This weeks #marathonspotlight comes from Andrew Gordon. Andrew can be found either behind the counter of The Running shop, up to his ankles in mud on the local trails or behind another type of spotlight playing with his band. Andrew was the first to talk me through my marathon plans and also gave some fantastic advice for training and local training runs….we discussed an Aberdeen Ultra in the future but I’ve not reminded him of this conversation (Uh Oh). Over to Andrew, just reading’s responses makes you want to lace up the trail shoes and hit the local trails…..
Marathons completed?
Only 1! Do ultra marathons count? If so I’m hitting around 10 and counting.
PB Marathon time?
5:05 Glencoe Marathon. I have a different mentality surrounding running…I am focused on the love of running and don’t focus too much on times / races. Getting out on the trails and experiencing Human vs Nature is what gets my motor running.
Favourite marathon and why?
Glencoe (obviously!). The challenge and the scenery. Locally the Countesswells forest is great as it is so versatile and suits all runners….easy runs to tech climbs….hills for testing hill rep sessions….see the video of my last session below.
Marathon plan 80:20, Pfitz, Hal Higdon or other?
Hmmm, Higdon but not enough discipline on my part. I just ran. Like I mentioned above, times during ultra marathons are sometimes irrelevant, its completing the challenge and enjoying the scenery. I do however value the importance of a plan to ensure the body is ready for the loads that endurance running puts on the body.
Hydration & Nutrition snack of choice on long runs?
My nutrition experience is probably designed more for endurance rather than marathon racing so probably not useful for you. I do like to keep it as natural as possible, and there are different requirements depending on stages of a run. For me it’s little and often. Gels, bananas early on, moving on to chia bars, white bread sandwiches (no crusts) – corned beef & jam. Ambrosia creamed rice.
Shoes – minimal or maximal ?
Maximal – Hoka…. Cliftons – they have massed a fair few miles now in them but having a wide selection to choose from I always seem to resort back to them. For me, they are my shoe.
But one of the most important garments after the shoes is the underwear… often not thought about but the range of BjornBorg are fantastic and priceless in the fact they can improve the overall experience of the run.
Terrain – trail, track or tarmac?
Trail – recently I have been found up Bennachie with the sunrise enduring the first run on the #mzungomaniacs challenge. The running around Bennachie is some of the best trails and with numerous peaks to summit, great for training and for catching the sunrise.
This is a video of a local run – Countesswells forest – So many great local trails –
What does the #mzungomaniacs challenge involve?
This challenge is to raise money for the GathimbaEdwards Foundation. 1st run will be running “The Dee in a Day” from source to mouth….approx 90miles. After this the second run will be West coast Scotland to East coast. The reason is to raise awareness and money for the work that Myles does with the above charity. It would help the children in Kenya, fund housing, sustainability and provide education for numerous school children that currently don’t have the facilities at present.
Top tip for #project345 ?
I think you’re doing all the right things. Get a good training plan, keep mixing it up, don’t stress out too much about it – Keep it fun
WOW, thanks again Andrew for your time and expertise surrounding running and running attire. The Bjorn’s are on my list. Good luck with he #mzungomaniacs challenge and look forward to hearing all about it
Thanks all for reading
Marathon Spotlight – Fraser Clyne Marathon Spotlight – Virginia Cryle Marathon Spotlight – Elizabeth Kerr
Run Long and Prosper
James
