, I can get onto the moors straight from our house, without ever running on roads; but kicking off with a 500 foot climb without a warm-up is a bit grim. I love running out to Skipton on the Leeds-Liverpool canal and then returning via Farnhill Moor which isn’t too high, but gives great views.
And in the Chilterns (where you were previously)?
There is a very unprepossessing footpath in an industrial estate near the football ground in High Wycombe, which goes between two grotty factories, but ends up in a nature reserve. That opens up a whole network of pathways that go off in all directions, Thirty five miles from the centre of London, I could run for twenty miles, only crossing a couple of roads with red kites, deer and rabbits for company – and hardly a human being in sight. Over the years, I grew to know every mile of those paths and they will always be special.
However, if you want to know my favourite run of all, it is from the Bays Brown campsite in Langdale, down the valley, then climbing up to Blea Tarn and up onto Lingmoor Fell along the ridge and then back town into the valley and through the woods back to the campsite, Six miles before breakfast, followed by a day walking on the hills with my wife – perfect.
Fells, trails or roads?
Anything but roads! My knees are too old (they seem to be older than the rest of me) to take the continual repetitive pounding that road running creates.
What do you most like about trail running?
It depends on the day. Just being outside on the hills, in the woods or by the canal is reward enough. I’m not much into trying to get personal bests and to set fast times; I know my best and fastest days are behind me, but there are times, that I can recapture the feeling of being a kid, running for the sheer joy of feeling my body move rough ground.
Then there are the days when the sleet is in my face, the wind is chilling me to the bone and I feel more alive than anyone sitting by a warm fireside could ever understand (though I like the warm fireside afterwards). A few years ago, I had a t-shirt printed which said, “Running might kill me, but at least I’ll have lived”. That more or less sums it up.
Haha, brilliant! What keeps you motivated?
In 20 years’ time (perhaps ten?), I’ll struggle to walk in wild country, much less run. I know it sounds morbid, but I want to enjoy every moment that I can.
Langdales Temperature Inversion
What is your favourite pre-run and post-run nutrition?
I’m a creature of habit, so pre-run tends to be my normal breakfast of sugar-free muesli. If I’m going for a very long run; say 15 miles plus, I’ll add on a couple of slices of toast and marmalade. For long races, when I tend to be camping the night before, I go for those pots of porridge that you make by adding hot water.
Post-run, I tend to go with whatever my body tells me I need. That’s generally something with a fair bit of protein – it may simply be a coffee with lots of milk. After really long runs in warm weather, I often have a massive craving for ice-cream. Lots of long races serve vegetarian chilli at the end, which is always a good option. I’m not sure that the beer and fish and chips, which I got at the end of the St Begas Ultra last summer was the ideal recovery food, but it certainly hit the spot.
During runs, I tend to prefer real food to gels and energy bars. When descending from Grisedale on the Ultimate Trails 55 a couple of years ago, someone I was running with offered me a mini-cocktail sausage, which seemed a strange thing at the time – but I’ve never enjoyed a sausage so much in my life. Strange though it may seem, I now carry mini-pork pies on ultras. I do have the odd gel or bar in my pack, too, but they often come home with me. I’ve learned that it is important to take on nutrition before you need it and even on a ten mile run, I’ll often eat something at five miles, just for the discipline of the thing. If I know that there is a big hill coming up, I’ll try and have a gel or something about 10-15 minutes beforehand to get more sugar into my system.
What most people don’t realise is that ultra-running is basically a mobile picnic.
Start of UT55
Stickle Tarn on UT55
It is indeed! Do you ever have doubts when running?
I don’t have many doubts when I’m running, as such. However, at the start of races, I tend to be very conscious of being a bald, slightly tubby, old bloke who is surrounded by younger, thinner people who actually look good in lycra. When the said young, thin people vanish up the trail leaving me panting in their wake, I can wonder what on earth I’m doing there. But then I settle into my own tempo, grind out the miles, enjoying the views and chatting to other mid-to-back of the pack runners and I have a whale of a time. I rarely overtake anyone on the trail (did I say, I was slow?), but it’s not unknown for me to be in and out of checkpoints while others are gorging on the flapjack. At my age, you never sit down at checkpoints (unless you are changing your shoes), the danger is that you’ll never stand up again.
