Runners Information

Your Name: Kirsty Williams

Occupation: Automotive Technical Specialist

Home Town: Chelmsford

 

Runners Questions

 

What is your running background?

Started running in 2007, because I was worried I was getting old and unfit. Started running 1km laps round the park, while my son played on the skate ramps.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I saw someone wearing a UTMB T-shirt and thought it looked cool.

When or where (at which events) are we most likely to see you?

Long distance mountain events. 24 hour races.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Finishing the UTMB.

What was your hardest race experience?

First time I ran the UTMB. I properly broke before I got to Champex, and called my husband to come and pick me up. Luckily, he convinced me it wasn’t possible to come to me (on the easily accessible public road) and I’d have to run to meet him at the next checkpoint. He fed me, told me I was fabulous, and sent me on my merry way.

What events do you have planned for 2016 up to Spartathlon?

West Highland Way Race (95 miles) Lakeland 100 (106 miles – please note!!) And possibly a sneaky TDG.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Come up with a long and complex plan based on detailed analysis of everyone who has ever run the race, comparing to any race I’ve also run to create detailed splits. Which I promptly screw up and throw away within the first hour, because it’s too stressful to run to a plan.

What does a typical training week look like?

Cycling to work, short runs during the week, longer runs at the weekend. Regular practice running up hills.

What one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time?

Just keep moving & don’t overthink it.

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?

Running IS the most interesting thing about me.

Spartathlon Questions

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

Finishing it!

What are you not looking forward to during the Spartathlon race?

I’m proper scared of the heat, the distance, and the cut-offs. But apart from that, I’m really excited!

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

More road miles, trying to run a little faster, and hot yoga.(not completely convinced about that one)

Will you be bringing any support crew to the race?

Yes, my lovely long suffering husband.