Runners Information

Your Name: Peter Abraham

Occupation: Pharmacist

Home Town: Sale, Gr Manchester

Runners FAQ

What is your running background?

Started running in about 2004, because of the middle age spread, with a run around the block and it went from there.

1^sthalf marathon 2005 (Great North Run) in 1.49, joined Altrincham & District Athletics club shortly after.

1^stMarathon: Blackpool 2009 in 3.04, was half way in 1.25 so was a pretty tough last 6 miles.

Marathon PB: Berlin 2013 in 2.38

 

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

After getting PB in Berlin I thought I would try something different so signed up to an ultra:

1^stUltra: The Wall 2014, finished 3^rdin 10.32. I led the race most of the way, got lost twice (added 3 miles), then with 3 miles to go someone stole the signs, had to wait 10-15mins for 2^nd& 3^rdplace runners who knew the route. Couldn’t be bothered after that.

 

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

Try to not run the same race twice. Last couple of years I was into trail races and ran L50 (2017) in 9:05, and L100 (2018) in 27:30. I’m not a strong trail runner, crap downhill, do it more to get off the road and add variety.

I sold my pharmacy business last year and wanted 2019 to be a special year so have run Seville Marathon in Feb in 2.48 and signed up to Comrades and Spartathlon. Will aim to run a longer race in August. For me it’s best not to race too much, seem to pick up injuries if I push myself too much in a race.

 

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

3 main achievements:

1. Berlin 2013, PB 2:38
2. Autumn 100 2017, 15:57, 3^rdplace, 1^st100miler and felt great
3. Connemara ultra (39.3mile) 2018: 4:32 1^stplace, ran a strong race

 

What was your hardest race experience?

Lakeland 100 2018: the first 6 hours went well, was in about 15^thplace then felt really low during the night, no energy, wanted to DNF. I kept telling myself get to Dalemain where I could drop. As I hit the tarmac before Dalemain I had a gel and 2 paracetamol and shortly afterwards I felt amazing and was running at 8min/mile pace.

 

What events do you have planned for 2019 up to Spartathlon? 

Seville marathon: Feb 19 (ran 2:48)

Perth 50K: Mar 19 (ran 3:28)

Comrades: June 19

The Ridgeway Challenge 86mile: 24^thAug 2019

 

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

I usually go off too fast! My plan is to take it easy, but when I’m on the start line and feeling good I go for it. Usually fuel on gels/coke and have proper food when I can.

 

What does a typical training week look like?

I run one speed session, a moderate run and a long run at the weekend. All other runs are easy with drills and strides. Usually max out at 90mile/week.

 

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

Strength is king: do 2-3 strength sessions each week and hopefully you won’t get injured

 

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?

I’m a twin! See photo below. Paul started running about 4 years ago and ran his 1^stsub 3 marathon last year. (I’m on the left, we met another pair of twins @ Berlin Marathon 2013)

Spartathlon Questions

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

 

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

Pushing myself to the limit and being part of the BST, should be great fun and an amazing experience.

 

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

My nails falling off and the heat. I’m rubbish with heat (why am I doing it!)

 

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Lots of long runs on tarmac, saunas 3xweek and 2 weeks of heat chamber before the race.

 

Will you be bringing any support crew to the race? 

No: my wife thinks I’m mad.