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 interview, he shares the motivations, trials and teachings from his 2016 adventures.
Brendan, how did you get into running?
I stared running in 2006, it was actually a bet on a drunken night. A group of us agreed to run the Wilmslow Half Marathon 3 months later. So with no experience I would get up at 6am before work and run/walk from lamp post to lamp post. I hated it to begin with but once I built up periods of running I started to really enjoy it. This was the start of a life transformation from debt, partying and being unhealthy to becoming more healthy and my early morning runs would wake me up and start my day so well.
What inspired you to start fundraising?
My 1st trip to Malawi in 2008 was the start of fundraising, visiting one of the poorest countries in the world had a huge impact on my life. Behind the extreme poverty the people showed incredible resilience, I was welcomed with open arms and the smiles, laughter, singing and the dancing gave me such an appreciation for life.
In 2009 I returned to Malawi visiting FOMO (Friends of Mulanje Orphans) an orphan care programme. I spent 3 weeks there and witnessed the incredible work they do supporting 4,500 orphans and that inspired me to fund raise for them for the last 7 years.
What was the ‘Why’ behind your Malawi challenge?
So after traveling between 2012 and 2015 I had returned to the UK inspired to return to my favourite country Malawi. The last time I was there was 2009 and really wanted to return.
During these years of travel I had not been running so the combination of wanting to raise money, getting back to fitness and having the idea that the best way to see a country is by foot the idea of Running Malawi was born.
I had met with FOMO and asked if I could have a fund raising project. The run was to raise £35,000 to build a Science Block for their Independent Secondary school. Education is something I am also passionate about.
How do you plan and train for over 1100km 27 days?!
In 2015 I was back training quite hard, and over the summer had completed 3 marathons in 12 weeks, ran 2 ultra marathons a 50km and 58km and ended the summer running the famous Wainwright Coast to Coast 192 miles in 8 days. That gave me the confidence to complete running the length of Malawi.
I would also train most days covering 20 miles a day this would in include a walk/run training plan where it was not about speed but just being on my feet most days for 20 miles.
I also introduced cycling in the afternoons.
Goodness me! How did you get through tough moments?
There were a few tough moments through out the run – when I got sick and had terrible stomach problems, also my legs swelled, running a marathon a day for 27 days was going to be tough in the heat, I didn’t have the luxury of showers, a bed, variety of food. Instead we were camping, showered with a bucket of water and ate rice, veg and chicken most days.
But all of these things were put into perspective as the poverty I witnessed daily was so extreme. The 1st school we camped at the classrooms were falling down many not even having a roof.
That was the drive behind the tough moment’s that I was so determined to make a difference and in my head kept thinking all of these tougher moments are just short term – keep thinking of raising that money and building that school block for these incredible children.
Every day I would be joined by so many children this also helped me a lot especially when it started to get hot – its great to have company.
What did your daily nutrition typically consist of?
It was quite limited what we did have to eat. In the mornings I had a rice porridge and peanut butter and jam bread rolls. Lunch and evening meal would be rice, pasta with veg and chicken.
What is your most treasured memory of Malawi?
My most treasured memory of running Malawi has to be when I met Ganizani a little boy who was 12. His parents had died and he was disabled. His life was dragging himself along the floor I found this extremely difficult but returning a few days after I had finished the run with a wheel chair was so overwhelming.
There are so many special moments it’s so hard to choose just one. The whole run was completely out of this world.
Describe JOGLE in three words.
Immense – Spectacular – Freedom
How was it different to running Malawi?
Running JOGLE was completely different than running Malawi. In Malawi I had a support team and Emma cycling close by, I had far more challenges in Malawi heat, limited choice of food and camping every night.
Running JOGLE I was running alone, I did have company a few days. I could stop when I wanted to cafes, I could stay in a hostel if I wanted to rather than camp. Also because I was running alone my mental focus was greater.
What have your challenges taught you about people?
Running Malawi the people and children were just so overwhelming having them join me it was crazy.