I love this quote on ultra running but can’t remember the source:
“If you ever find yourself feeling good during an ultra, don’t worry, it will soon go away.”
Who or what inspires you?
I could watch Nicky Spinks’ film, Run Forever, once a week and not get tired of it. She is a real inspiration and meeting her was a highlight of 2017 for me. However, the thing that really inspires me is any photograph of a random runner out in the Lake District, or somewhere beautiful. I like the hills and I want to enjoy them.
How do you get through those tough runs when you just can’t be bothered?
The hard part is getting out of the door. If I can manage that, I’m generally ok. One thing I find is running out and back routes; that means you’ve got to keep going otherwise you’ll never get home.
What are your plans for 2018?
I’m sixty this year and I have a personal goal that I’ll tell you about when and if I achieve it. It’s probably more than an overweight late-middle aged bloke should be doing, so I’ll keep it under my hat for a while. I’m desperately trying to lose weight and to get generally stronger, but I find that it’s hard to balance everything. It’s great to know that I can do ten back squats lifting 80 kilos, but it gets my legs so tired, I can’t run up hills for days afterwards.
I guess that my real goal is to stay injury free, to enjoy running and to be out along the canal and in the hills as much as I can.
Eddie thanks a million for this interview. Can’t wait to hear more about your personal goal. Also to seeing you again for our #Run1000Miles Challenge 2018. Enjoy another awesome year 
All the best
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In this enlightening interview, Lynne AKA “Jogonhijabi”, talks about the importance of running and joy of #Parkrun.
How did you get into running and why?
I have always enjoyed regular cardio exercise at the gym however never ran outside until I signed up for a 5k Race4Life in March 2015. I was motivated to join the Pink Army as I liked the idea of all ladies together running for such a great cause. I had recently lost my Nan to cancer and whenever I saw a advert for cancer fundraising I would start to cry so I decided to raise money and and run in her memory. I was going through a stressful period in my life then and despite starting my training in December 2014 I loved being outside running through my thoughts.
What has running given you?
I soon found that running was a great stress relief and helped me work through some difficult emotions. I had also been diagnosed with stress-related high blood pressure and found running helped alleviate the psychological distress which in turn improved my over all physical health and have not suffered with the physical symptoms of prolonged anxiety since. In Feb 2017 I joined a running club, Dagenham88 Runners, and discovered a whole new world. Having been consistently a lone runner, I was amazed to find such a varied community of people. The social aspect of running has further helped me to beat periods of low self-esteem and fluctuating moods. I have never met such a huge expanse of people so encouraging and positive that it lifts self-belief ten-fold. Runners have also helped me to have hope again in human nature whereby I have witnessed such great acts of kindness, selflessness and support.
What have you given to running?
Having experienced this support from other runners I like to give back what has been given to me. I have volunteered at Parkrun, cheered on the sidelines to other runners during races and turned up to track night when I am injured. I have run with runners when they are struggling at the back and kept them company so they could finish. A lot of running is about the psychological strength we need to get through to the finish line. Friendly, kind words of support work wonders in getting us there. Words and smiles cost nothing. I organised a 5km walk/run in my local park to raise money for charity and the majority of participants were non-runners. It was wonderful to support them and encourage them and praise them for their great achievement.
What do you love about Parkrun?
Parkrun really sets me up for the weekend. It is worth sacrificing a lie-in. Far more happy endorphins are produced staying active and meeting positive people than lying in bed. I love the fact people of all abilities and backgrounds get together globally each week for the mutual love of running and being healthy. The first day I went to Parkrun I did not know anyone but was quickly taken under the wing of the marshalls of Barking Parkrun and became newly adopted as one of the family.
