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| "the more you run then the more you can eat!' |
Why do you run?
The million dollar question amongst runners! For me it has now become part of my lifestyle and routine. Put simply…I miss it if I don’t get the chance to run. I love running in different cities as it’s a great way to discover hidden areas and it always gives me time to think about what has happened in the day (or going to happen if I run before work) and always makes me feel relaxed afterwards.
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I started properly training in 2009. I had done a half marathon and wanted to know if I could do a marathon. I choose the Athens marathon as my goal because it is such a historical route as well as being my birthplace so felt like a nice challenge to have. Once I signed up there was no backing out of the training! Even when I travel for work or pleasure I book a hotel with a gym which means that if I didn’t use it then it would have been a waste of money paying extra for a place to stay with gym facilities. I still do other events like swimming and triathlons but running is the pastime that feels most suited for me and is the one I have seen the most progress in terms of getting faster times etc. Also in reality you can run anywhere you are in the world…all you need is your trainers!
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
I always have a race planned for each month of the year so that generally means there is no getting out of training! I have skipped the odd training run due to cold weather but I always feel like I have cheated myself so remembering that feeling makes me get up in the morning and run come rain or shine.
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I have a running coach who plans my weekly training schedule. I meet with her once a week to do a high intensity session which is usually the toughest session of the week. Luckily it’s planned for when I see her otherwise I am sure I would go easier on myself!
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
I find that running before work allows me to then continue with my “normal” life after work hours; meaning I can still eat out, drink cocktails and go to the theatre without losing out to my training. It takes a while to get into that routine but by doing the running it sets me up for the day and also means I am usually less tired because I exercise so much. I occasionally will plan a training session during my lunch hour at work which helps me sometimes have a lie in as well as go out that night
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
I have the odd crazy remark but it is always said in the nicest possible way! They do absolutely support me and travel around the UK and rest of the world to watch me in races. Their support is so much appreciated and gives me a massive boost when I see them on the sideline. The only slightly puzzled comments I get from friends and colleagues is when I have entered events like the Bermuda Triangle Challenge (3 races in 3 days); however they are still on the sidelines to watch!
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
Road for me. I sometimes train on a treadmill when I am away travelling but I find it so hard….I never knew it was possible to sweat that much prior to my treadmill days! I haven’t done too much trail running outside of the Tough Mudder which as fun as it was I think is a one-time only event for me!
What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
The annual Santa Dash. Just kidding! It’s a toss-up between the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World and the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco. The former consisted of a half marathon on the Saturday followed by a full marathon on the Sunday. A super fun event but mentally it took a lot to stay on pace over so many miles in one weekend. The latter mentioned race was again an amazing experience but was a very challenging route and one that I was very nervous of beforehand!
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
Athens Marathon. I think as it was my first marathon and was therefore prior to me setting time goals for myself I simply took in the views, atmosphere and enjoyed a fantastic setting for my first race. It is also hard to replicate the feeling of crossing the line after your first marathon. Once you have done one you have joined the marathon club forever.
Have you ever been injured due to running?
I have been very lucky and escaped pretty much injury free (for the time being anyway!)
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner?
I do listen to music when running and I miss it when I have races that don’t allow headphones. The most disconcerting thing for me is that I can hear myself breathing and makes me feel unfit! I sometimes listen to audio books on longer training runs which has also helped pass the time on some of those Sunday 20 milers! Naked running….only once last August at London Zoo in the Streak for Tigers event. Pictures are on my blog for those brave enough to look….
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs?
For me it helps to break the run down into several parts. If I have 5 miles left to go then I try and visualize that same distance somewhere I normally train. Then it makes it feel a lot more achievable and with every step I can see myself getting closer to the end. I have also recently discovered using my arms a lot helps the legs move when they are tired!
Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
I have yet to give up on a run. No specific mantra but just always think of the medal waiting to greet you at the end!
A lot of runners know that “Who has the runs” has a double meaning. How do you deal with the occasional “problem” that plagues every runner at one time or another?
Make sure I have been before the race starts. After having run into that problem in one race before I don’t want that pain of holding on ever again!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Do it! Not only do I feel healthier but I have met great people at races AND my clothes fit me much better! Just think – the more you run then the more you can eat!
What is your next big race?
I have one in Moscow this month and then Liverpool, Bristol, Cardiff, Melbourne and Sydney among others for 2014.
What is your immediate running goal?
To complete my challenge of running a race in every Olympic city by 2016
What is your ultimate running goal?
To run a sub three hour marathon and a 1 hour 15 min half marathon.
