Slingsby - Never Give Up

I met Slingsby whilst training at Marr's gym, we were both novices when it came to weights and we could use our weak arms and legs as a joint excuse to the crumper who was barking orders at us.  Sometimes it worked, but more often than not, we pushed on through and helped each other with the pain.

Slingsby asked me about training for a triathlon as I had done a couple, and what I had done in preparation for them.  I told him that once he had done one he would be hooked and always looking for the next, what I didn't expect was to hear that he had signed up for the Bolton Ironman only a year later.

1) Every story has a beginning, what first inspired you to start running?
To lose weight and keep fit

2) What do you find most rewarding about running? Especially longer distances
Seeing the countryside and having time to clear my mind of any worries

3) What apps/tech/gear do you use (if any) whilst running? Do you feel they have an effect on the way you train? Have you seen any improvement whilst using tech?
Strava/Garmin - I feel I have improved in all areas since I started using them and they definitely effect training especially for some sessions such as Time Trails and you can see live time how you compare to other sessions you have recorded.

4) What do you think about whilst pounding the pavement?
I try to clear my mind and concentrate on my breathing and technique.  I also listen to music and look at my surroundings.

5) How do you balance family life, work life and training? With a new addition to the family on the way do you think this will change things?
I balance family, work and training by carefully planning each week around any family events and work shifts.  Getting up early and training late.  With the new addition I will continue to improve my time management and use traveling back from days out getting changed and running/cycling home meeting the family there in the car.

6) What is your training regime? How many times a week and how far?
Gym 1 session  - 40 to 60 mins Core and Strength
Swim 1 session - 30 to 60 mins Endurance
Bike 3 sessions - 60 mins Interval/Time Trial, 4-5 hour Endurance, 1 hour hill repeats
Run 3 sessions - 60 mins Interval/Time Trial, 1-2 hour Endurance, 1 hour hill repeats

(Pondo - I'm tired just typing that out!)

7) What is your fastest marathon time? did you feel that you trained differently for this one? Where was it?
3 hours 49 mins in Hull, I didn't train any differently

8) You completed the IronMan UK Bolton in 2014, what inspired you to take on such a challenge?

I completed the IMUK in 2014 after being told in September 2012 that I could no longer play football by doctors bue to a massive knee injury that could not be diagnosed let alone solved! I was devastated but I don't do giving up.  After numerous scans, physio, insoles operations and more I was informed that football would lead to a wheelchair, but I don't do sitting around so a doctor advised that I could try triathlons.  I had never heard of them, but got straight onto investigating.  After buying all the gear and completing several triathlons with lots of knee support, I felt stronger and with no knee issues.  I thought I would prove to myself and my knees that I could be an IronMan.  I am now aiming to do the IronMan in Wales 2016, but with no knee supports.

9) Do you feel that you training has changed since signing up for the IronMan, and how is it different after completing the event in style?
Training definitely changed with the IronMan due to the sheer amount required.  It was more focused and planned and after the IronMan it changed again as I started to push harder and get better.

10) What is your strongest part of the Ironman? Do you this this has changed since?
Swimming is definitely the strongest, and although this has not changed since, the bike and run have definitely improved

11) Do you feel there is a particular personality trait that is driven to an Ironman, if so, how does your personality fit?
 An Ironman is full of different types of people but they all have a common trait adn that is they are willing to put the training in and belief that they can do it.  Many of them have a passion for training and proving to themselves and others that they can do it! With the proper training ad motivation "Anything is possible".  My trait is just that I don't give up and I am highly self-motivated.

12) Is crossing the finish line worth all the pain in training?
100% worth it, my most proud finish line was the Ironman.

13) What is the most memorable place you have ran?
Whilst on holiday in Turkey I ran through an eerie ghost town where the people who had previously lived there had just upped and left with everything still as it was

14) Any advice for someone who is training for a marathon or looking to start running?
My advice would be to believe in yourself, follow a simple plan and concentrate on the distance before looking at speed.  Also don't ignore the 10% increase rule, hills are helpful and list to your body.  Get regular physio!

15) What is next?
Ironman Wales in 2016 and then IronMan UK again in 2017

Quick Questions
a) Music or Thoughts? Music and thoughts
b) Hill on purpose or stick to flats? Hills on purpose
c) If it is raining before you go out, do you wait till it stops of brave it? Brave it, Always
d) Energy Gel, Banana or other? Jelly Babies
e) Fill in the blank, Running is ____ FREEDOM!