What first got you hooked on your sport?
Growing up I had very low self esteem and sports changed that, I picked up sports quickly but as a young man never really applied myself and would drop in and out depending on what was going on in life. In my teenage years I knew I needed to change things! I was hanging around with the wrong people on a rough estate in south east London - I was destined for trouble... so I put all my focus on rugby and it changed the course of my life... I was HOOKED!
Do you have any rituals, habits, or superstitions before training or competing?
My rituals are ongoing, I try to follow as much of the same pattern daily so I know how my body will feel the next day... eating, sleeping, hydration etc, if I have not been kind to myself the day before a long run... it's always much harder! As for superstition... when I run in comp or training I always try to smile and say hello to as many people as uncreepy possible... I want people to see the joy running gives me ... maybe it will inspire them?
What would your teammates/friends say you’re known for outside of your sport?
Unwavering optimism and kindness
What’s been your most memorable (or unusual) moment in a competition?
My first ultra..... I went from never running to doing a sub 6 hour ultra in 3 months, I have never worked so hard for something in my life and it taught me so much about what your mind says and your body can do!
Unusual - fighting off a stray pack of dogs alone on a beach in Azerbaijan!
Have you got any nightmare cramp stories? And how did you deal with the cramp?
Early on with my running endeavours, I didn't really get what electrolytes do and was just drinking water and this caught up on me, 3am wake up post my first half marathon to cramps that I thought was going to snap my calves! horrible! Now Electrolytes are a non negotiable on a daily basis for me!
What big goal are you working towards next?
Currently running an ultra marathon in ALL 55 English Cities (7 completed so far)! How to run a country is a project and personal challenge I set myself to motivate men to take positive actions in their lives. Its a project very close to my heart and it's really picking up momentum!
