Name: Alex Marshall

Occupation: Personal trainer and sports massage therapist

Home Town:  Ely Cambridgeshire 

Questions

What is your running background?

I started running when I was 11 years old with my mum training for race for life. From there I started track running and running with a friend before school. I went straight from a 10km race to a marathon and was doing ultras in training before I knew it was a thing! 

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

22 ish… I used/use running as therapy for a lot of mental health issues I had from 16 years old. 

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

Zigzag running, cockbain events and Phoenix running events. I love the low key races they’re friendly and fun! 

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

140 miles at run sandringham 24 hour 

Track 100 cockbain events pb- 16:05

The tunnel 200 miler- 41:16… beating the previous record by 1hr 40 mins 

I’ve ran 230 marathon/ultramarathons races- 203 of those’d are ultra marathons.  

What was your hardest race experience?

The tunnel! The sleep deprivation was a killer in the last 30 miles… I was seeing Giraffes driving cars, and the tunnel had turned into a forest and I kept getting lost! Thankfully Martin came to my rescue when I turned and started running the other way as he told me it was actually straight on… just like it had been for 180 miles! 

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Listen to your body. If you plan too much it’s likely to actually give you a disadvantage. I run faster when I feel good, and I slow down when I don’t feel great… riding the highs and lows. Don’t worry about what other people are doing, run your own race. 

What does a typical training week look like?

Most days are 20 miles, I have one day a week I do a 12 miler and do a lot of strength and conditioning that day. Sculling (rowing) and open water swimming at least once a week. Weights 3-5 times a week. I find cross training really helps reduce your chances of getting injured. 

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

Do a low key race perhaps a lapped event, that way you don’t have to worry about navigation, carrying anything and you always have someone to chat to if you want to get out of your own head! 

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?

After not going abroad since I was 16 years old due to poor mental health at 31 years old I decided to bite the bullet and book the Daytona 100 miler in Florida and went by myself and ended up with 1st female and 3rd overall… it was the best adventure! 

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The buzz of completing such an iconic race. (Hopefully)

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

Apparently there’s a lovely little hill about 100 miles in?! 

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I’ll be doing more 24 hour races than I would usually do in the months leading up to the race. Making sure I run at the hottest part of the day and watching YouTube videos of the race. 

Will you be bringing any support crew to the race? (If so, please introduce them briefly)

No, going solo!