Name: Steve Gordon

Occupation: Financial Planner – Oyster Wealth Management

Home Town: Bury St Edmunds

Questions

What is your running background?

It all started in my early 30’s with a bucket list on a sheet of A4 and a dart board. 4 months on from that and I was running the London Marathon, which quickly became a passion (OK, obsession) and I’ve been running ever since.

It didn’t take long for me to discover this underground ‘Ultra Marathon’ scene and I found new boundaries to break through. Ultras have given me a way to test myself and discover that with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

My mate Studney was a seasoned marathon runner just as I was starting up and suggested we run a marathon together. He asked me to choose one and we’d do it.. apparently he’d already run Paris, New York and a bunch of others so I thought screw it let’s go big and I entered the MDS in 2004. I had no idea what I was doing but somehow winged it and finished.. I just did it for fun and adventure but something stuck. I just get a kick out of doing things very few people would even think possible and I’ve been finding ways to stretch my capabilities ever since.

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

I’m a creature of habit so more than likely you’ll find me eating up the miles from my own front door. We live on the edge of a National Trust Estate so I am often running there. In my neighbouring village there’s a 10 in 10 every year and I’ll usually be there in July using that as a base for my Spartathlon Training block. I’ll also try and get in a couple of Biggies during the year – to give me something to aim for.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Three Spartathlon finishes, a Badwater finish, and winning the Deadmans Ultra (200).

Various other long runs. I’m proud of all the hundred plus races as they take so much training, commitment and perseverance.

I like the ‘not knowing’ aspect of whether this will be my day or not, and being the main character in ‘The Hero’s Journey’.

What was your hardest experience?

That’s such a difficult question, but probably the ones when I can’t see a way forward anymore and the voice in my head says that’s it – you’re done – it’s not your day, go home.

My most vivid memory of this was during the Thames Ring 250 in 2015. At mile 75 my feet were a wreck, blistered, bruised and sore. The very thought of doing 175 miles more was beyond me and that was my problem, I saw 175 more miles.

I didn’t reduce it down to something I could do – like another mile, then another. Not until a friend I rang asked me what else I had planned for the day.. That helped reframe my goal to just get to the next CP, then maybe the one after that.. and I finished – it wasn’t pretty but from that moment on I was a proper Ultra runner. If I could do that I can do anything.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Start at the back, so that nobody can overtake me, then reel in as many runners as I can, building my confidence as I go until I feel like a superhero.. go slower than I should, stay patient, fuel early, and trust the process. Small, steady steps carry you furthest.

What does a typical training week look like?

50 – 80 miles a week in the months leading up. Some core strength work as well and for something like this add in heat training for the last few weeks. Robbie Britton coaches me and has been instrumental in giving me structured training to get me into my best shape.

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

Don’t focus on the big number, break it down into little chunks like a mouse eating an elephant. One bit at a time.

Don’t focus on the big number, break it down into little chunks like a mouse eating an elephant. One bite at a time.

Stay on top of your nutrition early and don’t let that slip. Take regular micro walks of a minute or so to give your legs a break and to recalibrate your body. Reward yourself at key points; the first marathon, Corinth, the mountain etc..

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I used to be a chef in my first career and ran a restaurant when I was 19. I was working 18 hour days.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes — I’ve got 3 medals. Each finish is unforgettable, and I feel grateful and emotional every time I touch the foot of King Leonidas. I don’t think there’s a better feeling at the end of any race, anywhere.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

By building endurance, heat training, and practising efficient checkpoint routines. In every training run I imagine myself running Spartathlon. Mental preparation is so important because when you want to stop (and you will) you need a WHY that’s bigger than anything else to keep you going – so lot’s of mental visualisation.

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

Remember why you are here, you chose to do this, to take part in one of the most iconic of Global Ultramarathons. You will love everything about the experience. You are good enough to belong in this field of athletes, you earned the right to be here and will have the best adventure. Soak it up and use your time wisely, talk to previous finishers and hone your tactics but make it your own race, not someone else’s.

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

Meeting fellow British Team runners and some old friends. The mountain is special, not as hard as you might think but the sight of twinkling stars and head torches bobbing above and below me is unforgettable. The finish line too, if the Gods allow me to pass this year then watching fellow runners finish can be very emotional.

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

Getting a telling off from my crew for sneaking in a quick nap. There are no hiding places from them, they have eyes and ears everywhere..

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

Michael and Amanda (top team sponsors at Avani) who have crewed me twice before. We make a great team and they know how to keep me moving when I don’t want to. They know the race inside out and will be there with me – we have a plan..