Name: Terry Tillotson

Occupation: Heating Engineer

Home Town: Wakefield

Questions

What is your running background?

Running on and off for 30+ years (very much on for the last 10). 

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

After I managed to get into the London Marathon with a GFA place I thought “what next” and a friend at my running club (Rothwell Harriers) suggested I try an ultra. I ran my 1st in 2017 (50km) and hated every minute as I was so out of my comfort zone. I came back for more though so it can’t have been that bad and that’s all I’ve done since. 

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

 99% of my running is off road so I tend to do trail ultras. My favourite events are the Hardmoors events in the North York Moors. I’ve also done a couple of Cockbain events and will probably target more of these in the future. 

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

 I’ve had a few podium finishes at the Hardmoors 160 mile and at Endure 24 Leeds but never actually won anything (as my family kindly point out). 

What was your hardest experience?

 Horrendously blistered feet at last years Lakeland 100 and having to hobble the last 40 miles was pretty tough. Last years Spartathlon was so much harder than I thought it was going to be.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

 I used to just run on feel. Trouble is, I always feel great at the start so go off too fast. My wife now draws up a plan of roughly where I should be and when. This way I’ve been able to finish much stronger (don’t tell her I said this but the woman is always right!!!) 

What does a typical training week look like?

 Run 5 x a week (big fan of back to back runs) and 2 x strength and conditioning sessions. I started S & C work about a year ago after a few DNFs and it’s something that I think I was lacking last year at Spartathlon. I’ve been working with a PT and I’m definitely stronger. 

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

 See it more as a day out rather than a race and ignore your fellow competitors – run your own race 

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

As a kid I did BMX racing and was 2 nd in the country in my age group.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes, timed out last year at about 140 miles.

How did you get on at Spartathlon?

I found the heat and constant tarmac pounding so much harder than anticipated. I also wasted too much time at the checkpoints early on trying to cool down. 

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

 Really looking forward to having another attempt as I don’t think I realised how different it is from what I’m used to. I feel like I learned a lot last year! I’m also prepared this year for the “second mountain”! 

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

 I hope it’s not as hot as last year! 

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Added strength and conditioning to cope better with the tarmac and all my training has been on road for the last few months (missing the trails!). Hitting the sauna hard as well. 

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

 Unfortunately my family can’t come to Greece this year. But I am really lucky to have 2 good friends from my running club supporting me – Hadrian and Dawn.