Profile

Name: Andy ‘Daysey’ Day

Occupation: Secret Squirrel (Police trainer)

Home Town: Mansfield

Questions

What is your running background?

Racing cyclist, to duathlete, to triathlete, to Ironman, to double Ironman, to Ultra runner

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I started in around 2014/15 and as with Triathlon, I wanted to see how how / long I could go.
I like to keep writing cheques, until the body can’t cash them

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

There are sooooo many great races out there, I generally try to keep trying something knew.
However this is my 4 th time at Spartathlon (like I said, it’s a boomerang race)
I do like to race abroad / in the heat. I work better on solar power ��
Hoping to get into Badwater135 in 2025 & may look at Berlin100, Heyday 100 (Greece) Anglo Celtic Plate or maybe another race in US.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Completing 3 Spartathlons (13^th in 2022) Badwater135 (9^th) winning Keys100 in 2023. 

Running 15:22 for 100 miles at Barcelona 24, for my Sparta AQ this year. I couldn’t end it on a DNF 😁

What was your hardest experience?

I have to say Badwater135 in 2024. That was a hard day at the office. Really pleased to push through & get a decent position.

However, Spartathlon 2024 was my first DNF. I ‘called it’ at Mt Base, after struggling for a few hours. It was 7 weeks after Badwater. My legs had felt great, but it wasn’t to be. 

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

In the early days is was to go off far to fast, moan at myself when I realised I was running too fast & then hang on like a dog.
Thankfully I have learned the hard way & I now start off easy, well within myself, hold back & try to enjoy the journey early on. This has helped, as I’m now able to run stronger towards the end.
However it still really hurts & I have to hang on like a dog

What does a typical training week look like?

Depends on the time of year & race im working towards. On average probably 50 miles a week, 60-80 in race season & a couple of 100mile weeks leading up to Spartathlon.
For me personally, I find I struggle to recover if I do more than 100 miles in training. Everybody is different though.
Ideally some core work aswell.
In the ‘off’ season I do revert back to a bit of a ‘Gym monkey’ in an attempt to bulk back up a little.

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

Don’t go off too fast! Enjoy the journey & smile. �� (something I’m still learning, when it hurts)
Remember, you’ve paid to do this!!

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I’m David Bone’s No. 1 Fan x

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes

How did you get on?

2019 – 30.40
2021 – 29.27

2022 – 27.57

2024 – DNF

What tip would you pass on to those taking part for the first time?

It’s a long way & the race doesn’t start until after the mountain. Its easy to get sucked into the atmosphere & set off like you’re in a 10k. Hold back, acknowledge all the support along the way, high five the school kids that line up along the road, take in the smell of oil (if you know…. You know )

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

A fourth finish & PB (PMA!!)
Meeting up with old crazy gang Spartathlon runners / crew & all the new ones that will ALL kiss the foot (PMA!!)
This historic race is like no other. It’s the boomerang race. It just draws you back
Looking forward to seeing the ‘newbies’ realise their dreams.
THE SPARTA UNDERPANTS MILE BAAAAABY!! (Or the Max Wall funny walk contest) This is an
unofficial event the morning after the race on the 400m track. Great fun….

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

I know what’s coming & im looking forward to it all!

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Longer mileage, incline work, gym work. 

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

‘The wife’ Diane ‘Diddy’ Day – Never leave home without one! She is my voice of reason, my extra gear, the one to tell me to ‘suck it up’ & get on with it, my number one fan who always believes in me & my crazy race plans & allows me never to grow up.

Also the infamous Graeme Boxall, will be assisting.