Runners Information
Name: Alexander Whearity
Occupation: Teacher
Home Town: Leicester
Twitter Account: @wezza316
Runners FAQ
What is your running background?
Couch potato until late 2012, but when I started training properly for the Reading half marathon I realised I was actually quite tenacious. I initially focused on half marathons until early 2014 when I found the ‘Thames Trot 50’ and my passion for ultras ballooned from there.
When or where (at which events) are we most likely to find you at?
Usually at ultras over 100 mile plus now. Love the Canal slam races (GUCR, KACR and LLCR). Finished 2ndoverall in the Centurion 100 Grand slam in October 2018 and want to do TP100 again in 2020. Will always go back to the Thames Trot 50 (now in October), where I took my inaugural solo race win in 2018. Do want to do the tunnel ultra at some point, for the mental challenge.
What are your personal key Running achievements to date?
2:50 marathon at London in 2016
Joint 1stT100 August 2016
1st at the Thames Trot in 2018 in 6:12( in extreme mud)
16:21 at Autumn 100 2018 (Sparta AQ)
2ndin Centurion Grand Slam 100s 2018
2ndat LLCR 2018 23:51
1stQECP marathon 2019 (CR)
What was your hardest race experience?
NDW100 2018! Vastly under fuelled and was a wreck at 50 miles. I teach teenagers and have never seen tantrums like it! Extreme heat did not help, but I did not take on enough salt and ran empty. Wendy (my wife) helped me to the finish line with amazing pacing/coaching in the 2ndhalf. A real lesson in fuelling and getting things wrong.
What events do you have planned?
London Marathon (April)
GUCR (May)
KACR 145 (July)
LLCR 130 (August)
And some park runs!
What is your typical race strategy?
Used to be go out too fast and HOLD ON! Now it is, fuel early and often, keep a steady pace and keep moving! Enjoy every moment and take in the scenery. As the famous philosopher ‘Triple H’ once said, ‘Adapt or perish!’
What does a typical training week look like?
Varies with work, but averages between 60-90 miles. Incorporating in interval sessions on track and local parks. Love a good canal long run on a Sunday. Keep things simple and easy. Often take the dogs out during my easy sessions
What one tip would you pass onto people running an ultramarathon for the 1sttime?
Be prepared.. very prepared
Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself
I am addicted to crisps
Spartathlon Questions
Have you taken part in Spartathlon before?
Nope, it’s my 1sttime
What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?
The dark places and working my way out of them. As Rocky said to Clubber in Rocky III ‘You aint so bad!’ I want to do myself and my family justice.
What are you not looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?
Rooming with Paul Ali (he snores!)
How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?
More rest days and cycling. Focusing on race day nutrition, whilst keeping in mind the heat monster. Keep practicing my fuelling whilst training and use the canal slam as a basis
Do you have a crew?
No… going lone wolf
British Spartathlon Team 