Runners Spotlight, Let Me Introduce Baz

Today is Spotlight Thursday

This week I'd like to introduce Baz. 

I asked Baz several questions, to tell part of his story and introduce you all to him. 

Baz Blogs at

Fearless Feet

What distances you like to run?

I am slowly getting into running long distances. I will have run my first ultra by time this is read and will look to do more marathons and ultras in the future. I do still have a desire to run a 40 minute 10k so will work on that over winter.

How long have you been running?

I was a reasonably good secondary school runner and ran at district level but became very on and off once I left school. I ran the London marathon in 2005 for charity but didn't train properly. I have been running seriously since March 2012.

What made you want to become a runner?  What is it that keeps you at it?

I have always had an interest in keeping fit and have had various stints at joining a gym and then giving it up again. Between September 2011 and February 2012 I had 3 lifelong friends pass away which was a real blow and made me realize all the time I had wasted.. So I started running again and haven't stopped since.

You just ran you first Ultra, how was it?  What inspired you to want to take on a challenge like that?  Will you do it again?  

At the time of writing this I am approaching my first ultra. Part of the reason for wanting to do it is the desire to push my own limits and that feeling f a fear of the unknown that comes with a challenge like that. It's great being able to do 5 and 10k's but now it is about the time achievement over that distance rather than being able to complete the distance. With an ultra distance I know I am going to struggle and hurt to make it to the end..it's not an accomplishment easily earned.

What has been your favorite race and distance you have run?  Tell us why?

The Bath Half Marathon in Somerset, UK was a great race and I am signed up to do it again next year. It is an ancient town having being occupied for thousands of years but built into a major town by the Romans. The half is that mid ground between distance and speed and makes it an enjoyable experience.

If you could run any race in the entire world, where would it be and why?

Any race any where in the world? I think with my aspirations it would have to be an ultra event. One of the large events such as UTMB or Western States 100, this would be because of the complete insanity of trying to cover such a vast distance.

Do you run for fun?  Or run to compete?  Both?

A little of both but leaning slightly more to competitive...but always remembering the only person I am competing with is myself.

Have you ever won a race or placed in your age group?

I have never won a race or age group...yet! I have won a team prize trophy. The system was the first 3 people home from each club would have the times added up, the fastest team time wins. I was the third man home for our team and the cumulative time was the fastest. Not having won anything before the club presented me with the trophy..a very proud moment! Keep working hard, it will pay off in the end.

Have you experienced any trials/injuries/health issues that you have had to overcome?  Tell us about them.

I've had loads of injuries in the past 18 months. Compartment syndrome, where the muscle is over developed and tight inside the sheath of skin it sits inside of. Torn ankle ligaments from running races to close together and not enough recovery time. I had 2 half marathons and a 10k run in the space of 3 weeks. Strangely enough my current PB came from the 10k where I was running injured! I have also had small tears and painful tight spots. I have been seeing a physio for some time now which I can highly recommend, it has been painful treatment but I have far fewer problems now.

Tell me what crossing the finish line feels like to you.

Usually the first 5 minutes after crossing the finish line my head is absolutely buzzing and I need a few minutes to calm down before I can talk with people. then the elation of having a successful run sets in.

Do you have a specific distance and PR that you are proud of?  Tell me about it.

The PB I'm most proud of I think is my 10k. Running on an injured ankle when I shouldn't have been out, fighting as hard as possible around the course and finishing in 43 minutes 27 seconds.

Have you ever ran a race in costume?  Would you?  

I have never run a race in a costume, I would consider it as long as I was confident that it wouldn't stop me from completing the distance.

Do you have a funny running story to share?  Or what is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you while out on a run?

I don't really have any funny running stories. A crazy run I had was when considering if I could run an ultra or not and looking at races I decided to take myself 500 miles from home and run 35 miles across the Scottish highlands as a private test to see if I was mentally strong enough to cover the distance. I arrived by train at 08.15am and had 11 and 1/2 hours until my return train left in the evening. If I missed the train I would have been 500 miles from home with no accommodation!

When someone asks you why you run, what do you tell them?

I like challenging myself and I no longer want to squander my life. I wish to take it as far as possible, there are no limits I put upon myself.

15.  Do you hope to be a lifelong runner?

Yes!

16.  What is your dream or biggest goals?

My biggest dream would be able to make a living from running. Slightly more realistic is to continue improving and become more competitive.

What Countries have you run races in?  Share a few or your favorites?

My races have taken place in London, Essex, Somerset, Cambridgeshire and the Scottish highlands.

What is your favorite kind of running, solo running or running with a friend or group?

I think running with groups is great for improving ability and confidence.

Have you ever run a relay race?

I have never run in a relay, yet.

Do you listen to music while you run?  Give me the top 2 running songs on your playlist.

I've been listening to music for ages but recently have weened myself away from it. 2 top songs? Lamb of God - Take You Away and maybe Godsized - Walking Away

Do you cross train?  What types?

I don't cross train at the moment but am looking at putting something in place for the winter.

When your not out on a run, What other hobbies/sports do you do?

Other hobbies include reading, listening to music, going to the odd concert, spending time with my family and eating curry.

What type of things motivate you and push you towards success?  

The amazing achievement of others really helps spur me on, watching their films or reading books.

What is your must have running accessory?

My current must have accessory is my phone running nike+ but over winter it will probably change to my HRM.

Favorite pre and post run food?

Pre run I usually eat oats, banana and honey and a large glass of water, preferably 2 hours before running. after a run of 12 miles or shorter I will only have a carb based drink, over 12 miles I will have a protein drink as well.

Water or Sports drink?

Mainly water, sports drink during or after a run.

What do you do with your race t-shirts and medals?

I keep all of my quality technical t-shirts, medals and race bibs.

What footwear do you use and why?

I have a Uk size 9 feet and over pronate quite badly so the shoes I have used with success are Asics Foundations 11, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 13 and Salomon Crossmax Guidance. 

Tell us something unique about you.

Wow, something unique about me? I was beaten by UK celebrity Dermot O'Leary in the Bath half marathon by 42 seconds exactly! Next year I'll beat him!

What are your tips to someone who is looking to start running?

For someone starting out running I would recommend getting a HRM and to take it slowly. Don't limit any particular distance but do use a run walk strategy.

You Can Find Baz Blogging At:

http://fearlessfeet.wordpress.com/

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