The next instalment of the #Marathonspotlight comes from local runner Jen Dixon. Jen is an inspiration to many with her achievements. She can be found running all over the North East and her and her band of merry runners tick off achievement after achievement. I had the pleasure of working with Jen and love hearing all about her next adventure. Thanks Jen and wow a great spotlight this month.
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Marathons:
Loch Ness 2014, 2015 Amsterdam 2016, Edinburgh 2017, Fort William 2017, D33, 2016, and Speyside Way Ultra 2017 PB I think was Loch Ness, 4.15
Favourite marathon:
Had to be Loch Ness, my first one, and still my favourite, what’s not to like, downhill start, jaw dropping scenery, and the support along the way is just fantastic. Remember going back to do it a second time, and trying to remind myself to take in more at the finish line. First year I was in a total daze, and amazed I’d actually finished!
Worst marathon memory:
Amsterdam…I fell (only I could fall in a predominantly flat marathon…) flat on my face, dunted both knees, and thought, nope, game over, Marshall came to pick me up, drag me off the pavement, really kind guy got me up, asked if I was ok, and told me to shift it before I ceased up..he was right, and although I fell, his encouragement got me running again.
Marathon plan:
First marathon I used Hal Higdon, but subsequent ones I’ve leaned more towards ASICS, I don’t stick to it religiously, but it gives me a benchmark as to what it should be doing, short speed sessions/slower paced long runs etc. That coupled with regular strength training, which helps me massively! It’s about finding one that works for you, your time frame, home life etc.
Funniest training moment:
Oh me…there’s so many to choose from! Coming face to face with a lone cow on the railway line was a classic moment…leaving one of our friends to deal with it, whilst we fell about laughing at him attempting to be the next “cow whisperer” Usually me getting us lost creates an awful lot of hilarity, my sense of direction is legendary, and almost non-existent!
Crisps or chocolate:
Chocolate EVERY time!
Hydration nutrition:
Hydration I always high 5 tablets. Find them the easiest to drink, nutrition a mixture of Cliff shot bloks, sports beans, or on occasion, chopped up butteries!! I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to fuelling on long runs, which earned me the title of “fuel Police” I have a fuel strategy that I’ve always used, fuelling every 5 miles, but again, it’s finding what works right for you.
Shoes:
I’d always ran in Brooks GTS, but recently had my gait redone, and are now in Brooks Glycerines, more cushioning, and loving them so far
My mantra:
Flying solo or flock together:
Run together, I’m incredibly lucky as I’ve a fantastic group of running buddies, one in particular that heads us up, and has an uncanny knack of making you believe anything is possible…after having my daughter, I only ever wanted to get back to running 10k’s again, it’s down to her motivation, and belief in my ability that helps spur me on, that and the support from the other guys, and the friendships formed.
Terrain, trail track or tarmac:
If you’d asked me 2 years ago. I’d have said tarmac…but after doing Fort William and Speyside last year, I’d say I’m leaning more towards trail. There was a section in the Speyside Way Ultra when we went back onto tarmac, and I remember thinking how much I disliked it! Still need to work at staying upright on trail though…
Top top for #project345
Enjoy the day, know you’re at the start line prepared, strong and focussed. Don’t try anything new on race day, and always look up!! Following your progress James, and you’re doing brilliantly!
Best of luck and look forward to the next instalment of #345!
Massive Thanks to Jen and her spotlight, a really inspiring read and great information.
As always thanks for reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
