The last Marathon Spotlight of 2017 ends with a Christmas Special. Robbie Simpson (from the warmth of Spain) talks mountain marathons, trails around Aberdeen, London blisters and tasty Bees!! Thanks to the Team GB and Team Scotland runner for his time and encouraging words…. read below. Merry Christmas all and Run Long and Prosper!
Which marathons have you completed?
London twice, Hannover as a pacemaker, Jungfrau marathon (a mountain marathon) four times and the Kaisermarathon (also a mountain marathon) twice
PB Marathon time?
2.15:04 from London 2017
Favourite marathon and why?
The Jungfrau marathon is the course I enjoy the most as it starts in the city then goes through some of the most amazing scenery in Switzerland before finishing below the north face of the Eiger. The first half is mostly flat and fast then the second half is uphill so it has everything I enjoy in one race.
The experience of completing the London marathon for the first time was incredible though. I’d never done anything like it before with the thousands of people lining the course and running through all the famous parts of the city.
Worst marathon memory and why?
It’s hard to remember a bad memory, the brain is good at only remembering the best bits! I did get a stitch on the final few miles of my first London marathon and I also had some blisters as I remember my shoes being blood stained at the end. With all the other pains and tiredness setting in at that point I don’t know if it was that bad though!
Marathon plan 80:20, Pfitz, Hal Higdon or other?
So far I haven’t used any set plans like that although I’m sure a lot of what I’ve done is similar. There are many different ways to prepare for a marathon once you know how you respond to types of training but it can seem over complicated with many of the plans. For my spring marathons I’ve usually started off with shorter 10k type sessions for a few months in autumn/early winter to get the speed there then focussed on marathon paced sessions and increasing the distance of the long runs in the final three months before. It’s not to say it’s worked perfectly though and I’m always prepared to adjust things as I learn more. The main thing is consistent weeks of hard training and getting the long runs in.
Hydration & Nutrition snack of choice on long runs?
For training I avoid taking any carbs and only drink water on long runs if I feel I need it. I carry a gel on long sessions in case I hit the wall miles from home but I aim to get through the winter training without using it. In the marathon I have High 5 gels mixed with water at each 5km drink station and take a few sips at each one. In one of the big marathon sessions or in a half marathon race in the build up I’d test the gels to make sure they doesn’t cause any stomach problems but I’ve never had a problem so far. I think it’s good to train the body to burn it’s reserves rather than relying on regular carbohydrate top ups during training.
Pre race I’d recommend pizza! (Night before)
Shoes – minimal or maximal ?
It’s good to vary the footwear, I think. Minimal shoes can help get the muscles stronger, especially when running off road, but on easier days or when running lots on hard surfaces the extra cushioning and higher drop give the calves a bit of a break.
Terrain – trail, track or tarmac?
Trails whenever possible, it definitely helps avoid injury and makes the legs stronger. It’s important to condition the legs with enough tarmac so they can manage the marathon distance but for me 10-20% of the mileage on road per week is enough, normally just for a speed session or long tempo run but I often run them on trails too. And I can’t remember the last time I ran on a track!
Favourite running route local to Aberdeen?
There are loads of great places nearby, I come from Banchory so running at Scolty hill and the forest/riverside trails around there is perfect. Closer to the city I like running over Brimmond hill, Elrick and Kingshill/Countesswells.
Funny running story?
There have been many over the years! One time in France I accidentally inhaled/swallowed a bee halfway through a two hour mountain race and it stung me on the throat. It was extremely painful and I wasn’t sure if I needed medical attention but I kept running and managed to win the race. At the finish I was trying to explain what happened but nobody could understand and talking was really difficult! Eventually I convinced someone to look down my throat and remove the sting which was still stuck.
Top tip for #project345 ?
Find a way to train which you enjoy and it’ll help you longer term. That might be by regularly running on a route or a place you like or by running with friends for some sessions. It’s easy to write a great training plan but if motivation is lacking then that’ll be the limiting factor. When you’re looking forward to training then you’ll get the most out of it.
Another quick tip important for Scottish runners especially- prepare for hot weather on race day.
Thank you to Robbie, and Merry Christmas to one and all! See you in the New Year 2018 with lots more content!!
Run Long and Prosper
James