The common stereotype about Muslim women who wear hijab (scarf or other coverings) is that we are weak, oppressed and have no voice. I want to show the world that on the contrary, we can be strong, self-assured and community spirited. While many might perceive that hijab holds us back, I want to demonstrate that it can be the powerful force that helps us reach our potential and beyond. Finding our true self is the ultimate goal for individuals. If a Muslim woman loves to wear hijab as part of her identity and she can go out and make a difference in this world then that is beautiful and she symbolises a purposeful life. Criticisms have been that hijab prevents integration in the UK and other populations. I hope to show that hijab does not get in the way of building and maintaining relationships in our society.
How else can we #empowermuslimwomen?
Have you ever experienced negative stereotypes while running?
How do you handle it?
Fundraising for Gambia how can people help?
VLM whats your hope?
Lynne, thank you so much for reflecting on your running story with us. The very best of luck with Virgin London Marathon 2018 and your fundraising.
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Our next interview is with Renee McGregor, Sports Nutritionist to sports people of all abilities, best selling author and keen runner. This promises to be a real education
Renee, how did you initially become interested in sports nutrition and dietetics?
I initially did a biochemistry degree with nutrition which I found absolutely fascinating and I actually thought I would end up in research. However my tutor encouraged me to look into Dietetics as he thought that it would really suit my skill set! I decided to take his advice and was lucky to be accepted on the post graduate course in Glasgow. I qualified as a registered dietitan and started working clinically within the NHS. I really enjoyed this for the first few years and I gained so much from these years of working. However I always knew that I wanted to work within sport. I was a very sporty child, always in the teams at school and continued to stay fit and complete challenges such as London to Brighton bike ride. After I had my two girls, I decided that I didn’t want to return to the NHS and so I took some time out to be a Mum to them but also to do a post graduate in applied sports nutrition. After the first lecture, I knew I had made the right career path. I loved being able to return to my biochemical roots and I guess the rest is history!
You say what you eat can make all the difference to your performance. How is this?
Although training is probably the most important aspect of performance, in order to get optimal results from your training, making sure you put the right fuel bore, during and after is a necessity. Training is a stimulus so if you are trying to increase speed for a 5k then your training will involve several sessions where you are working at very high intensity. You will need to ensure adequate carbohydrate before this session to actually achieve these high speeds and then post training, in order to help the muscles adapt from the stimulus it is important to re-fuel with both carbohydrate and protein.
How has sports nutrition developed, during your 14+ year career?
Its evolved significantly; it’s a science. As more and more studies demonstrate how nutrition impacts performance and recovery, it is being explored further in order to get that extra edge. Even since I qualified as a specific sports dietitian, thoughts around carbohydrates, protein, fats, hydration, energy requirements and portion sizes have changed significantly. We are seeing big differences between males and females; different ethnicities and sports which makes it a very exciting area to be involved in.
So the evidence base is developing rapidly. Look forward to reading more on that.
Do you think food intolerances are on the increase? If so why?
I don’t think there is a rise in food intolerances but I think more people are wanting something to blame/focus on for why they may be feeling tired, bloated etc. a lot of people do not realise that actually being dehydrated is the most common reason people get bloated. Similarly a lot of people will come to me and say, “I just can’t eat pasta, it bloats me!” a gain the reality is that when we eat carbohydrate, we tend to also hold onto more water. You can hold onto as much as 4g of water per g of carbohydrate so naturally you are going to feel a bit bloated especially if you have eaten a huge plate of pasta!
I think it has become very “faddy” to have an intolerance; however during my time in the NHS I worked in an allergy clinic where I saw real, legitimate allergies and intolerances and so I’m very cynical when someone tells me pasta makes them bloat!
That said I do work with individuals who do have legitimate issues, usually with a lot more severe symptoms who really benefit from excluding the culprit food item.
Do you feel we’re seeing a trend where people are returning to healthier foods and home cooking?
Yes, there seems to be a real think for “clean” eating. Personally I hate the term “clean” because it also suggests that eating food that are not in this list are “dirty”. I don’t believe in demonising any foods or ingredients because its all about balance. I do believe that if you prepare the majority of your meals with fresh ingredients then you are more likely to get a better balance of nutrients.