Running JOGLE I experienced so much kindness with people offering a free bed for the night, people would pay for my lunch/food and people I met along the way would donate. I loved how both runs pulled people together in a positive way.
What motivates you?
I want to gain and grow through experiences so if I can combine a run/adventure with fundraising then I get the perfect mix. A lot of what motivates me is making a difference changing a life.
Cairo to Cape Town! Tell us more…
Its something that has been in my head for a while, it’s a huge challenge and I really do believe I could do it. Its just when. Its early days but I think I would need to run the coast to coast of Africa before I make decision.
Coast to coast of Africa before the length?! Can anyone do such challenges?
I think everyone has the potential to do far more than what we believe. I think it’s circumstances that can hold people back sometimes, jobs, debts, children.
I do think however people should take more risks instead of something in your head is an idea make it a reality. Start smaller and who knows where it may end up. I think challenges can be made pretty cheap, and they don’t have to be in another county. Great Britain has so many places to set a unique and special challenge.
courtesy B Rendall
Suggestions to #getoutside?
We are in a time of screens, people being more stressed, working more so it’s now that getting outside is so important.
Its free walking, running or cycling lose your self in your surroundings, it’s the best therapy.
Any other plans for 2017?
In 2017 I plan to do some races over 10km – marathon I would like to get a bit of speed back, improve my times over those distances. Run Hadrian’s Wall and also the Wales coastal path.
In August I am also running a 200 mile Ultra race.
Bren, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Your fundraising and challenges are inspiring to myself and many many others. We look forward to following your adventures in 2017 and beyond
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Passionate about running, adventure, environmentalism, travel, mountains and so much more… Jen and Sim Benson share their experiences with us
Jen and Sim, you’re best known for your “Wild Running” book, a superb guide for anyone wishing to explore British trails and fells. Out of the 150 runs detailed, which routes are your favourites?
We love so many of the routes we included, it’s hard to pick favourites, however some definitely have sentimental value. We have two young children so these days we rarely get out together, however in the past we had some amazing times running. We lived in the Peak District for a couple of years and the Bakewell and Chatsworth Loop was one of our regular runs – it’s a cracker! We’ve also had some great adventures on the Cotswold Way, which features a couple of times in the book. Finally, the South West Coast Path, particularly the Cornish part, is a real favourite and we’ve run, climbed, walked and raced all along it, most memorably when we ran the 45-mile Classic Quarter together. We’re looking forward to the time when we can all go running as a family.
And your favourite route abroad to date?
There’s so much to do in Britain that we haven’t spent much time exploring the running abroad yet, but there are some awesome trails in the Alps.
How did you both get into running?
We were both active kids – always climbing trees, riding our bikes and getting into mischief. Since then it’s something we’ve always done, initially as a way to keep fit and then as a passion.
Was this always trail / fell?
We do quite a mixture really. When we’re in places where there’s great off-road running (which is admittedly quite a lot) we make the most of it, but we both enjoy a bit of road running too.
How did you progress to marathons, ultras, Ironman events, mountain marathons ,adventure races and the like?
Do you have a mantra?
Sim: Strong knees, strong ankles, sure feet.
Jen: If it was easy everyone would be doing it.
© High Terrain Events http://www.highterrainevents.co.uk/
What would you say to anyone considering trail running?
Do it! Start with a little bit and build up. The demands of running off-road on your body are quite different from road running so it can take a while to get used to that, but the key is little and often and to increase speed and distance as you feel able. It’s a great way to mix up your training and a fantastic way to see the world. It’s given us so much: friendship, self-reliance, a deep appreciation and knowledge of the country we live in and it’s brilliant for mind and body too. And don’t be afraid to explore – it’s easy to get stuck in a routine of specific running routes, but it can be incredibly rewarding to try somewhere new and different. That’s part of the reason we wrote our “Wild Running” book, as we loved exploring but would often end up running along an A road trying to find the next bit of footpath. The book is an introduction to trails all over the country so runners can get a taste of the fantastic variety of running here.
