I recently met Bryan who had the mean feat of completing both Berlin and Chicago marathons three weeks apart. It was brilliant following him around both marathons and also his instagram game is strong (@brysy77). I had asked him to complete the Marathon Spotlight to share his approach and give us an insight into his preparations.
Marathons completed?
9 in total – Loch Ness * 2; London * 2; Edinburgh; New York; San Francisco; Chicago; Berlin
PB Marathon time?
3:06:10
Favourite marathon and why?
London and New York were both amazing and I could easily have picked those due to the atmosphere, crowds and sights – but I’m going to go for Chicago, not just because it is my PB – it has the atmosphere of NYC & London but it starts/finishes right in the city centre at Grant Park – I literally walked to and from the starting line rather than getting bussed/ferried to the NYC start out in Staten Island or tube etc to the London start in Greenwich. I also remember the signs the supporters were holding in Chicago were wittier than anywhere else I remember and there were bagpipes playing at one point which gave me a massive lift!
What got you into running the 26.2mile distance?
Genuinely the first time was a bit of a drunken decision by me and a mate, although I had been a decent runner at school, I played football and sort of gave running up through my teenage and early 20s years so in 2008 I had recently stopped playing football and he was looking for a challenge too so we opted for Loch Ness – we were so naïve though, I never trained nearly enough – I don’t even think I bought a decent pair of running shoes until half way through my training!
But it started the bug and over the years has developed into what it is now for me which is a major part of my life.
Worst marathon memory and why?
During that first one in Loch Ness – and it took me 3 years to run another one! I remember getting overtaken by a little old lady (around 70s) near the end (and by no means any disrespect to women or elders, and she was probably a very well-trained veteran!) but it did knock me at the time as I didn’t know any better! But the calf pain during that first marathon having not properly trained for it was something I’ll never forget. It didn’t put me off though.
Marathon plan 80:20, Pfitz, Hal Higdon or other?
In the past I have followed different set 12 – 18 week plans from online, but this year I have started working with local running coach Fraser Clyne, initially with the goal of getting my marathon time down. Fraser put together a more structured training plan than I had experienced before and this has paid off massively, each race I have entered this year, from 5k right though to full marathon I have managed a PB each time, including taking 30 minutes off my marathon PB!
The personalised aspect of the coaching is what works best for me, we can tweak things regularly and the regular conversations back and forth about the training plan is invaluable.
Funniest Training Moment?
I have a few involving hairy moments with dogs on the Deeside railway line but I’m going to opt for the time I got berated by this lady for having the audacity to run on the pavement! I was doing hill reps at the time and keeping well out her way. A nicer version of what she was shouting at me was along the lines of “you bloody runners have no right to be using this pavement” – I couldn’t do anything else but laugh. I actually saw the same woman again a few weeks later and thought “oh here we go again” – and whilst I did hear her grumbling at me she kept it under her breath. No idea what her problem is with runners!
Favorite session?
Although they are really hard at the time, I love the longer rep sessions, something like a 10 * 1km or 3 * 3km even. As I said, although it is a really really though session, and you are slightly nervous going into it, I love the satisfaction you get once finished – you know its working for you and the hard work is getting you closer to your goal.
Hydration & Nutrition snack of choice on long runs?
I’ve always been fairly minimal with my hydration and nutrition on runs, always fueling up well pre long run and sticking with water, but recently I’ve been using tailwind for my hydration which I really think is working well for me and for my most recent marathon I went in with a gel strategy for the first time – I used SIS gels and they must have had some impact as I got a 6 minute PB only 3 weeks after my previous marathon!
Shoes – minimal or maximal ?
I have been a Brooks Adrenaline man for about a decade, I’ve literally got a couple of pairs of those each year – I think I’m due a sponsorship or at least a free pair for my loyalty J – I do have some other pairs I rotate between but the Brooks are my mainstay and they are quite a supportive trainer.
Although I do have a bit of an obsession with trying to get a pair of the Nike 4% Flyknits but they are sold out everywhere – probably just as well given the price tag!
What is your Mantra?
Hard work, dedication and commitment. It may seem simple but if you absolutely live and breathe running (whilst remaining on top of all your other work/family/personal commitments) the rewards will come.
Fly Solo or flock together? ( Run in a group or on your own)
I like a bit of both – the majority of my runs tend to be on my own – the time of day of my runs fluctuate so much (due to work) that its difficult to get along to regular group runs or have a regular partner. But I do enjoy running in a group on social runs, and have recently joined Metro Running Club so I’m looking forward to getting more involved in their sessions.
Terrain – trail, track or tarmac?
It has definitely always been tarmac historically – I’m very much a road runner, but I am looking to get involved in more trail and hill runs over the coming few months.
Whats your goal?
I have loads of running goals, but the biggest immediate ones are to get a Boston marathon qualifying time (sub 3 hrs) and run all 6 world marathon majors (I’m currently on 4) and have Boston and Tokyo left
Top tip for #project345 ?
Consistency. I’m nowhere near where I want to be yet, but I have made massive leaps this year, and it’s the most consistent I’ve been with my training ever. I hear of other runners chopping and changing what they are doing but never moving forward, put trust in the process (whether that is a coach or other plan) and stick with it and the improvements will come.
A massive thanks to Bryan for taking the time out of his schedule to be in the Marathon Spotlight. It was an absolute joy to read and some interesting stories and top tips. Dedication and a good training plan – there you have it it can take you to PB heaven.
Thanks as always for reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
