Mich Hardie

Name: Mich Hardie

Occupation: Supervisor for the Council.

Home Town: Portsmouth

Questions

What is your running background?

I’ve always enjoyed running, did my first marathon at 31 2nd 5 years later then it snowballed.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

Around 2012 I started going up in distance working up from 50k, 50 mile 85mile and my first 100 was Centurions Southdowns Way which caught my imagination. I was inspired by club mates and wanted to challenge myself.

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

I’d like to think I’m up for any distance, though recently I’ve neglected shorter events, I did the canal slam last year and would like to have another go at that and am keen on another 24 he track race.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

I’ve had some good placings & topped the 2021 Canal slam (though I wouldn’t have been close this year).

What was your hardest experience?

Has to be my last attempt at Spartathlon when I got to the finish but went over the time by 23 mins but I’d given all I had.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Run at a comfortable pace in order to still be running in the later stages, drink and eat regularly (I’m pretty good at this) and minimise stops, get what you need and push on.

What does a typical training week look like?

I’ll run most days and just try and mix it up but I will for rest when I think it will be more beneficial.

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

Just believe you will finish, get it in your head your prepared to use all the available time if that’s what it takes. Most of us have given up with ample time to spare and felt fine once the pressure is off.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I was an extra in Adrian Mole as it was filmed at my school.