The second Marathon Spotlight falls on Ultra marathoner David Scott. We met through the Northsound 1 run around the Great Aberdeen 1/2 marathon route. We talked about his achievements but I was really impressed by the group he has set up “Fitlike Joggers“. David has vast experience on running which can be found below. Some great take home messages.
Marathons completed?
First one was Loch Ness in 2010, then nothing until 2014. However I’ve since completed 27 Ultra marathons and 11 marathons
PB Marathon time?
3.13 at Edinburgh 2016, giving me Good For Age entry into London 2017.
Favourite marathon and why?
Strathearn Marathon in 2015. It was a lovely route round the rolling roads of Perthshire. A small, and intimate race, and great marshals.
Worst marathon memory and why?
I don’t know if I have any particular “worst memories”. Every race I have done, I have enjoyed to some extent, and at the same time, virtually every race, I question why I keep doing them. There was one moment at the Great Glen Ultra in July (from Fort William to Inverness) when we reached a canal path after about 25 miles, at around 5am and I just felt spent. I was reduced to walking pace, and was as close as I have ever been to quitting. However, a pep talk from a random Spaniard, and a change of terrain, back into the hills, and I was good as new for another 45 miles, and finished 10th overall.
Marathon plan 80:20, Pfitz, Hal Higdon or other?
I’d say don’t get too hung up on training plans, because you can only do what you are able to fit into your life, without it taking over. The key is to build up the distance gradually, and the closer you get to marathon distance, the more confidence you will have that you can do it.
Hydration & Nutrition snack of choice on long runs?
I always take gels and drinks for anything over 21k. And if you are going on a long run, the important thing is to start taking them straight away, not when you begin to feel weary – by then it is too late. I use the High5 energy gels, and buy them in bulk – either the marathon packs or the triathlon packs. For drinks, I’ll use the High5 zero tabs or High 5 Energy drink sachets.
Shoes – minimal or maximal ?
I have started wearing Altra shoes – they’ve got a wide tow box, which is great for long runs when your feet might swell up, and they also have zero drop. They take a bit of getting used to (although I managed to wear my trails shoes straight out the box, for a 33 mile ultra). In a way, they’re quite minimalist, although the latest road shoes I got have a lot more cushioning, but still zero drop. Available at The Running Shop.
Terrain – trail, track or tarmac?
I’d take trail any time, given the choice. Not just because it feels better to run on, but because it means you are away from cars, pavements, noise… However I live in the city, so an element of road running is inevitable, and I do like the buzz of road races. Hearing thousands of pairs of trainers hitting the ground at the start of the Baker Hughes, or Loch Ness marathon is just great.
Top tip for #project345 ?
You want to get under 3.45. You’ve got to believe that you can do it. You have to get your head round running at that pace, and sustaining it for the duration.
However, the biggest tip is to not stress over it. Too many people put too much pressure on themselves for their first marathon – either through travelling abroad on a massive expedition, taking family and friends with them, launching a big fundraising campaign, or just setting themselves tough targets. All these things have an impact on your enjoyment of the race.
You want to come away feeling you’ve done your best, and if something’s gone wrong, like your luggage didn’t arrive, you didn’t see your Gran at mile 20, you found it too hot, or your target time started drifting away, then all these things can impact on how well you do.
Stress free running is the way ahead, and likely to lead to a much better finish time.
Excellent words of wisdom from David, stress free running and also some great tips on hydration and nutrition. David has set up and runs the Fitlike Joggers group which is a programme in Aberdeen looking to take you from couch to 5km and beyond.
Thanks for Reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
SPEAR:Run