HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING WITH MILE 27?
Since 2017, which was early on in my running journey. I didn’t think I was ready for a coach, but it turned out to be a great decision.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
I was a late starter to the sport. I was 32 years old when I moved to Hong Kong in 2014, with no background in running or any other endurance sports. One of the first people I met in Hong Kong was an ultramarathoner named John Ellis. He introduced me to Hong Kong’s amazing trails and running community. I started with a 5k road race, and things escalated from there.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE RACE SO FAR?
So difficult to choose one, but it would probably have to be Oxfam Trailwalker. It’s a 4-person 100km team race, and Hong Kong’s largest and oldest ultramarathon. The event has a ton of history and amazing community atmosphere. It was my first 100k race, and I’ve been lucky to have been part of 3 winning teams.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM A RACE?
The North Face 50 HK in 2017 was my first “big” race win. I had DNF’d the race in 2015, and had trained a lot during the intervening 2 years. I took the lead with about 12km to go, and ran for dear life. I was in disbelief when I crossed the finish line first.
WHAT DO YOU FEEL HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ULTRAMARATHON ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR ?
Being selected for Team Canada to compete in the World Championships in 2022 and 2023. It was an honour to represent my country and compete with the world’s best.
WHAT IS ON YOUR RACING BUCKETLIST?
My bucketlist is highly confidential.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM ULTRAMARATHONS? WHAT HAVE THEY TAUGHT YOU ABOUT LIFE AND YOURSELF?
There is no special magic that suddenly appears on race day. The hard work needs to happen in the months and years before you step up to the start line, and success is never guaranteed.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF TRAINING?
I enjoy the project management aspect of a training block. Building up to a big “A” race brings a structure to my day-to-day life that I find satisfying. I certainly don’t enjoy every single training session, but I enjoy the process.
HOW DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE BENEFITED FROM TRAINING WITH MILE 27?
I have trained with Andy for the majority of my running career. He brings a straightforward, evidence-based approach that resonates with me. Far beyond just weekly training plans, he is always there to help me work through any obstacles and be the best runner I can be
WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU WOULD GIVE A FELLOW ATHLETE TO HELP THEM ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE OF RUNNING AN ULTRA MORE?
Race day is usually more enjoyable if you’ve put in the training.
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT RACE/CHALLENGE ?
UTSG 50, Mt Daisetsu Trail Journey in Japan, and then TMBT in Borneo in September.