Runners Information

Your Name: Nathan Flear

Occupation: All sorts of running related stuff, coaching, race organiser, running magazine, run camps, just enough to pay the bills, feed the children, and keep me running!

Home Town: Swansea

Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/ultrarunneruk

Website/Blog: www.nathanflear.co.uk

Runners Profile

What is your running background?

Started running 3 years ago, replacing all bad habits and addictions with running!

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

6 months after I started running, I guess it’s all about seeing how far we can push ourselves to see what we can do.

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

I love all kinds of events, road, trail, 5k’s, marathons, 24hr races, all of it, so you could see me anywhere..

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Representing Wales at 100k and finishing the Spartathlon last year.

What was your hardest race experience?

Each race seems to be harder than the one before so I couldn’t say although the last 15 miles of the Spartathlon would take some beating

What events do you have planned for 2018 up to Spartathlon?

Belfast 24 hour in June and then hopefully some events over in Bulgaria during the summer, maybe Berlin 100 if I can get off the wait list or The Ridgeway at the end of August.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Decide on the dream time I’d like to go for and hold that pace for as long as possible.

What does a typical training week look like?

For Spartathlon it’ll be 160+ miles per week with a mixture of longer runs of 30+ miles and double days of around 15m in the morning and 10m in the evening.

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

Enjoy it, never let times and positions stop you from enjoying it.

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?

I had dinner with Michael Jacksons mum and Tito Jackson the week before Michael Jackson died.

Spartathlon Questions

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes

How did you get on?

Finished in 27:01

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

Train on the downhills, your legs will thank you in the last 15 miles

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

Everything, I loved every minute last year, even the tough parts were amazing!

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

Nothing! I can’t wait!!!

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I’ll spend the Summer in Bulgaria which will hopefully help with the heat, I did this last year but not sure of its effectiveness as it was relatively cool in Greece for the race. Lots of running, and plenty of downhill repeats.

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

Yes, my partner Tori will probably be coming along again.. It was great having her there last year, more to help me get into the shower after the race than for anything during it though. Although it was nice to see a familiar face during the night time at some of the checkpoints. She was great!