© Outdoor Fitness
Damian, your friends say you’re “annoyingly cheerful”. How would you describe yourself?
Occasionally cheerful, always annoying? I’ve no idea. You’d have to ask other people. Oh wait, you did. Annoyingly cheerful it is then. Although, meet me 87 miles into a 100-miler and you’ll likely see a less cheerful side.
When are you at your most miserable?
87 miles into 100 milers. Especially if I’ve run out of trail mix.
In 3 words, describe your #SouthWestCoastPath FKT.
A. Looong. Run.
How cathartic were your ‘power sobs’?
They worked amazingly well. I felt emotionally refuelled after them and then usually had my best spell of running. They would only be five or 10 seconds at most, a mixture of chronic tiredness (I was averaging three hours’ sleep a night), anguish and guilt at being away from my children for so long. A quick dose of sweaty eyes and everything would feel okay again. I recommend a daily power sob to everyone. Read more at The Guardian.
You’ve said you were constantly rewarded by the generosity of strangers. Can you share a story related to this?
That was mostly down to the amazing Tom Jones (not that one). He was our crew man extraordinaire and I couldn’t have set an FKT on the South West Coast Path without him. He was so dedicated and forgiving of my lack of gratitude at the time. Anyway, he’s one of those people who just gets to know people, he likes talking to strangers. Often he’d be waiting for me up ahead somewhere and would get chatting and they’d learn what I was up to – and that I was fundraising too. When I turned up they would often put cash into my hand, or refuse to let me pay for hot food or a ferry ride. It was moving stuff and helped motivate me.
What’s next for @Damo_Hall then?
The Trail Running World Championships for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team in Portugal in October. Then some time off, before probably another FKT next year and some more exciting challenges and ultra-distance races – TBC, but at the moment UTMB is still very much on my mind.
Why are you happiest running in ‘lumpy places’?
I’m just not so excited by flat races. I like lumpy stuff. I like going up things. Then down the other side. There’s just something about wanting to get to, and then getting to, the horizon, isn’t there?
© Summit Fever Media/Contours Trail Running Holidays
What does running give you?
Huge endorphin highs. Work. Adventure. The chance to eat a lot of cake. Fulfilment. Emotions. Chafing in the bathing suit area.
From your 1st marathon in 2012 to elite Ultra runner 2016. Did you ever dream of coming so far in such a short time?
I still think people have got me confused with someone else when I see my name in the same sentence as the word “elite”. I don’t know where the line between elite and non-elite is drawn. I’ve never won an ultramarathon, but it’s flattering if people see me that way. I still feel like a newbie trying to suss this whole fascinating thing out. But the short answer is no, not at all. And I still don’t think I am one.
© Summit Fever Media/Contours Trail Running Holidays
Run slow to get running fast. How and why is this?
GB international ultra runner Marcus Scotney coached me for a spell and he believes in training with a heart rate monitor. Simply put, according to the principles of periodisation, your training should start with a block of running in Levels 1 and 2 only, slowly building fitness without destroying it by running too fast. You add strength and speed later, but that period of slow running is key. It really worked for me in 2015.
How do you find running through the night?
I love it. Less so, perhaps, five days into the Spine Race when you’re so tired you just sit down in the middle of the road to try and sleep but can’t because it’s too cold and then you start hallucinating that someone’s setting off Chinese lanterns to guide you the right way and you follow them but really they don’t exist and now you’re in the middle of a huge bog and deeply topographically befuddled and you might end up crying again. But usually, especially at UTMB when the stars are out and you’re in these huge mountains, it can be unspeakably wonderful.
© Summit Fever Media
How does walking benefit your running?
My current coach Ian Sharman is big on this. I guess above all it’s building strength, if done on hilly terrain, something that again has really helped me. But also in most 100 milers, especially UTMB with 10,000m of climb, there will be a lot of hiking and that needs to be efficient.
Why is the horror and torture of ultra running so rewarding?
It’s like Fight Club. Running stupid distances (rather than punching each other) makes us feel alive, when for much of the time our lives are very safe, predictable and unchallenging.
You seem to have adopted a more thoughtful approach to your 2016 Ultras. What did you change and why?
I raced less, trained more specifically and did more strength work. I had raced too much and with perhaps too much variety in 2015 – great fun though. I changed things because I wanted to improve.
Your favourite running foods?
Salty nuts. 33Shake gels and shakes. Shot Bloks. Fruit and salty noodle soup. Cake.
