Interview with Adam Holland

image courtesy of CumbriaLive.tv

RB - What age did you start running?

AH - I started with Tavistock Athletics Club when I was 13 and then started competing at 16.

RB - What got you interested in the first place?

AH - I joined the club because a friend was interested in running. I was always at the back but then started to get better.

RB - Is there any one person or thing that inspires you to run?

AH - Steve Edwards because he was the first one to set a record for running 100 marathons at 28.

RB - Have you tried the shorter distances? Do you enjoy shorter distances?

AH - I just love running and all sorts of distances. I've taken part in track and field athletics for the first time this year and I've also done cross country and smaller marathons (1/2, 10k and 5k). I enjoy any running competition.

RB - Do you have a coach?

AH - No but I would like one. I think a coach would help me with nutrition. I ate chocolate and snack bars all the way round the 10 in 10! I think a coach could also help me improve my speed. I don't think there is enough ‘talent spotting’ done of young people in running. I've seen some really great young runners in the London Marathon but no one seems to be picking them up.

RB - What training do you set for yourself?

AH - I don't really train. I just run marathons! I play hockey so does that count as training?! A coach would definitely help with training.

RB - How do you avoid injury?

AH - Just plain good luck and I don't push myself. Although I had a six week period when I was running with a shin injury that I got in hockey.

RB - What attracted you to the Brathay 10 in 10?

AH - It was the place where I met Steve Edwards and Steve encouraged me to try and break his 100 marathon record.

RB - Did you enjoy the course and the scenery in the lake district?

AH - I definitely appreciate the scenery and one particular view coming down the hill when you look straight up the lake (except on a misty day).

RB - Are you good at running up and down hills? Which are you better at - up or down?

AH - I'm better at running down hills. I'm good at striding out but would like help to improve running up hills which I find more difficult and so slow down more than I probably should. I live in Tavistock which is good for hills so I do get the chance to practise them.

RB - Do you have any top tips for other endurance runners?

AH - Screw up your race number so it sits better next to your body as you run. It is something I have always done so it’s also a good luck thing. I notice other people’s numbers crease and fold in two places.

RB - What is your next challenge?

AH -Trying to finish my target of 100 marathons this year and beating Steve Edwards record. My last one is at the Eden Project on the 10.10.’10!

RB - Where is the nicest place you have ever run?

AH - Loads of places including running coastal marathons in Pembrokeshire, South Downs and Dorset. Many marathons have a special bit. The Snowdon marathon when you get to the top of hill and look down is one of my favourites. There is a story to each one from getting there to finishing and they are all individual.

RB - Are there any running destinations you would like to go to in the future?

AH - I am a music fan so would like to do some music marathons particularly the Country Music Marathon in America and the Rock and Roll one as well.

RB - What is your next target?

AH - I'll work that out when I've recovered from this one!