Profile

Name: Nathan Flear 

Occupation: Running Coach

Home Town: Bansko, Bulgaria 

Instagram: nathanflear 

Website/Blog: www.nathanflear.co.uk 

Questions

What is your running background?

Started running to lose weight and get healthy having previously lived a life of reckless debauchery, turned to running and never looked back. 

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

First ultra was in 2015, first a 50k then they just got longer and longer. Initially it was about testing myself, going into the unknown, and learning about myself and my character. The buzz attained by going longer was the closest I could find to replicate the dopamine hits of my previous life. 

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

I like to travel for races so no specific events you might see me at, although it’s likely to be something that doesn’t require too much navigation, warmer weather, and a small kit list.. 

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Representing Great Britain at the 24 hour distance is by far my biggest achievement, I’m not sure I can ever top that.. 

What was your hardest experience?

They have all been hard but the one that sticks out is the Vol State 500k in Tennessee, 100 degrees, 100 percent humidity, no aid stations, and 500k of navigation.. Oh, and a crazy RD ( Laz)… I didn’t finish so it’s one I’ll revisit for sure, but it was brutal.. 

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Pacing and fuelling! Start slowly, always keep an eye on the pace, and effort, and stay on top of the fuelling.. Run my own race. Let everything else take care of itself. 

What does a typical training week look like?

Mainly easy miles, with one faster session, and two longer runs with one of those being hilly. I’ve always been a fairly high mileage runner but this year I’ve eased off a little so feel a lot fresher in the build up. 

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

Get the pacing and fuelling right! Test your fuelling over and over again in training. Run your own race and enjoy it.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I had a Christmas number one… Unfortunately not a music one but an Amazon Book bestseller with Puddings to Podiums. https://amzn.eu/d/bWZ1SIv

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes, twice, in 2017 and 2018 

How did you get on?

I did ok, finished both times so I was pleased but I struggled with a shin injury in 2018, the medicane year, so did a lot of walking in the final 40k or so, so hope to do a bit better this year. 

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

Enjoy every minute, take it all in! That finish in Sparta is special, do everything you can to get there. 

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

Meeting up with old and new friends, the buzz around the race, everything really. I love it.. 

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

 Nothing. I can’t wait. 

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

In terms of training, hilly runs are key for me, uphill and downhill. I’ve also worked hard on the fuelling in training. The weather in Bulgaria where we live is very similar to Greece so in terms of heat training it’s just been a case of getting out in the sunshine for my runs. 

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

Yes, my wife Tori who has crewed me at the other two. And my good friend Allan Anderson who Finished Sparta in 2022. I’ve also got my kids Skye (14), Summer (12), and Jackson (8) coming along for the adventure.