What advice would you offer to anyone considering going on a diet?
Don’t deprive; don’t over restrict and set realistic goals. When people embark on very restrictive or fad diets they do tend to lose a lot of “weight” in the first few weeks but the majority of this weight is loss of glycogen and fluid stores. You will also tend to lose more muscle mass which long term will be detrimental as a lower overall muscle mass will lower your metabolic rate. When I’m working with individuals who are trying to lose weight, the key is to lower overall energy intake, increase protein as this will retain muscle mass. Additionally protein tends to have a higher satiety value so it tends to fill you up for longer. I also never cut out carbs completely. I will advise on portions and timing so that no food is off limits. I usually also prescribe one “cheat” meal or pudding a week.
As part of my Lyme Disease treatment plan, the specialist advised going dairy free for a minimum of 3 months. Aside from using coconut oil as a butter substitute, what other tips could you share for anyone going dairy free?
The biggest mistake a lot of people make when going dairy free is not to replace it appropriately. With so many dairy free alternative milks available these days it can make it very confusing. I always recommend that individuals try to replace dairy with soya milk and products such as yoghurt. Soya is the closest match to dairy when it comes to protein and calcium. Many of the other milk alternatives available are very low in carbohydrate and protein so are not a good substitute. I also encourage dairy free alternatives that are high in calcium such as tahini, nut butters, green leafy veg and oily fish.
Thank you… What part does sport participation play in your own life?
It plays a huge part in my life. As I said I have always been involved in sport ever since school. I started running more competitively about 8 years ago; initially I just ran half marathons. In 2012 I was lucky enough to get a club place at London marathon; by this time I had been working with Holly Rush for a while (GB marathon and ultra marathon runner) and she offered to coach me. I took her up and was delighted by my time of 3.17. Holly has continued to coach, advise and inspire me!
Over the last few years I have moved away from road running and racing. I have a 3 year old Brittany spaniel and I love going for long exploratory runs with him surrounded by beautiful countryside. This has lead to me run a few ultras in the last couple of years and I’m hoping to go back to my favourite race, SBU35 at the end of August this year.
3.17!! That’s a fantastic time Renee You’ve got the ultra bug too which is great to hear.
Your recent feature in Trail Running Magazine highlighted 10 ‘hero’ foods. Any others to suggest for runners?
My Hero foods are definitely not an exhaustive list and they are transferable across all sports. As with all sports its not really about individual foods but more about the combination of foods around training.
What dangers are there associated with individual superfoods?
The problem with using the term “super food” is that it sends a false message –instantly individuals assume that if they include this one wonder product in their diet, it wil make them instantly healthier. However just because you have a super green smoothie every morning it doesn’t stop you from developing health problem sor stop you from gaining excess weight if you are still over consuming in other areas. It also plays to the food manufacturers and retailers because as soon as something is deemed “super” it means they instantly hike the prices up too!
You have a concern about bad advice on nutrition from bloggers. How can anyone spot this more easily?
Food and health bloggers without formal qualifications are a real concern of mine. It took me 6 years of studying and several more years of researching to gain the knowledge and practical application of nutrition that I have today. Just because you have an interest in food doesn’t make you an expert of give you the right to prescribe advice to others. One of the major problems is that the term “nutritionist” is not protected. Anyone can all themselves a nutritionist whether they have a legitimate degree in nutrition or they have done a 6 week diploma course from the internet. There are also many alternative therapy courses such as nutritional therapy. None of these course are regulated by a governing body and so the advice they provide is not usually evidence based. As a Dietitian I am regulated by the British Dietetic association but also the Health Professions council. I have to abide by a strict code of conduct and all my advice needs to be evidence based.
Having just started reading your “Training Food” book I can begin to understand that. I hope my own Fuel Food comes up to scratch btw?!
It is fine – you are not advising individuals or suggesting they make major changes to their diets such as being gluten free or removing carbs or keeping clear of fruit without any evidence for making such claims.
