JAMES AND ILONA’S ULTRA MARATHON
We spoke to James and Ilona after they completed the 30 Mile Ultra Marathon.
JAMES’S ANSWERS
1) What made you want to do a 30 Mile Ultra Marathon?
I was reading about running and was inspired to see if i could push myself to start running again. The book idea was to try running very slow (scientifically proven to be a good training strategy) so as to enjoy the experience and not knacker myself out.
Also setting a goal to achieve a good level of fitness. being fit is important to me and running 30 miles is a good indicator. I love the outdoors and like the idea of being able to cover this distance just me and a small rucksack. I also love to eat and this burns some right cals!
2) How did you have to change your training?
Had to increase running from nothing but found because of general fitness I could get away with one long run (10 to 24 miles) per week . Had to change focus from weights. At first found it tiring (by Thursdays gym session I was knackered) so reduced from 4 sessions in the gym to 3 with one long run and 1 or 2 very short jogs.
Also did more stretching than normal (but still not enough;))
3) What was your biggest barrier?
Starting running training. Very hot summer made the runs hard. The 3, 4 and 5 hour training runs can be difficult to fit in to busy schedule.
4) What’s your next goal?
Work on flexibility, hand stand, Trail marathon at end of September. Then looking to do a strong man comp early 2019. Not sold on a 50 yet.
ILONA’S ANSWERS
1) What made you want to do a 30 Mile Ultra Marathon?
I love trail running but hadn’t done anything in a while after falling and dropping out of a Snowdon marathon last summer. I really liked the look of the route (in the Peak District) and needed a good physical challenge to focus on. I may have underestimated just how hilly it would be – 5,000 ft of ascent is a killer!
2) How did you have to change your training?
Training had been mainly weights focused so started adding in a long run at the weekend. In the month or so before we dropped the PT session and reduced weights on squats etc.
I also ate a LOT of carbs!
3) What was your biggest barrier?
The weather! We had to do our long runs very early to avoid the heat and it made training much harder. Other than that, the main challenge was finding the time for long runs around the gym, work and a social life.
4) What’s your next goal?
A full pull up! Determined it’s going to happen soon. Our next run is a trail marathon in North Yorkshire. After that we’re starting training for a strong man competition in March 2019.