This #marathonspotlight is Clare Russell. Clare is frequently found volunteering at the local Parkruns (You can sign up here to volunteer). This read is fantastic and I really enjoyed the feeling of how much running is a passion for Clare. Eight marathons (and one coming up) gives us a depth of knowledge on the distance and strategies. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did pulling it together.
Marathons completed?
I’ve now completed eight marathons: Amsterdam (2008), Lochaber (2010), Edinburgh (2010 & 2011) Moray (2010), Paris & Highland Perthshire (2013), Fort William (2017)
PB Marathon time?
3:42:38 at Fort William
Favourite marathon and why?
Fort William! It had been on my radar for a couple of years as I love the Fort William area. However, the undulating nature of the course and the fact that it’s multi-terrain mean it’s not billed as a PB course. I had therefore decided that I’d do it one day, saving it for a time when I was either recovering after a Spring marathon or training for an Autumn marathon.
Last year I decided that I needed to do something different for my summer holidays (I’m a teacher and had the luxury of 7 weeks). I had decent base mileage in my legs so decided on a whim (9 weeks out) to try to find accommodation for Fort William Marathon. I contacted a B & B that I like to stay in with the view that if neither they (or their neighbours) could take me it wasn’t meant to be. They had availability so that was that!
I went into the run with no expectations, setting out only to enjoy it. I spent the first 5 miles chatting to another runner and got off to a nice, easy start, then continued running fairly easily until the halfway point. At this point I felt good so started to pick up the pace along the canal path and slowly pass people. By the time I reached the cycle path back up to Torlundy and the Nevis Range I was feeling great, loving the run, and had so much strength and energy left. I’ve never felt so good at the end of a run. Coming down the final stretch in the pouring rain with the knowledge I had a new PB in the bag was overwhelming!
If you’re a fan of trail running I’d definitely recommend this route – there’s a bit of everything!
Sum up the experience Parkrun gives you?
I love the friendship and community at parkrun. I’ve met so many lovely people who I now consider friends through parkrun, and it’s great being able to volunteer and still feel part of the running community if injury gets in the way of training. I get so much pleasure from volunteering (if you haven’t tried it yet aberdeenhelpers@parkrun.com) and really enjoy seeing people improve their times. I’ve now been Run Director over 50 times and have no intention of giving up my weekly parkrun fix!
Worst marathon memory and why?
Edinburgh in 2010! The sun came out and it got hotter and hotter. There was no respite at all and after the halfway point I had to slow the pace to keep going. There were people dropping left, right and centre – very scary! By 20 miles I was having frequent walk breaks and I was so glad to finish! It took me all my time not to just take the shoes off and go for a paddle as we plodded along the coast.
Marathon plan 80:20, Pfitz, Hal Higdon or other?
Pfitzinger and Douglas all the way! I’m a massive fan of their plans since trying the 12 week/up to 55 mile plan in 2013. This saw me take just under 14 minutes off my PB from 2009. It also gave me a 9 minute negative split on that occasion (Highland Perthshire) as I felt so strong in the second half. Since then I’ve used the Pfitzinger and Latter plans for shorter distances too.
Funniest Training Moment?
It wasn’t funny at the time, but retrospectively it is. I went on a Sunday social run in Fetteresso Forest with friends (Ruth, Debbie, Alan, Jim and Colin). Planning to do 14 miles we hadn’t taken water or food. Jim was the Guide, and it was only when he uttered something very much out of character that I realised we were in trouble. We ended up doing 20 miles that day! We were all exhausted, Alan was on the verge of mild hypothermia as we also got soaked, and I ended up having several days off work with a tummy bug the following week! Needless to say, I’ve not rushed back to Fetteresso!
Snow or Sunshine ( Holiday)?
Tough one – not a massive fan of either! I love hill walking so ideally something in between as I’m a bit of a freak having both Raynauds and Vitiligo so don’t cope well with either extreme!
Hydration & Nutrition snack of choice on long runs?
My current favourite is Torq energy gels as I can stomach them well. I tend to get a couple of gels down earlier in the run and then see how I feel as time goes on. Lucozade Sport or homemade energy drink (High Juice with a pinch of salt) back up the gels and water as required.
Shoes – minimal or maximal ?
I definitely prefer a cushioned shoe. I suffered bursitis in my forefoot a couple of years ago so it’s important to ensure I’m well padded.
What is your Mantra?
There is nobody stronger than me.
Fly Solo or flock together? ( Run in a group or on your own)
I like both. I do very much enjoy running in company and love to while away the miles by chatting, but if I have a set session to do I’m happy to slog it out on my own.
Terrain – trail, track or tarmac?
I’ve never run on a track (aside from in Amsterdam Marathon!)
I used to be a road girl but more and more am finding I enjoy the trails, particularly on long runs.
Top tip for #project345 ?
Set off slowly! Some people recommend ‘banking’ time but this never ends well. In my experience you’ll just see the time slipping away as your pace slows in the final six miles which is soul-destroying. Instead, start slowly and build it up. You can power on later in the run if you feel good and reap the rewards. The conservative start definitely leads to a stronger finish and allows you to be the one passing rather than being passed in the closing stages of the race.
Good luck – I have every faith in you having seen you out on the long runs recently. Run strong!
A massive thanks to Clare for her #marathonspotlight It really was a lovely read and again some great advice on race strategy, the battle between head and heart… sensible running will make a big difference.
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Run Long and Prosper
James