What has been your favourite event to date?
We did the Endurancelife Coast to Coast Extreme a few years back. It starts on Devon’s most northerly point at around 11pm and you run, cycle and kayak non-stop to Devon’s most southerly point, about 150 miles away. It was an incredible experience to have together, exploring our home county and supporting each other’s highs and lows along the way. We still talk about it now!
How have you found contributing to Trail Running magazine and others like Running Fitness magazine?
It’s great being part of teams that are as passionate about running as we are. We like the challenge and satisfaction of producing a regular feature, making sure it’s as well-written and researched as possible, finding our favourite photos to go alongside it and then the excitement of actually seeing it in print. We’re doing quite a lot of gear reviews for Trail Running mag at the moment and it’s great to research all the brands and manufacturing processes as part of that. It’s taught us a lot about corporate responsibility and what to look for when buying kit. It’s great getting to test out all the latest gear too and being involved in the exciting new development and innovation that’s continually happening in this area.
You’re very positive about environmentally-conscious running and adventure. How can we encourage more of this?
We think part of loving and appreciating beautiful places is taking ownership for the way we treat them. Running is a low-impact way to explore, causing relatively little damage to the landscape and with minimal requirement for equipment. Humans are incredibly efficient distance runners so it seems like a perfect sport in a world where resources are so precious. Car-use is something we all have to be conscious of, and we’re trying to encourage race organisers to put public transport-friendly options in place and to find routes that are possible to run without using a car. Unfortunately, due to their remote nature, this isn’t possible in many wilder locations, but we think driving should always be a considered decision rather than a default one. We’re also keen to work with organisations to make sure recreational use of their places is low impact and works with their conservation aims. Many are having to diversify to generate additional income but it’s important for this to be a low-impact as possible. As an example, when devising routes through forest and woodland, we’ll work closely with relevant organisations to make sure important habitat isn’t disturbed and that proposed routes fit in with the management of the area.
© Dave MacLeod http://www.davemacleod.com/
What’s the best running advice each of you have been given?
Jen: Take short cuts in races, but never in training.
What is your favourite running fuel? Any recipe suggestions?
We usually have a Nakd bar with us on longer runs. We’re verging on vegan, as in we don’t eat meat or dairy but will will eat eggs from our own hens! Eating lots of organic veg and grains feels like it does a good job of fuelling and recovery – our favourite meal is probably sweet potato and spinach curry with rice and dhal.
Pre-planned route or just ‘go where it takes us’?
It’s good to mix it up. We have set training runs that we’ll do every day, but then once or twice a week it’s great to go exploring, get lost for a bit and feel the ‘wildness’ of a place.
What adventures are you planning for 2016?
We spent the past 18 months living a nomadic life, camping most of the time, exploring Britain’s greenery. We now have a house and a garden that we’re turning in a but veg patch, so we’re going to be getting that in shape and training hard for some key races later in the year.
Jen, Sim thank you so much I’m sure your words and those amazing shots will have people desperate to get out onto the trails!
‘Outfit Joe‘ shares his passion for fitness, off-road running and some great routes
Joe, to say you are passionate about health and fitness and well being is an understatement! How did you get into personal training?
Okay, imagine you’re promoting rural North Wales. Why should we come there to run?North Wales is wonderfully accessible, and the variety of scenery within relatively short distances is truly world class. The stunning mountain, woodland and coastal scenery apart, I do believe that a trail run should be also be an education – Wales’ mixture of landscape and interest with regards to human and natural history is unrivalled. Quick example, a 10 mile trail run from the Conwy valley can see you scale a rugged 2000ft peak, run on a roman road into the heart of the mountains, pass a centuries old druid circle right above the coast, and get a birds eye view of arguably, King Edwards’ most impressive 13th century Castle and town walls, at Conwy. What’s more, theres something for everyone here, for those taking their first tentative steps onto the trails or for hardened trail runners who like rugged, technical routes.
