Runners Information

Your Name: Dean Oldfield

Occupation: IT Development Manager

Home Town: Rugby, Warwickshire

Runners FAQ

What is your running background? 

Started running in 2010 when I got a place in the London Marathon, I trained from Jan – April, ran the marathon and gave up until the following year. I did the same process each year until 2014 and haven’t really stopped since.

 

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I was told by my parents when I was young to never mix with the wrong people, so when I joined the local running club instead of mixing with the 5/10k group I chose the wrong group who turned out to be ultra runners! I started with a 50K event and have built up ever since. I much prefer the challenge of an event than chasing PB’s. Choosing different ultra’s increasing the distance seems an appropriate challenge. A love of the mountains also keeps my ultra running interest alive.

 

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

A mix of events but enjoy the Centurion, Lakeland and UTMB events. So often at one of these running, supporting or crewing.

 

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

• Lakeland 100 Pair Winners for the last 2 years.
• Tooting Bec Track 24 Hour 2018 – 217 km (Spartathlon AQ).
• 2:44 Marathon at London 2019.
• My first 100 miler at the Centurion SDW 100 in 2016.
• UTMB, CCC event completions.

 

What was your hardest race experience?

Tooting Bec Track 24 Hour race. Running around a track non-stop for 24 hours really does mess with your body and your mind.

 

What events do you have planned for 2019 up to Spartathlon? (Dates/name of key events)

• May 2019 – Bob Graham Round Attempt
• July 2019 – Lakeland 100

 

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Start easy and hopefully finish strong(ish!)

 

What does a typical training week look like?

60 – 85 miles a week, usually with the 80+ miles several weeks out from a race before reducing back.

1 to 2 Strength and Conditioning Gym Sessions.

 

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

Enjoy it, don’t think about the time, just run easy and the result will come. Eat/drink regularly.

 

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?

Recently started Bee Keeping with my youngest son Zack. Hopefully the honey can power my running.

Spartathlon Questions

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before? 

No

 

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

I’m actually looking forward to the whole race week experience. Also the challenge of a 150 mile + race and obviously the finish.

 

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

The low points that come in an ultra!

 

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Nothing specific, my ultra’s coming up will take care of the distance. Further high mileage weeks and trying to maintain the strength and conditioning to keep the niggle’s away.

 

Will you be bringing any support crew to the race? 

Yes 2 good running friends. Jonny Sarkies who originally got me into Ultramarathons. Jonny himself has run many ultra events and recently supported me at Tooting Bec 24 Hour Track Race. Paul Furness also a good all round runner who is a key member in the support crew for my upcoming Bob Graham Round attempt. As long as they both can stay soba in Greece they should be a great help!