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
Check out my blog at http://runalltheolympics.blogspot.co.uk/
The million dollar question amongst runners! For me it has now become part of my lifestyle and routine. Put simply…I miss it if I don’t get the chance to run. I love running in different cities as it’s a great way to discover hidden areas and it always gives me time to think about what has happened in the day (or going to happen if I run before work) and always makes me feel relaxed afterwards.
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I started properly training in 2009. I had done a half marathon and wanted to know if I could do a marathon. I choose the Athens marathon as my goal because it is such a historical route as well as being my birthplace so felt like a nice challenge to have. Once I signed up there was no backing out of the training! Even when I travel for work or pleasure I book a hotel with a gym which means that if I didn’t use it then it would have been a waste of money paying extra for a place to stay with gym facilities. I still do other events like swimming and triathlons but running is the pastime that feels most suited for me and is the one I have seen the most progress in terms of getting faster times etc. Also in reality you can run anywhere you are in the world…all you need is your trainers!
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
I always have a race planned for each month of the year so that generally means there is no getting out of training! I have skipped the odd training run due to cold weather but I always feel like I have cheated myself so remembering that feeling makes me get up in the morning and run come rain or shine.
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I have a running coach who plans my weekly training schedule. I meet with her once a week to do a high intensity session which is usually the toughest session of the week. Luckily it’s planned for when I see her otherwise I am sure I would go easier on myself!
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
I find that running before work allows me to then continue with my “normal” life after work hours; meaning I can still eat out, drink cocktails and go to the theatre without losing out to my training. It takes a while to get into that routine but by doing the running it sets me up for the day and also means I am usually less tired because I exercise so much. I occasionally will plan a training session during my lunch hour at work which helps me sometimes have a lie in as well as go out that night
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
I have the odd crazy remark but it is always said in the nicest possible way! They do absolutely support me and travel around the UK and rest of the world to watch me in races. Their support is so much appreciated and gives me a massive boost when I see them on the sideline. The only slightly puzzled comments I get from friends and colleagues is when I have entered events like the Bermuda Triangle Challenge (3 races in 3 days); however they are still on the sidelines to watch!
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
Road for me. I sometimes train on a treadmill when I am away travelling but I find it so hard….I never knew it was possible to sweat that much prior to my treadmill days! I haven’t done too much trail running outside of the Tough Mudder which as fun as it was I think is a one-time only event for me!
What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
The annual Santa Dash. Just kidding! It’s a toss-up between the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World and the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco. The former consisted of a half marathon on the Saturday followed by a full marathon on the Sunday. A super fun event but mentally it took a lot to stay on pace over so many miles in one weekend. The latter mentioned race was again an amazing experience but was a very challenging route and one that I was very nervous of beforehand!
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
Athens Marathon. I think as it was my first marathon and was therefore prior to me setting time goals for myself I simply took in the views, atmosphere and enjoyed a fantastic setting for my first race. It is also hard to replicate the feeling of crossing the line after your first marathon. Once you have done one you have joined the marathon club forever.
Have you ever been injured due to running?
I have been very lucky and escaped pretty much injury free (for the time being anyway!)
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner?
I do listen to music when running and I miss it when I have races that don’t allow headphones. The most disconcerting thing for me is that I can hear myself breathing and makes me feel unfit! I sometimes listen to audio books on longer training runs which has also helped pass the time on some of those Sunday 20 milers! Naked running….only once last August at London Zoo in the Streak for Tigers event. Pictures are on my blog for those brave enough to look….
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs?
For me it helps to break the run down into several parts. If I have 5 miles left to go then I try and visualize that same distance somewhere I normally train. Then it makes it feel a lot more achievable and with every step I can see myself getting closer to the end. I have also recently discovered using my arms a lot helps the legs move when they are tired!
Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
I have yet to give up on a run. No specific mantra but just always think of the medal waiting to greet you at the end!
A lot of runners know that “Who has the runs” has a double meaning. How do you deal with the occasional “problem” that plagues every runner at one time or another?
Make sure I have been before the race starts. After having run into that problem in one race before I don’t want that pain of holding on ever again!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Do it! Not only do I feel healthier but I have met great people at races AND my clothes fit me much better! Just think – the more you run then the more you can eat!
What is your next big race?
I have one in Moscow this month and then Liverpool, Bristol, Cardiff, Melbourne and Sydney among others for 2014.
What is your immediate running goal?
To complete my challenge of running a race in every Olympic city by 2016
What is your ultimate running goal?
To run a sub three hour marathon and a 1 hour 15 min half marathon.
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
Check out my blog at http://runalltheolympics.blogspot.co.uk/
Follow me on Twitter @michaelslong
Track my ranking at http://www.runbritainrankings.com/runners/profile.aspx?athleteid=523174
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