Profile

Name: Jason Skirrow

Occupation: Programme Manager

Home Town: Portsmouth

Questions

What is your running background? I have been running for 30 years as a way to explore and keep fit when I left school. I only ever did up to half marathons and was never fast.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why? I read the Dean Karnazes book Ultra Marathon Man 8 years ago and was astounded how the human body could reach such feats so I thought I would see if I could. I loved the challenge and the way the body adapted to this mileage during this training especially as I approached 40. I also love the mindfulness of the long runs when it is you and your body together as one – it is the best machine you will ever own and my best friend.

When or where (at which events) are we most likely to see you? Centurion events – 50s and 100s (especially the SDW) and the Portsmouth Coastal Marathon or Ultra.

What are your personal key running achievements to date? My first ever 100km race from London to Brighton 5 months after back surgery where I had a disc removed – the joy and euphoria I felt in achieving this after surgery where my running life was put on hold possibly forever………..

What was your hardest race experience? My first ever 100 mile SDW as you just don’t know what to expect – 70-100 miles seemed to take forever. 

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra? Consistent pace, Tailwind and run as much as possible (I don’t usually have a walk run strategy).

What does a typical training week look like? 50-70 miles of road and trail running, with intervals, progressions and tempo work. My training week is much more varied and enjoyable now I have Daz’n’Bone coaching me.

What one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time? Believe in what the body can do and train hard – you know within yourself if you have trained enough for an event.

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself? I have a few piercings – best I can do 😊

Spartathlon Questions

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before? No

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race? Enjoying the event with the locals and the runners and finishing at the feet of Leonidas.

What are you not looking forward to during the Spartathlon race? The pressure of the cut offs.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race? I am pretty consistent all year with mileage but have employed the experience of the excellent Daz’n’Bone coaching team specifically for this event (and then to push for a sub 20hr 100 miler).

Will you be bringing any support crew to the race? (If so, please introduce them briefly) None yet planned but still need to discuss options with friends and people going out there already.