Nice! And your favourite running fluids?
Tea. I ruddy love tea. Chocolate milk. Smoothies. I loathe cola normally, but it can be good in ultras. Liquid calories are a great way to stay fuelled towards the end of longer races where eating sold stuff is unappealing.
© James MacKeddie/Inov-8
What is your favourite trail running memory?
Gah. So many. But it has to be finishing this year’s UTMB with my two kids – they had said they didn’t want to join me, but had changed their minds when I got back to Chamonix. It was well brill.
What have you learned from supposed ‘failures’?
I’ve been pretty lucky so far and would only really count one race as a failure, Lakeland 50 in 2014. That taught me not to undertrain, not to try and keep up with Kim Collison, to respect the heat and to steer clear of unmarked courses (unless they’re bona fide mountain marathons).
Your book “A Year On The Run” – any teasers for us?
Thanks for the plug. It’s an alternative history of human endurance, with some wonderful leftfield illustrations (not by me, by a proper artist dood). It includes legends like Emil Zátopek, Kilian Jornet, Yiannis Kouros, Lizzy Hawker, pedestrians, polar explorers and madcap folk who ran around the world. But also anecdotes about chronic misfortune, poison, big fibs, pre-race beer drinking and people who happily call themselves the Wily Wobbler. I love all that sort of stuff.
What motivates you?
Jeez. Isn’t it meant to be nice easy questions at the end, you rapscallion? I’d love to say, inspiring my children. But if I wasn’t a parent I’d be running anyway, so that’s only half true. Hmmm. I don’t really know. It’s work for me. And it’s not entirely without ego, either. Plus I have a lot of running shoes and don’t want to see them go to waste.
You achieved a fantastic 19th at UTMB. What plans for 2017?
So far it’s likely to be Marathon des Sables, a race about which I once said on Telegraph.co.uk is “incredibly expensive, more-famous-than-it-deserves-to-be, not all that demanding comparatively”. So I may well be eating some humble pie there. And probably UTMB again. I think I can do better. Though it might hurt more.
Haha, excellent! Well enjoy it Damian 
Damian is an ambassador for Contours Trail Running Holidays and for Inov-8 – the all-terrain running brand.
]]>Team Salomon and Red Bull athlete, Ryan Sandes is a record-breaking, multiple award-winning ultra runner. He spent some time talking about achievements, his favourite places to run, fuel food and more
Ryan, since bursting onto the trail running scene in 2008 you’ve won an incredible number and range of races and awards. What do you consider your best achievement to date?
Thats a hard one, races like winning the Leadville 100 or winning the 4 Desert series come to mind. After writing my book I have realised it the small things I am most proud of. I won a K9 Search and Rescue 4km race with our dog T-Dog (Thandi) – looking back now I am pretty proud of that.
Why do you run?
I love the feeling of freedom it gives me and it has taking me on a journey to all seven continents. It is a form of meditation for me and allows me to escape the business of everyday life.
Where do you most love to run and why?
I love running at home on Table Mountain. I feel most comfortable there and love the combination of mountain and ocean views. It is an extension of my back garden.
© Red Bull Media House
What has running in remote Malagasy and Nepalese villages taught you?
Keep life simple. The Malagasy and Nepalese people live extremely basic lifestyles but they are some of the most happiest people I have ever seen.
How would you describe the DrakTraverse?
One of the hardest things I have ever done. It’s a traverse of the Drakensberg Mountains, from North to South. You have to be self supported and know the Drakensberg Mountains really well. I have run on all seven continents and the Drakensberg Mountains are the most wild I have run in.
© Red Bull Media House
Mountains or valleys?
Mountains, they throw me out of my comfort zone.
© Red Bull Media House
© Red Bull Media House
Your mind appears to be recognised as your greatest strength. Where does this come from?
I think I was born with it. I have always enjoyed challenges and pushing myself to bring out the best in me. I love running so mentally it is easier to get past the low moments. I am quite stubborn and I think that is a good quality for ultra runners to have – never give up.
What would you say to someone who thinks ultras and multi-day events are beyond them?
Anything is possible with the correct planning and preparation. One grain of sand at a time. You need to break your goal down into micro goals and bite size chunks.
Could you give us an idea of your training regime?
Its varies a lot depending on the race I am training for. I have reduced my millage a bit over the last year as I think ultra runners tend to over do things. I run on average about 12 – 22 hours a week and then do some strength and mobility work on top of that. Its important to make sure your body is moving correctly and efficiently to run your best.
