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!Â
We are delighted to interview the “tour de force” of trail running that is Claire Maxted. Claire shares her thoughts on her own trail running adventures, the trail running community, oh and a bit of food Enjoy!
Claire, since launching Trail Running magazine in May 2010 you’ve take the publication from strength to strength. What is behind its increasing appeal?
These days, increasingly, people are craving experience and adventure over material goods. Trail running, ultra running and adventure racing is the new Porsche!
How did you get into trail running yourself?
I hated running at school so much I actually developed a slight phobia of it, feeling panicked beforehand & finding excuses not to. At uni, drinking a lot of beer I first realised I might get a bit fat! And I wanted to do a triathlon and adventure races which required running. I wanted to beat my phobia, keep fit & lean, & do these exciting races so I conquered my fear by just doing running. I joined a club too which really helps & makes you get out there even when you don’t want to. Now I LOOK FORWARD to running, and edit a running mag! Who’d have thunk it?
Superb! And what is your favourite local route?
Ooh tricky! I absolutely love my solo Saturday silence runs (the one time I’m not chatting & totally alone lol!) around Yawell Quarry, Southwick Woods and Warmington to Elton villages near Peterborough. The thing I love most is just choosing the route on a whim, like the views and trails they are old, welcoming friends I can revisit when I feel like it.
Where are your other favourite places to run and why?
The Peak District, the Lake District, obviously, but mainly exploring new and unexpected places. Like recently I was on a course in Warsall, Birmingham, and found a brilliant route around Sutton Nature Reserve without a map, just went exploring.
In three words please describe The Coastal Challenge…
Argh! Too! Hot!
What did you learn about yourself in doing this?
That my mind is the power. If I’d have wanted to finish it, I would. I’ve been in worse pain & more tired. But for the first time in my life I let myself quit because I wasn’t enjoying the insane heat. I’m not proud of that DNF but it will make me only enter races I really want to do in future (ie not hot ones) despite being tempted by all the exciting challenges on offer through my position at Trail Running mag.
What key advice would you give anyone preparing for their first multi-stage race/event?
Ha ha ha, probably train with Rory Coleman! He will definitely get you through and is worth every penny if you pay attention to him. Respect the challenge. Understand that good training will require a substantial proportion of your time so you must make sure you can fit this around your family, work & friends, and that you will enjoy this training journey. It’s not all about that week of racing but the months of prep beforehand.
You also completed the Bob Graham Round (BGR) in 2013, in a magnificent 26hrs 36mins. Will you be trying this again?
YES! It very much scares me but I really really want to be able to say “I’ve done the BG” without the “but it was outside 24hrs” on the end. 2017 is he plan, come and support me!
What do you most enjoy about editing Trail Running magazine?
The absolutely AMAZING people in this sport, the readers, the athletes, the team I work with, the kindness & enthusiasm of all is quite simply astounding. I will never get tired of it, it gives me my energy.
Where do you get your boundless enthusiasm from?
Ha ha I just answered that above without realising it would be the next question. I don’t know! It does take a lot out of me, I need a lot of sleep and I do get exhausted, but it just doesn’t take a lot to get me excitable. My other half likens me to a spaniel…
Ha ha okay, so what does the spaniel’s typical weekly training consist of?
Every morning 10mins core, plank, press ups, medial glute, ab crunches and pelvic floor exercises.
- Mon – Rest & yoga
- Tue – Run club 7-8miles threshold/long intervals
- Wed – Rest or 7 miles steady if training for a long or multi-dayer
- Thu – Hills (e.g. 8 X 60 sec efforts after 2 mile jog warm up)
- Fri – Rest (sometimes dancing at a parrrrrtay!)
- Sat – 10-15miles long steady run about 150bpm
- Sun – 10-20 miles LSR same HR
Goodness! Okay now to food… Sweet or savoury?
Ooh both, depending on mood. I am well known for ordering salty fat chips and an apple crumble with custard after a race!
Circular or point to point?
Ooh also both! I just like variety I suppose. But I do like races that are a journey so maybe point to point actually.
Morning or evening runner?
I like morning. I wake up with a lot of energy and like to get my run done so it doesn’t get missed by being busy.
You can’t beat a morning run! Now… 3 favourite fuel foods, go:
- Pre-run: 2 eggs with mushrooms & maybe a slice of toast a couple of hours before, then just prior, not much – recently a couple of almonds with a sugary earl grey coating from M&S, check them out!
- During: Not usually anything, even on my 20 milers. Gels don’t agree with me. Chia flapjacks are great.
- Post-run: Now we’re talking. Salty chips, apple crumble with custard and ice cream.
How would you describe the trail running community?
Fantastic! Enthusiastic, welcoming, fun, adventurous, exciting, lovely, supportive of each other. Wonderful and it is an absolute pleasure to be part of it.
What’s the best advice anyone has given you?
Treat yourself as you would a friend. I’m still trying…
What does the rest of 2016 have in store for you?
Oooh these are good questions Jeff!
- Keswick Mountain Festival 25k May
- Race To The King double marathon on the South Downs Way June
- Ice Bug Xperience 3-dayer Sept
- Great Eastern Run fast flat half marathon to test my speed endurance Oct.
Wow! An exciting year then Claire And what’s on your running playlist?
I never listen to music on my run cos I like to connect to my body, think about stuff, listen to birds chatting, be aware of my surroundings and I can’t be faffed with all the wires.
I love hearing it while running past it on a race though. Steel bands are a fave. I love radio 6 for my morning core exercises. I’m currently very into chilling out with This Is The Kit and Rozi Plain.
Lastly, what should Trail Running magazine readers look forward to most in forthcoming editions?
Very exciting articles on fell running greats Joss Naylor, Billy Bland & Kenny Stuart. I’d like us to do something on Ricky Lightfoot’s Winter BG and Mira Rai from Nepal too, and more brilliant routes from around the UK. Items on stretching, training despite injury, and many many inspiring photos of stunning trails to inspire readers, and their amazing stories too.
Brilliant! Claire thank you so much for sharing your passion for trail running and adventure. 2016 promises to be a very exciting year for you and Trail Running magazine readers
Jeff
* All image courtsey Claire Maxted Blog