Name: David Harvey

Occupation: Director of Clinical Services for mental health

Home Town: Portsmouth, UK

Questions

What is your running background?

I started running around 10 or 11 years ago when I was overweight, drunk too much and partied too much. I never really fancied the gym and had always been active as a child and teenager. I bought a pair of running shoes and that was that, addicted straight away. This turned quickly into running ultras and did an ultra before my first marathon. Since then I’ve embraced running and made it part of my life.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

They always appealed to me because I never really believed that people did the distances, it seemed super human. When I did my first 100 I realised it was just another form of escapism and another reward that we can give ourselves, one that is more wholesome and provides more glory than the kitchen floor at 4am… 

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

Most likely at Centurion or Cockbain events over recent years. After doing 100 milers and then longer ones repeatedly, I fancied something a little more challenging and unique. I think we always look for that next hit or something to push us even further so I look to find races that give a little extra challenge or have something different about them.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Doing Western States was a dream come true, UTMB was fun too. Coming 4^th at GUCR was a massive surprise and then winning The Tunnel 200 this year was a bizarre experience for someone that is a bit of a mid-packer. 

What was your hardest experience?

Lakeland 100, the first time I did it absolutely kicked the living hell out of me, that will always stick out in my mind as the first race that chewed me up, spat me out,  set me on fire and then stamped me out. However, this precious award goes to Lon Las Cymru where I managed close to 230 miles, in first place and a marathon to go and was pulled out for losing my marbles. A sit down and some food and I was good to go, but too late… the decision was made for me. 

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Start slow, walk from the start and do not stop eating. If you start slow and don’t kick your arse early you’ll be strolling past people in the second half. 

What does a typical training week look like?

Generally it’s easy running, a couple of hill or tempo sessions and a long run or two at the weekend. It’s good to mix it up too, do some strength work, avoid the cheating bicycle and instead do some yoga! But I leave this all up to the wonderful Michelle Maxwell to sort so I don’t have to think about it.

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

Sign up to something that scares the crap out of you! 

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I’m pretty proud of some of my musical achievements, I’m a mad heavy metal fan and love to go to festivals and gigs. One year my band played at Download Festival, we rocked, played some riffs and then got hammered… as you must do when you’re a rock star! I real highlight moment for my life. 

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The sunburn and throwing up

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

The sunburn and throwing up

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I’ll probably go overkill on the saunas beforehand. They have worked at all the other hot races I’ve done! However, after the hurricane year I might need to prepare with a wind tunnel too! 

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

No