© Red Bull Media House
3 favourite fuel foods, go:
Pre-run – Nut Butter and honey on toast
During – Llama Bar and Red Bull and water
Post-run – Biltong (beef jerky) or chocolate milkshake
© Red Bull Media House
What is so special about trail running?
It is so pure and simple and give you a direct connection with nature. We live such busy lifestyles these days that I think its important to have time to connect with nature.
How would you describe the ultra-running and mountain running communities?
Generally they are very core but extremely friendly and welcoming.
© Red Bull Media House
What’s the best advice anyone has given you?
Live everyday as if it were you last. Make the most of life.
What adventures are you planning for 2016?
I am taking part in the World Ultra Trail Tour this year. I have already run the Tarawera 100km in New Zealand and will be running the Australia Ultra in May and then the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc in August. UTMB is my main goal race. I have a few smaller races planned like Red Bull K3 etc. My wife Vanessa and I are also expecting our first baby in late September so that will be a very exciting adventure for us. In 2017/2018 I am hoping to do a Traverse of the Rwenzori Mountains with Ryno Griesel.
Congrats to you and Vanessa!
© Kelvin Trautman
What South African trail would you most recommend to runners from abroad?
The Otter trail – it is one of my favourite trails and is so unique. Its combines really technical trail running with epic coastal trails and insane views of the ocean.
You’re a fellow Red Hot Chilli Peppers fan. What’s your favourite running music / playlist?
I like to mix up my play list up from old school classics to more recent stuff. I don’t like anything to extreme and listen to ‘background’ music when I am running. I like to be able to hear my surroundings when I am running.
Agreed! Nothing beats embracing your surroundings when on the trails Ryan thanks very much indeed for sharing your experiences. Good luck with the book and UTMB 2016 too
Ryan’s book “Trail Blazer – My life as an ultra-distance runner” is available now
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!
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UK athlete Robbie Britton made a great leap forward with his World Bronze medal at the IAU 24 hour World Champs. In this interview, the Profeet Ambassador talks about his love of running, what drives him and offers tips to any runner – experienced or aspiring.
How did you get into running?
Back in 2009 a friend of mine signed up for a marathon, the Windermere Marathon, I signed up as well just to shut him up a bit. After that it just spiralled out of control. London to Brighton was next, it started in my home town and finished by the beach so seemed like a great idea.
Beforehand I just played team sports, mainly football, some rugby (as a front row forward) and American Football. I was never that good at any of them but made up for that by running around a lot.
When did you realise that Ultras were the events for you?
The further I ran, the closer to the front I got and everyone loves doing well at something? Right? I just wanted to find out how far I could push myself, picking longer and tougher races just to see if anything could grind me to a halt or destroy me. I quite enjoyed the 100 mile plus events, those seem to suit my warped sense of humour.
What mileage do you run and what kind terrain do you like best?
I prefer not to think about mileage and look at time instead, probably getting 10-14 hours of training in a week, ranging from 30 minute easy runs up to a 2-3 hour long run at the weekend. I’m not a fan of really long runs, I think it tires you out too much and you can’t get the consistency that’s important.
As for terrain, I’ll run on trail as much as possible, although I do love a track session once a week to unleash some real pace. Chamonix has a nice 300m track where you can pretend you are David Rudisha running WR pace laps whilst looking at a glacier.
Can you describe your favourite ever run?
Up until recently that would have been a difficult question but having won an Individual Bronze and Team Gold at the World & European 24hr Running Champs in Turin with a 261km (162 mile) effort tops everything. The last hour, averaging sub 3 hour marathon pace, overtaking and gaining on those in front of me, felt awesome. Really awesome. It gave me the belief that I can win the event in the future.
Many people see you as a positive role model after speaking out the damage of drugs in sport. What do you feel your recent podium protest at Turin 24-hour has achieved in relation to this?
I didn’t want to detract from the awesome ultra running team we had travelling to Turin but I was happy that it got people talking. People make mistakes, we are only human. I would rather look at what caused someone to take that path and how we can prevent this happening in the future than pour scorn on those that have gone array. Companies like Nike should be leading the way for clean sport instead of championing people who took shortcuts.
2015 is a pretty full on year for you with the UTMB is you main focus. Where and when do you think Byron Powell (iRunFar.com) will have to interview you?
Haha, I have no idea when that will happen or what I have to do. I think Bryon’s a bit worried that after that interview it’s all going downhill for him, nothing will be as much fun. So he’s playing hard to get, but I’ll get him.