Ah thats tough, there are so many and I’ll tend to avoid repeating runs too much. However, I’ll give you a long day, a 10 miler and a shorty:
Image courtesy www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Image courtesy www.mudandroutes.com
You’ve just helped with a guided trail run for WalkRun Clwydian. What range of people and abilities attended?
Depends on the run itself of course, but I’ll use yesterday’s as an example – 13km of hilly trails from Conwy. We had a road runner who was a first timer on the trails, whilst also having folk there who’d run numerous trail half marathons. There is always a range, even if you’re group consists only of 2 – everybody is different. It’s to me to manage the group effectively so that everybody has a safe, and enjoyable time. The key is knowing the area well, knowing the terrain well and peoples ability to cover it and the also weather conditions must be taken into account.
Excellent to see all-inclusive off-road runs. What do you love about trail running?
Trail Running is a wonderfully simple, natural way to exercise. We are built to be running around outside. It takes me to wonderful places – beautiful places. I have walked, cycled and ran the length and breadth of the country to an extent and I’m still finding new routes and places to explore through Trail Running. I shall continue to do so until my body doesn’t let me! Then I’ll walk – which I also love! Trail terrain is generally much less responsive than the road of course, so the joints appreciate that and are also stronger because of the uneven terrain that the joint stabilisers are dealing with. It’s a real thorough, mental and physical challenge that anyone can take on and benefit from.
What other fitness training do you enjoy?
I teach and therefore practice Pilates – I’m convinced its the reason I don’t get injured generally, despite covering around 450km per month on foot. I also enjoy Walking, Cycling, Nordic Walking and some body weight resistance work.
Could you tell us more about OutFit please?
OutFit Personal Fitness Ltd was established in 2007 – I’d spent 6 years working in the industry to some degree already, and after returning to North Wales after successful periods working overseas and in London – it was a good time to settle and establish something going forwards which reflected my belief that exercising outdoors has great benefits. There is an emphasis on quality with what I do – and its certainly not ‘mass market.’ Despite the growth in outdoor boot camps and assault course type challenges, that’s just not me. The group sessions are kept fairly small as I want people to have a personal experience – I want to have time to engage with my clients on each session and address their specific needs to some extent in every single one. These sessions alongside Personal Training, workshops, events and guided activities result in people getting out and enjoying their local environment, whilst improving their health and well being…all positive stuff!
You’ve helped a tremendous number of people achieve their health and fitness goals. What have you yourself learned through this?
What has been your own greatest challenge to date?Trail running wise – probably The Lyke Wake Race 2014 – 42 mile Ultra marathon where the distance wasn’t really the issue. Very hot day, totally exposed to the sun up on the North York Moors. Tough tough work. Felt very rough at 18 miles, doubts were present but very pleased with the way I pulled through, physically and mentally – to finish (relatively!) strongly in 8:58.
What is your own training regime?
I don’t really have anything too structured – as when I’m not working I’m resting, particularly enjoying a young family! I do like a run or walk to relax though, I like to head off to the hills for a trot or maybe something sharper if time is short, but I certainly don’t have anything structured that I stick to – I just make sure my activity is balanced. I enjoy competing in races but just rely on my general fitness levels. Pilates keeps me strong and supple, and injury free! My job keeps me fit so generally speaking, I’m happy with where I’m at, fitness wise.
What are the mind benefits of exercise in your view?
Massive, its now proven. Especially the benefits of outdoor exercise on mental health. It acts as a distraction, gives confidence, enhances social engagement and I see every week people grow with regards to this. For things like general stress and even GAD and mild depression – exercise can really act as a positive treatment, without the nasty side effects of a lot of medications!
3 favourite fuel foods, go:
1. Pre-run: Poached egg on wholemeal toast.
2. During: TORQ Raspberry Ripple energy gel.
3. Post-run: Chilli with Rice.
North Wales aside, where are your favourite places to run UK or abroad?
Domestically, The Lake District – so compact and beautiful – and New Zealand…..just amazing.
What is your favourite bit of trail running kit and why?
