Name: David Barker

Occupation: Product Manager for an Advertising Technology company

Home Town: Tunbridge Wells

Questions

What is your running background?

I started running as a child, and was in the school athletics team. I was never a sprinter, and probably the only child at school who volunteered for the 1500m and cross country. I stopped running competitively, but carried on running for fun, and always enjoyed exploring my local area by running down random footpaths to see where they would take me.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I ran my first marathon days before my 40^th birthday, and it went much better than expected, so I then started chasing times. My first ultra was the 2012 North Downs Way 100 which I entered as a way to get back to the enjoyment of running and a release from the pressure of chasing the elusive sub 3 marathon. I loved the relaxed pace and the atmosphere, as well as the challenge of seeing how far I could go. 

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

I used to race a lot of the Centurion events, but have cut down, and am more likely to be found at LDWA challenge event, or just out on the local trails on my own.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

I finally achieved my sub 3 marathon in Dublin 2014, 3^rd place at Thames Path 100 in 2015, and a sub 16 hour 100 miles at the Autumn Hundred the same year. 

What was your hardest experience?

Spartathlon 2018 was a brute. It started well with cool temperatures, but when the storm hit it was a struggle to stay upright let alone run. Many of the roads were flooded, so my feet were destroyed wading through the water and debris.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Take walk breaks early and regularly, and use them to rest and eat. Hopefully I’m then strong in the second half and catch everyone who passed me while I was walking.

What does a typical training week look like?

6 days of running, building to about 80 miles per week. Lots of easy runs, run commutes, etc. with the odd track session to try and maintain some speed and form.

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

Know why you are running. You need a good reason to keep going when it hurts and you could just stop and lie down. 

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes I ran in both 2016 and 2018 

How did you get on?

I finished both times, but both were a struggle. 2016 was a lack of strength so a death march to the finish, and 2018 was a battle against the wind and rain of Storm Zorba, so again a stumble through the storm wreckage to the finish. I’m hoping to actually run some of the last 15 miles this time.

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

Make a race plan for pacing and nutrition, and use the aid stations / drop bags wisely, but be prepared to bin the plan and wing it. Listen to your body and if it’s too hot to run at your goal pace, slow down, and walk in the shady patches. 

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The atmosphere at the start. A heady mix of excitement and trepidation! The local support in Elefsina, signing autographs in Zevgolatio all make it a special event. And obviously the finish in Sparta.

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

It’s been 5 years since I last ran Spartathlon, so I’ve forgotten the low points. I just have god memories.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I’ll be adding a weekly Hot Yoga session to my plan for the final month of training, but also mentally preparing for every possible type of weather.

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

Yes my usual crew will be back. They know every doughnut shop in the Peloponnese as well as most of the bars, so have the experience and local knowledge to cope with any random demands I make.