Phew! How can effective sports nutrition help the mind?
I’m not sure if sports nutrition can specifically improve the mind but there have been many links with nutrition and general well being; if you eat well – a varied diet rich in nutrients, you generally reap the rewards. Some studies have shown getting the balance of n3 fatty acids can really improve cognitive function and there are many reports of how low Vitamin D levels can be linked to an increase risk of depression.
I saw in Robbie Britton’s latest blog post with ProFeet that you’re advising him. What general nutritional advice would you offer ultra runners?
I think its very difficult to give general advice as no two people are the same. I always like to work with the individual, get to know their goals both from a body composition point of view but also from a performance point of view. This will very much shape my advice. However I guess in general terms ultra runners really need to learn to tailor their nutritional intake to their training; there is no need for big bowls of porridge or pasta if you are going out for a long run at a low intensity. That said due to the general increase in training volume and “time on feet’ ultra runners will benefit from increasing their protein intake; this doesn’t mean eating huge portions post training but its more about having a small amount of protein at an increased frequency throughout the day. Increasing essential fatty acids can also help with inflammation. The other key thing ultra runners need to pay attention to is their salt inake, particularly during long runs and races. The sodium requirements per hour for most ultras are double that of a shorter race and many branded sports drinks will have no where near enough. I usually recommend using salt caps or sticks which ensures that you meet your requirements.
And what about for those from a short walk/run to a 10k?
Again it does come back to intensity. So if you are doing a high intensity 10K session then you need to make sure you put enough carbs in before and also replace them with protein after; however if you are walking, you will have enough energy stores within your body to meet the demands of this activity. However do remember to stay hydrated and keep on top of your salt intake if it particularly warm.
Your new book “Training Food” seems to have really tapped into people’s interest. Has the response surprised you?
Yes! I have been so overwhelmed by the response it has got but also really touched when people get in touch and let me know how much they have benefited. I also really like seeing all the pictures of the recipes they have made.
That’s pretty modest, given “Training Food” is Amazon’s #1 best seller in Fitness Training. What made you decide to write the book?
I was actually approached by the publishing company. One of the editors had been following my blogs and article sin magazines and liked the way that I made sports nutrition practical and accessible. She got in contact and we agreed to meet. The rest as they say is history!
What other books would you recommend to anyone interested in healthy sports nutrition or a healthy lifestyle?
That’s a really difficult question and I guess if I’m honest I don’t go looking! As I said earlier I stay clear of books written by individuals who are not qualified; there are so many that are based on their individual journey with food and nutrition and while this may be interesting, I think its important to remember that “one size does not fit all”. Just because a celebrity has written a book about going sugar or gluten free because it worked wanders for them, doesn’t mean they should impose their ideas onto the rest of the population.
What is the best nutritional advice someone has ever given you?
It’s a bit of a cliché but “a little of what you fancy does you know harm!”
Renee thank you very much indeed for this interview. Here’s to continued success for you and your “Eat Well Feel Fab” brand
In this inspiring interview, Lana Jane shares her running story, having been inspired to fund raise for Parkinson’s Disease.
What did you do with your time before running?
I always liked to keep fit. Having trained as a dancer from a young age, through to University (I did a Dance performance degree), my focus was always on fitness for health rather than just to look good. Mainly I did strength and core work, and particularly enjoyed classes involving weights and TRX. Running was something I shied away from, and certainly not something I was ever keen on doing
What made you decide on a marathon as your first running event?
My Uncle was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease a number of years ago. Having watched his rapid decline and the effect it has had on the family, I always felt helpless, which is very difficult when you are so close to someone suffering. He was very fortunate to receive a Deep Brain stimulation operation in 2011, which has certainly improved his quality of life tremendously, but still the disease is debilitating. I wanted to personally do something to help find a cure for this awful disease. I was so bad at running, 10 minutes was a stretch for me, and this was common knowledge amongst all my peers and family. One thing I knew people would donate towards would be me running a Marathon, particularly one as iconic as London. I entered VLM2014 in the April of 2013. In the October I discovered I had a place. I don’t know if I believe in fate, but given how difficult it is to get a place, I like to think it happened for a reason.