My Tiny Sun Head1000pro head torch. Great piece of kit that opens up so many possibilities!
Do you have a mantra?
Whoever you are, whatever your goal, get out there and enjoy the view.
What a way to end Thanks so much Joe for sharing your experiences. Hope you really enjoy the rest of 2016 and your company continues to do well.
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.
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!
]]>Graham, you’re probably best known for the Lakeland Trails. What is the ethos behind these?
I started the Lakeland Trails in 2004 out of sheer frustration – I’d been moaning for years that our area of the world (the Lake District) didn’t have comparable events to the all inclusive, European mountain trail running scene. I’d been lucky enough to run in some amazing trail running events all over the world, and wanted to bring something similar to the Lakes. It just so happened that I’d reached that age when competitive running was losing it’s appeal, and I wasn’t interested in chasing veteran classes. I was working part time as an Optometrist and had time on my hands, so I thought I’d put something back into the sport that has given me so much pleasure. I tried to bring all the best bits from my years of international running experiences into family friendly, festival trail running events.
The first event in 2004 had just 80 competitors, this year over 11,000 competitors will take part in our Lakeland Trails and Ultimate Trails events.
What do you think is behind the surge in Trail Running participation?
What’s really surprising to me is that it took so long! The trail running scene had been huge everywhere else in the world for more than 30 years even before I started the Lakeland Trails. I guess us Brits take some time to adapt to new things and I’m as guilty as anyone – I spent years making fun of people walking and running with poles and now I use them all the time! Now the big brands are pushing their trail running product, it looks like there will be even more growth in the near future. 
Once runners get off road, appreciate the beauty of running in our natural environment, then it’s understandable that they seldom return to the mass participation road races chasing times.
Yes indeed, I myself was hooked after doing the Helvellyn 15km
Give us some behind-the-scenes Race Director insight on event day.
Each one is different, as our events take place throughout the year and move around to different locations. Being based in the Lake District, the biggest single factor for us is the weather conditions leading up to and on event day – we base every event on the maxim “plan for a hurricane, expect a heat wave”.
We also have a great team involved with the Lakeland Trails events – many are volunteers and some have been involved since we started 12 years ago! My role is really like the conductor of an orchestra – I’m there at the front, but I’m sure they could play just as well without me. Everyone knows their role inside out and I just let everyone get on with it. At some events we have over 100 marshals, stewards, volunteers, event crew etc to manage, so it’s important to have really good systems in place.
I only have limited insight having volunteered for the Ullswater 14km. How does being Race Director differ to your previous life as an international orienteer and mountain runner?
Organising and delivering an event as a Race Director is exactly the same as the preparations used when training for a big International running competition. Making a comprehensive plan beforehand, making sure everything is covered down to the smallest detail in good time before the event – this follows very similar lines to an elite training programme. Even “tapering” in the days before an event, taking time out on the hills, so I’m well rested mentally to deal with any “wild cards” often imposed by the weather. Once you know all the hard work’s been done and nothing has been left to chance, you can get on with enjoying the event and making sure you put on the best show possible. Afterwards, you can relax and enjoy a few well earned beers before the process starts all over again!
Picture from mirror.co.uk 10.09.15
Any amazing runner stories you could share from participants of Lakeland Trails or Ultimate Trails?
Yes, there are loads. There’s one happening right now. Rich Walker, a member of Kendal Mountain Rescue, three years ago helped with marshalling our Staveley event (the event supports the KMR financially). He really enjoyed it and then helped with marshalling our first Ultimate Trails, ultra marathon, camping out on Garburn Pass with his wife Zoe. Seeing all the ultra runners inspired him enough to want to take part in this year’s UT55. He’s not a runner, and he started training, and made it to the start line on 27th June. What was really remarkable, was that he was waiting for a kidney transplant and his consultant had advised him against even training for the event. Rich found great strength and focus from his training, which helped him cope with the uncertainty surrounding his medical condition. He set off on the UT55 raising funds for the Mountain Rescue, although on the day the hot weather defeated him and he took the sensible decision to retire. On 22nd August Rich had a successful kidney transplant operation and recuperated in hospital. He came home yesterday and is making good progress. I just know he’ll make the start line for the UT55 on 2nd July next year and finish off the job!
