I have been asked by a friend from Ultra Running Paul Ali to answer some questions about myself for an e-Magazine he is trying to create for the sport in the UK. I think this is a fantastic Idea and can only benefit the sport as a whole. Below are the questions and answers, I though I might post them here to give more of an insight to what makes me tick. Obviously some ppl will read them twice as when the Magazine comes out a few will have read it already but as not many follow my blog who will use the Mag I thought it would be ok. I hope thats ok Paul.
Name: Lindley Chambers
Fetch, Runners World and Twitter names: Firemannotsam – I use this name as quite a few years ago the mother of a friend used to always call me Firemansam and I used to continually say Not Sam so it became Firemannotsam and I have used it ever since.
Occupation: Firefighter – Obviously from the above statement, I have been a Firefighter for the past 9ish years with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. Before that I was Military.
Running Background: I have always played Hockey since 11 years old and once I joined the Army obviously they make you very fit and run a bit. I never really ran much for fun though just for training and work. After I left the Army in 2000 whilst deciding my next main occupation whilst working with London Transport I decided to run the London Marathon before I was 30 and trained and ran the 2003 Flora London Marathon. I really enjoyed the experience since then I have run fairly regulary with it slowly becoming a more important part of my life.
When did you first start running Ultra’s and why? After doing my third London Marathon but not having done any other races ( There is only one Marathon?) I started to hear about other races and I entered and ran the Downlands 30 along part of the South Downs Way.. I enjoyed the challenge and the friendlieness of Ultra runnners and the low key event. I was interested in doing more of this type of event. I enjoy challenging myself rather than just doing an event for the sake of collecting numbers or getting a few seconds of a PB. Its more about the event and the experience for me plus the interesting people and personalities you meet.
When/where (at which events) are we most likely to meet you? I do lots of races now, usually one at least a month but usually you will find me at events of a marathon or more in distance. Usually 50milers or more. I try to help out at local club races sometimes and have crewed at one or two really long events which I really enjoy.
What are your key running achievements to date? My Main achievements to date I think could be spplit into 3: My first London Marathon in 2003 (4:37), My first 50 miler in the Kent 50 mile Challenge in 2007 (12:13) and my longest ever race finished the 145mile Grand Union Canal Run.
What was your best result/best race experience? Easily the GUCR last year where I completed my furthest ever race which was a fantastic experience and without a doubt one of the toughest and best races in the world. I completed the 145miles in 38Hours 49minutes.
What was your worst result/worst race/hardest race experience? I dont really have a worst race although I did Gloucester Marathon a few years ago and that was poorly organised but I try to take a positive away from every race. My hardest was certainly the GUCR. My worst result would probbably be my first ever DNF at Lakeland 100 3 years ago where I quickly realised I was not good enough for the race and dropped out at only 32miles in.
What are your Ultra Marathon running ambitions? Like most ultra runners I have a rather big list of races around the world but my biggest ambition at the moment is to run and complete the Spartathlon race in Greece 153 miles non stop in less than 36 hours. I am lucky enough to have an entry for this years race so that is my main target and ambition at the moment.
What was your last event and how did it go? My Last event was the Viking Way Ultra a 147 mile self navigation off road race which is new this year. Unfortunately I dropped out at 74.5 miles with a injury in my knee that was not going to survive another 74 miles. I will go back next year to have another go. A great race though.
What is your next event? My next event is the London Marathon this weekend as a training run and possibly pace a runner from running club round the course. My next Ultra is the GUCR on 2nd of June where I hope to better my time from last year.
What is your typical race strategy for an Ultra? It really depends on the race if its hilly then I just plan to run whatever I can and walk when its hilly/unrunnable. If its flat then I will do a 25/5 run/walk plan for as long as I can. Races of 50 or less that are not hilly and I will try to run them. I try to eat as much as I can when I run an ultra with a mix of the usual sweet stuff and then normal food too. I try not to have any strict plan as lots can change in a long race.
What does a typical training week look like? It really depends on my work schedule and any family plans but I usually try to average about 40-50 miles a week with several short runs of 4-6 miles and at least one of a middle distance of 8-12 miles then a long one if I can find the time or a race such as a Marathon. I probbably dont do as much speedwork as I should or hills/Intervals etc. I will now and again try to put in a big miles week such as 80-100miles but not as often as I should.
What one tip would you pass on to people running an Ultra Marathon for the first time? Take it easy at the start and pace yourself, its a long way enjoy your first one dont race it as you need to learn how you cope over a new distance.
Give me one interesting fact about yourself? Mmmmm not treally sure what to put here, would rather let others decide what they find interesting about me.
Most amusing running anecdote? During the GUCR my buddy runner Allan Rumbles wanted me to take off my peaked cap as I was looking hot. This was about 135miles into the race and I was just about hanging on in a bit of pain but did not really want to remove my hat as I was comfy in my kit but a long argument ensued about removing my hat with the result being that I threatened to throw Allan in the canal if he touched it. Not very funny in print but quite funny when I look back on it.
Anything else you would like to add? For me running and ultras are about the personal challenge the camaraderie between runners and the adventure in testing yourself against the race and your limits. They are about finishing a race as well as you can if you can and not so much about times and numbers. More about living a life that just existing. Thats why I like the longer stuff even if I may not finish.
Lindley