Family & friends are clearly important to you – how has your Uncle inspired you?
My Uncle is, and always has been, an incredible man. Growing up he was the life and soul of the party. Generous, kind, funny, you could not ask for a better Uncle, or person to look up to. He is my Dad’s best friend and therefore I was very fortunate growing up with him as such a huge part of my life. The effect this disease has on someone is impossible to describe, it would take hours, and there are so many side effects that many won’t be aware of. John has always maintained his sense of humour throughout his diagnoses and decline caused by the disease. He makes jokes about it, he will not be beaten by it, and his strength in the face of something he ultimately has no control over is impossible not to be inspired by.
I would love to say I would have the same attitude if faced with similar, but I truly think it takes a very rare character to deal with something like this the way he has. Whenever I feel I cannot be bothered to do a training session, I think of the fact he doesn’t get to make that decision. He never gets to choose whether to run or not, that decision was made for him, and this makes me so grateful for the simple fact I can do it whenever I want to.
Who or what else inspires you?
I am inspired by so many for so many reasons. My family have all got such strong morals and close bond that every day I want to do them proud. In running terms, I think its common to look up to faster and more experienced runners as I am always striving to do better, go further, run faster.
In truth, I think I am often more inspired by those people who take longer to cover the same distance and never give up. It’s hard to say that without sounding patronising, but I find it so inspiring watching those final runners who easily could have given up when they know they are at the back of the field of a big race, hardly anyone around to cheer them in. That takes true guts and commitment. A good friend I met on a running site was unfortunately plagued with injury last year and missed out on doing her first marathon (Brighton) in 2014. She completed it this year, basically two years of training to complete that one race. It was possibly my proudest moment, watching someone so determined to achieve their goal no matter what efforts it took.
Now you’ve just completed the London 2 Brighton Challenge 100km. How was it?
Tough! I went with a very different strategy to my usual ‘pace yourself and keep something in the tank’ on road marathons. My aim was to get as many miles under my belt whilst feeling good, knowing there would be low points further down the line.
The first 40km I got done in a relatively quick time and I felt amazing. Then my ITB issues flared up and to be honest it was touch and go for a while whether I would finish or not. I think a few friends who saw me on route expected me to have to drop given my awkward walk/shuffle. BUT, I was determined not to give in, and got a second wind when the knee eased off a bit.
The second half of my race was much slower – I could have pushed harder as fuelling had gone well and I otherwise felt strong, but I would then have risked pulling up entirely, and that was just not an option. The final hill over The Downs during the last 10km of the race was really tough. It’s a relentless climb and seems near impossible when you’ve already covered such a huge distance. You reach a checkpoint at the 88km mark and in front of you is this massive hill you’ve been heading towards for miles. But once you get to the top, the views are absolutely stunning and absolutely worth the pain.
Finishing was very emotional, I felt overwhelmed and I have to say I’m so proud of myself. This time two years ago I hadn’t even done my first race yet (British 10km in July in prep for London Marathon). To have completed 10 times that distance just doesn’t seem to have sunk in. It was the hardest thing I have ever done – but absolutely wonderful. I loved it!
Is most of your training goal or enjoyment driven?
Having started out very much hating every second of running, I was purely focused on the goal ahead – raise as much money for charity and get through the marathon. In the process I fell in love with running, and got a little race addicted. I think this is common when you first start improving, or certainly seems to be the case with the people I speak to. I find races are good as it gives me a goal, and something to strive towards. My training is always more diverse with the need for sprint intervals, hill repeats etc. But I am definitely more focused on enjoyment now, and a huge run in a park with no real idea of how far I am going to run or for how long is a great way to explore beautiful places. There is so much to see, and running is a great way of doing that.
So you’re not one for @stravawankers then?
