Winner of the 2008 Vasque Ultra-running Champs

HOW DID YOU GET INTO RUNNING?

Running has been a big part of my life for almost 20 years now although the seeds were sown almost 30 years ago. As a Venture Scout I got involved with events such as the Masters Hike, 4 Inns and Calderdale. In those days, I didn't think of myself as a runner - more a walker who ran a bit. Indeed we used to enter the walkers category on Calderdale, not because we were trophy hunting but because we were in awe of someone who could run 37 miles in around 6 hours. One year there was even rumour that the winner was going on to run in the London Marathon the next day - was this possible!! I also remember an article posted on the board in the HQ about a thing called the "Bob Graham round" - more unattainable feats!! So, Graham Martin, my Venture Scout leader sowed the seeds but the crop remained dormant for almost 10 years as I smoked and climbed my way through studies and early working life.
 
Roll forward a few years and I was bored of climbing - or more precisely bored of weekends where bad weather resulted in caffs and gear shops but no action. Orienteering found me by accident and then I discovered a small "hard core" gang in the Orienteering club who were into Fell running. This lead to things like the Mountain Trail and the Phoenix until 5 of the gang announced that they were training for a Bob Graham. How could this be possible? these were the people I ran with each week - they were normal (as judged by my new definition of normal). So, they trained, I tagged along. They attempted, I helped. One from five succeeded and on that day I decided I would have a go. It would be the pinnacle of my achievements, my lifelong aspiration and would sate my appetite for long distance mountain running!! 
 
I gues the rest is history. A long history - of learning about myself; of moving goal posts, of attempting, failing and sometimes succeeding.

 

WHAT'S YOUR JOB AND LIFE LIKE?

Having spent a few years chasing the stupid dream of share options, promotions and the trappings of corporate life, I am now self employed as a Project Manager. Most of the projects are IT related but its not really the technology that gives me a buzz (in fact if you know about my mistrust of microwaves and understand I don't have an electric kettle you could think of me as a luddite). The interest comes from dealing with people - trying to bring different perspectives and understandings together, working out what the important bits are, dealing with the commercial aspects and managing the risks. Its varied and works well for me because I try to work hard for around 18 months then take a chunk of time off to travel, play and race. I try to lead a balanced life with some time away from work and running - some of this is spent with Emma, my daughter, aged 9 and my interests include cooking, music, business and politics (these last two are usually the basis of my frequent ranting)

 

WHAT TYPE OF RUNNER ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO RUN ON (TERRAIN ETC)?

I've never sought out tarmac - I've done 2 marathons and one 10k race on the roads. As I get older I've moved more towards trail rather than fell but generally still like the rough stuff - snow, tussocks and general crud seeming to favour me. So - thinking of the Vasque series - I find Fellsman very comfortable and I've been too scared to go to Downland yet!!

WHAT 'S YOUR ACHIEVEMNETS SO FAR?

Well, i've been at it a long time so have managed to clock up a few things (some only after a few attempts, mind)
 
Personal highlights are:
 
Lake District 24 hour record (77 summits)
Bob Graham in 14hrs 54
Paddy Buckley record (18 hrs 10)
South Wales Traverse record
Charlie Ramsay solo unsupported
Hardrock 100 mile joint winner with Mark McDermott
Fellsman 11 times winner
High Peak Marathon 6 times winner
LAMM 3 times winner
 
THE VASQUE SERIES THIS YEAR - WHAT YOU HAVE DONE AND WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO?
My attendance at series races is strongly affected by what time I have with Emma. So, an early blitz on Wuthering and Calderdale although the points on these were somewhat scuppered by the incredible form of Matt Giles. Fellsman where I recorded one of my slowest times but hung on for the win (just) from a very "in-form" David Waide. Then I've been absent but I do intend to be at Pumlumon and Long Mynd and give them a good go. Depends on the young 'uns of course. It's been really great seeing people like Jez, Matt and co coming into the series and putting down some really fast times.

WHAT OTHER RACES/EVENTS DO YOU INTEND TO ENTER?

Oh my goodness - its only 10 days to TMB and I am soooo unprepared. Ah well - must try to enjoy myself and not worry about the time. As for this year that might be about it but I am planing for 2009 to be a big year for US based long stuff

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE KIT YOU WEAR FOR YOUR SPONSORS?
I've been a long term fan of Thorlo - might seem like a small thing socks, but you can be sure that the state of your feet wil make a big diference over the final parts of a race and, for me, they add a lot of confidence that it's not usually something I have to worry about. The Vasque Blur work really well for me - they are a neutral shoe with great stability and good grip. In fact they are every bit as good as my previous favourite - the Leona Divide - made by....oh, can't seem to remember their name now. And then the Capestorm kit - its really well made and thought out - obvious that those guys use the stuff they design. Personal favourites would be the Threshold crop sleeve top with zip - great ventilation for hotter races and the back pocket is super useful (I often used to wear bike jerseys but this offers much better ventilation) and I also really like the ultralight and compact Helium Jacket: can make a huge difference on those many UK days where there is a keen wind and a bit of rain in the air but not a full on downpour. It weighs so little you can just stuff it away and it really works.