Runners Profile
Your Name: Cat Simpson
Occupation: Nurse
Home Town: London
Runners Questions
When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?
A few years ago. I ran my first 100 at the NDW100, then had some unfinished business with the distance after not breaking 24 hours.
When or where (at which events) are we most likely to see you?
Probably at a Centurion event. Or training repeatedly on the same stretch of the north downs way.
What are your personal key running achievements to date?
Grand Union Canal Race 2017 – first female, third overall and new CR.
What was your hardest race experience?
Probably Parkrun (not technically a race, but my least favourite distance)
What events do you have planned for 2018 up to Spartathlon? (Dates/name of key events)
Thames Path 100 and Brighton Marathon.
What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?
I like to start slow and not worry too much about what’s going on around me. The race doesn’t tend to start until at least the half way point.
What does a typical training week look like?
Fairly high mileage, but with a purpose. A couple of speed sessions and as much scenic trail running as possible. But in reality there’s a lot of running to and from work and fitting training around life.
What one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time?
Sounds stupid, but it should be fun. I tend to the best results when I’m enjoying myself.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?
Apparently the most coherent I was during the latter stages of GUCR was when I told my crew not to ever let me enter Spartathlon.
Spartathlon Questions
Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?
What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?
Kissing Leonidas’ foot. The atmosphere . The sun.
What are you not looking forward to during the Spartathlon race?
How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?
Hopefully it’ll involve hitting that sweet spot between training hard and enjoyment. Maybe a few heat chamber sessions too and a trip to my in-law’s house in Spain, for the pleasure of running laps around a golf course or on busy roads.
Will you be bringing any support crew to the race?
Yes, my long suffering Dad and husband Jon.
British Spartathlon Team 