How important is rest for runners?
Rest is one of the most important part of a runner’s lifestyle. I firmly believe that you don’t over-train, you just under-rest. If I’m not training I’m thinking about rest and recovery, which includes nutrition.
Nobody gets stronger by running up a hill, it’s afterwards, when your body adapts and recovers, that you become a better runner.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
From so many places and not necessarily sport. Anyone who works hard towards a goal, makes it their main objective in life, is someone you can learn from.
When I’ve got my head buried in a book it can range from mountaineers and polar explorers to cyclists, runners and any other sportsmen or women. Not only can these people inspire you but you can learn from them. Ultra running has a history that many don’t know much about but it’s there to read about so I want to learn as much as I can from that, from the marginal gains attitude in cycling, the resilience & endurance of polar explorers to the lightweight, revolutionary ways of Alpinists and Big Wall climbers.
If you think you’re tough doing an ultra marathon then read about Walter Bonatti, Doug Scott or Cherry Apsley-Garrard, they were/are tough bastards. Doug Scott crawled off the Ogre for days with two broken ankles.
How do you get through the highs and lows of ultra running?
Expect them and enjoy them. Anyone can run well when they’re feeling great but to make solid ground when you feel shit is how you out together a great ultra running performance.
The highs also have to be watched, fly too hard too early in the race and your body will suffer later on. I pushed too hard about 130km into UTMB last year, thinking “there’s only 38km of mountains left” and I paid the price quite soon afterwards, stumbling up to Tete aux Vents and crawling across a boulder field.
What tips would you pass on to fellow runners?
Enjoy what you do, but not just the races, the whole process. Training is a wonderful thing and driving hard in a hill session, at night in the rain, can be a brilliant moment if you think about the benefits you’re getting.
Get to a start line feeling fresh, rest more and don’t get obsessed with mileage. There is only so much your body can take, build it up year on year and look at how you’ve improved and not how much less mileage you’re doing than Winston on Strava or Facebook. Winston is a liar, picks less competitive races to get his V90 wins and will blame “last week’s 50 training miles” when you cruise past him.
What’s the best running advice you’ve ever been given?
“It was impossible, then I did it, so it was possible” is something I paraphrased from Walter Bonatti’s Mountains of my Life. Don’t let anyone tell you something is impossible, just figure out the first step and take it. I have plans that many would say are impossible, but I’m moving in the right direction and getting closer to my objectives. Just believe in yourself.
What has the running community given you?
The ultra running community is one of the best bits about this sport, it wouldn’t exist without it. The stacks of volunteers at races prove this and we can’t lose that part of ultra running.
When I started it was trial and error for everything, I just went running, but because everyone is against the course first, then each other, you learn an awful lot from the people you run with. Even at the World 24hr Champs in April, Oliver Leu, one of the German team and a very experienced ultra runner, was giving me advice during the race and it is just one example of the great friends I have made through ultra running.
What would you say to anyone thinking about taking up jogging/running?
Just get out and try, walk if you have to but give it a go. Run for a minute and walk for two if you have to but put those feet on in front of the other and go for it. My first running shoes costs £12 from Aldi but it has changed my life for the better.
Join a club, find a park run or just hit the streets on your own. You won’t regret it.
You seem very relaxed, where does that steely competitiveness come from?
I’m very relaxed and chilled most of the time, it’s the best way to live life. Keeping happy is a big concern of mine. As for the competitiveness, I absolutely love to race and compete with other people. I’ve been involved with sport from a young age and have always given everything so I guess it comes from that. My Dad was a competitive fisherman but I don’t think that’s it.
I will say that even though I come across as very chilled on race day I’ve done everything I can to defeat my opponents. What’s more demoralising than getting encouragement from the chap breezing past you? 
What is your favourite race food and why?
I’ve been enjoying making my own food, such as rice cakes with cashew butter and jam. Or sweet potato brownies – but Mr. Paul Navesey usually makes them! They really help with slow release energy that is easy to eat and digest mid race. Also Sour Skittles are awesome, but I am a giant child in that respect. Sweets are my main weakness, but that’s better than my old vices…
Robbie’s in good company here with his love of rice cakes – this is the Team Sky rice cake recipe. Here’s a great sweet potato brownie recipe too. I’ll be giving both of these a go For other fuel food click here.
Thanks very much Robbie. Good luck with the rest of your season and “go easy now”