Name: Anna Brown

Occupation: Cancer Pharmacist

Home Town: London

Questions

What is your running background?

I was never into running when I was younger (traumatic cross country aged 10!) but I needed a sport to keep me fit when I retired from rowing to allow me to continue to eat like a rower! So I started dabbling a bit more with running at about 35.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I’m not sure why but ultras had been calling to me for a while… My first proper ultra was the Ox 50 (mile) which was one of White Star Running’s looped races in Dorset. But it was also part of the ‘Ox Epic’ so I ran 2x10k races and a half marathon the same weekend – and loved the broken feeling at the end! A few months later I ran a 100k race on the South coast and accidentally came First Lady – that was all competitive me needed to keep going. 

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

I haven’t really done anything more than once but I love the Centurion events so maybe one of those, or else obviously Camino Ultra events!

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

I’m very proud of my Centurion (unofficial) Grand Slam in 2022 as I overcame a lot that year to get through the 4 races, including a ‘make-up’ solo TP100 in December. 

What was your hardest experience?

DNFing MdS in the ‘hot/sick’ year of 2021. I’d trained really hard for nearly 3 years due to Covid delays and was the fittest for running I’d ever been so was absolutely crushed when the heat wiped me out. 

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Depends on the terrain and length but I try and break the race down into chunks and plan a target pace for specific sections. This normally works for the first part and then the wheels fall off (!) but I do try not to go out too fast.

What does a typical training week look like?

I’m limited a lot by work so most of my midweek runs have to be during commutes on the flat tow path with some intervals or other speed work thrown in where possible. I’m trying to add more gym work in too. Long runs tend to be at weekends. 

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

You will inevitably feel rubbish at some point and want to stop, but generally if you can walk it out it will get better!

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

When I used row I ‘technically’ won 2 Commonwealth gold medals. Anyone who understands rowing will know this isn’t really a thing! 

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

How did you get on at Spartathlon?

N/A

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

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The challenge. I love a challenge and this is definitely a big one!

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

The heat. It’s been my downfall before but am hoping with crew, possibly even ice and no water rations I’ll get through this one! 

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Am getting myself back in the heat chamber at LSBU where I prepped for my second (successful) MdS. As a very heavy sweater I’m also looking forward to working with Precision F+H to nail my hydration/nutrition. 

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

Yes – they need no introduction! David Bone and Darren Strachan who have both been part of the Spartathlon family for a long time. I’m very lucky and honoured to have them in my corner for this one!