Your Name: Dan Mayers

Occupation: Game Designer

Home Town: Norwich

Runners Questions

What is your running background? Been running off and on for 10 years, more on than off for the last 5.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why? Started out doing 5ks around the block, then carried on knocking out runs at the next distance up until eventually I found myself on the start line at GUCR.

When or where (at which events) are we most likely to see you? I don’t really run the same routes twice or that many races, but 100 mile is my favourite distance, especially if it involves running through the night and navigation. Like doing long distance trails solo.

What are your personal key running achievements to date? Probably finishing UTMB, the world’s longest, hardest queue. Came 4th in the Spine Challenger this year.

What was your hardest race experience? Back half of UTMB.

What events do you have planned for 2015 up to Spartathlon? Nothing planned at the moment. Will slot in a couple of 50m/100ks before Sept. But not too close.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra? Depends on the length but graze food from the start, run until I have to walk a bit, walk a bit, then walk a lot. Then a sprint finish.

What does a typical training week look like? Not massive mileage. A speed session and a hill session, couple of medium tempo runs, one long run and one or two circuit/strength sessions.

What one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time? Easier said than done, but rely on yourself, don’t get too distracted by what other people might or might not be doing with food/kit/nav/stops/pace etc

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself? I was a stunt double on a TV quiz show

Spartathlon Questions

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before? Nope

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race? Getting over the mountain, meeting Pan, reaching the end.

What are you not looking forward to during the Spartathlon race? Heat. Not sure I like it very much.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race? Trying out hot yoga, see if it’ll help with the above

Will you be bringing any support crew to the race? Yep. Never had a crew before, but my Dad’s coming out for this one.