Hahahaha! I think I have managed to avoid that tag. To be honest, it’s easy to get carried away with obsessing over pace, and beating segments etc. Because my training has been so focused and tailored to my goals, I haven’t been able to get distracted by those things thankfully – I can appreciate why people do. I also think whilst I would never even consider logging a walk around a shopping centre for instance, if it makes people more aware of their fitness and health, then that’s only a good thing. But no, I certainly wont be logging myself mowing the lawn any time soon!
How do you get through the emotional and physical battles on such endurance events?
The mental side is the biggest challenge. I know I have the fitness for it now. The work for races tends to come before, and as long as I work hard and eat right, the only worry is injury. Seeing a physio regularly has been a great way of keeping my body at its best. I do rehab exercises before I am even injured, because I know my weak areas and don’t want to find a problem too late and be out for weeks trying to fix it.
But mentally it is tougher. It is also tougher the longer you are out there for. Sprinting a 10km tends to hurt from start to end, but you know its over relatively quickly. An endurance event tends to just slowly get tougher, and so much time in your own head, you do end up questioning everything. It’s a constant battle of ‘can I do this, I could just stop, ouch is that a niggle or a real injury, my goodness I can’t do it, what was I thinking’. I think I put too much pressure on myself sometimes because I am raising money for charity for this event, which means I always panic that I will let people down, and that can easily put you in a negative state of mind. But equally it’s an extra push when I am suffering and considering giving up. That combined with the knowledge that every time I have thought I won’t make it, I have, I think mentally I am stubborn enough to make it. There’s a lot to be said for being stubborn (a family trait I have picked up!)
Haha! You’re clearly driven by challenges – what others are on your bucket list?
My bucket list tends to have two new things added every time I tick one off! There are a few races I am desperate to do – Comrades, Marathon Des Sables, New York Marathon, Race to the Stones. There are so many beautiful places to run now I am keen to explore a bit more. I also have a Skydive to do soon – this is something I am so excited about. To be honest if someone came to me with a challenge I would probably say yes before even considering what it was – I love testing myself. Any ideas?
How about Amalfi Coast Trail – or a Lost Worlds Racing event?
That is some bucket list Lana! What lessons would you pass on to fellow runners?
Don’t go too fast when you start – it’s so easily done. Go slower and cover more distance then slowly build up pace. Also, it hurts. I know so many people who told me it wasn’t getting easier, even though their stats showed they’d gone faster or further. It doesn’t get easier, you just get faster I think is the saying. Also switch it up a bit. Always going out and covering the same route and same distance at the same pace gets monotonous. Explore new places, add in hills, do some sprint sections. All of this helps improve your running, but even if you’re not looking to improve, it keeps it exciting and interesting.
What’s the best running advice you’ve ever been given?
Turn off your watch. I went through a stage where I hit a rut and panicked every time my pace wasn’t quite the same as normal. This also happened during a race recently, and the second I stopped looking at pace I felt far calmer. My second half without the watch ended up exactly the same pace as my first half with the watch – it showed me you must trust your body, don’t rely on technology as it can get the better of you!
Very true. What has the running community given you?
Without it I don’t know if I would have made it to my first marathon. The support and advice is incredible, and chatting with such a diverse selection of people, all different levels of achievements and goals, makes it much easier to be confident in yourself and your own abilities. I honestly feel a sense of belonging within the community, but it also gives me accountability knowing others look up to me (regardless of whether I believe they should or not) – I can now give newcomers the advice and support I was given when I started.
What would you say to anyone thinking about taking up jogging/running?
DO it. You probably won’t like it at first, I didn’t. But stick with it and you will find a new joy, a new way to explore, and a great way to keep fit. You’ll also find an amazing community to be a part of!
In three words, describe your running story.
Unexpected. Determined. Euphoric.
Lana thank you so much for sharing your story. What you’ve achieved so far is incredible and shows how we can surpass our expectations when we have a cause. Can’t wait to hear how you get on with your skydive! #ThisGirlCan
p.s. Lana’s favourite post-run food is not as healthy as her usual clean diet. But then that’s the beauty of running
If you’re inspired by Lana’s story and want to get more active, visit BBC ‘Get Involved’
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