Incredible! Rich will no doubt inspire hundreds (if not thousands!) of runners with his courage and attitude
What would you say to someone considering their first off-road run?
Easy – log on to www.lakelandtrails.org and book.
Haha, well said – that’s what I did afterall!
You recently became a member of the Bob Graham 24 Hour Club. How would you describe your experience on the day and in getting to that stage?
My dad did his Bob Graham Round when I was 18 months old, so I guess it all started then! I’ve been a fell runner pretty much all my life, so the BG was always one to put on the running CV at some stage. It’s regarded very much as a right of passage for fell runners of a certain age, maybe the last big thing to achieve before going firmly downhill!!? There’s a lot of luck involved, with training, injuries, weather, etc so it was a real honour for me to achieve a sub 24 hr round in May this year. I loved every minute of it – if anything, the training even more than the day itself. If anyone was interested in the full story you can read it here.
Graham start of BGR with Ash and Helen Jackson
Graham BGR Training near Kentmere
BGR end of Leg 3, Wasdale
Graham celebrating BGR with Ash and Claire
It really was inspiring Graham….and your next challenge?
I’m pleased you found it inspiring Jeff, you’ll have to pencil the BGR in for the future!!
I am one of those people who need to have a goal and a challenge to aim for, although at my stage in life, I want to also relish every step of the way, so there’s no rush to achieve this or that. I’ve pencilled in the Joss Naylor Challenge for next year – although it’s shorter than the “Bob” it has quite a tight time limit and it’s only open to old gits like me who are over 50! For the rest of this year I’m enjoying ticking off all the Wainwright summits again (I did all of these last year). I love planning new routes, and the Wainwrights offer a chance to take me to less frequented parts of the Lake District that I wouldn’t visit otherwise. My last jaunt took in 14 summits on a perfect summer’s day with views to die for and hardly anyone about, the “high point” literally was at the summit of Grasmoor when I watched a rare Ring Ouzel close up for around 5 minutes.
Funnily enough the BGR is on my mind Graham. I’ll be sure to tap you up for advice
From who or what do you get your inspiration?
Throughout my life I’ve been lucky enough to meet and get to know some incredibly inspiring
individuals from the sporting world. The ones I’m drawn to aren’t necessarily the most successful runners, but they are those who still have that spark of life, those true adventurers who do things because they want to, because they sound like fun and a good idea at the time. I guess those people have shaped my own aspirations and ambitions.
What is your favourite trail running route?
From my house in Kendal, through Serpentine Woods, across the golf course, over the by-pass, up onto Cunswick Scar, along to the “mushroom” look out on Scout Scar, then back across the old Racecourse to Kendal. I must have run this five mile route hundreds of times and I’ve never tired of it yet!
What is your favourite sports nutrition pre-race and post-race?
Completely off the radar for me – I just eat what I feel like before and after a race. When I started running in my teens (in the 70’s) there just wasn’t any sports nutrition product available, so I’ve got used to “real” food. It literally could be anything.
Can’t beat ‘real food’. Any running / activity books you could recommend?
Plenty – I’m an avid reader and love a good book. Whilst there’s a lot of running trash out there, I just love “Born To Run” by Chris McDougall; I think “Ghost Runner” by Bill Jones is a great story, but one of the best ones I’ve come across isn’t marketed as a “running” book at all – “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand – absolutely brilliant!
What is your running mantra?
Have a good time all the time!
Graham winter training
Excellent! Graham, thank you very much for this interview. You’ve helped thousands of people to discover the joys of #trailrunning and I’m pretty certain the vast majority of us have never looked back
Just to remind you, Graham’s story of his BGR is a superb read. Real insight to the joy and pain of preparation, the effort and rewards of success
Yours in sport!
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