Athlete Profile - Trevor Symonds

Age: 51     (2008)

Hobbies / interests?

Fell Running, Orienteering, Gardening, Music, Motor-biking, drinking lots, eating too much.
 

Heroes / heroines?

Joss Naylor, Jimmy Page
 

When did you start running and why?

1985, natural progression from walking LDWA events.
 

What is the current status of your running?

I’m still fell racing but a lot slower than I use to, but I still get round many of the classic fell races each year and I still enjoy it. I run a couple of LDWA style events each year. Compete locally in orienteering events a few times a year. Get out every Tuesday running with the lads on the hills summer and winter. Love the night race series, both as a competitor and organiser. Always get a long run at a weekend (2 hours) whatever the weather.

Personal best performances (distance / time / position / date)

In The Coniston Fell Race a few years ago I had a couple of really good runs in the low 1.30s, I have had a couple of sub 1.30s at the Skiddaw race as well. I've also had a couple of second places on LDWA events, Kilburn Kanter and The Hanging Stone. Have won the mixed pairs a couple of times on the tandem.
 

Other running and sporting achievements?

Completed the Bob Graham Round a few years ago all be just outside the 24 hours, bad weather issues got in the way. I have competed in every Anniversary Waltz to date which I'm quite proud of.
 

Most pleasing athletic performances?

Running around the BG and competing in the Ben Nevis Race
 

Most memorable and favourite races and why?

Most memorable was the Anniversary Waltz  when the mountains were covered with snow and the sky was bright blue. I think my favourite race is the Ben Nevis race just for the atmosphere and good knees up on the night.
 

What is the toughest events you’ve done and why? Would you do them again?

The Ennerdale Horseshoe in hot weather and the Buttermere Sailbeck also in hot weather. Yes I would do them again - all fell runners are masochistic.
 

What is the hardest weeks training you ever did?

80 miles and 20,000+ ft of ascent when training for the BG,  fantastic
 

What training sessions worked for you?

Hill work up and down at speed. Long runs to build stamina. Mountain biking for a bit of cross training.
 

Did you take any special supplements or take particular care with nutrition to help your health or running?

No not really, other than for my knackered joints, but I am careful what I eat especially leading up to a big event.
 

Do you have any recommendations on running kit / accessories ?

I am not a fancy kit type person, older comfortable gear is always good. It is important to wear good quality shoes that haven’t started to break down as this will cause various musculo-skeletal problems. I don’t run with any of those fancy electronic gadgets that many runners use and quite often I don't even use a watch. I don't really want to recommend any brands of gear as I have used many differing onees over the years and have mainly been pleased with what I’ve bought, but there's usually a better brand just around the corner in most cases.
 

What other types of training did you do to enhance your running?

Mountain Biking and fairly regular upper body/core exercise
 

What are your future running goals / aims?

Just to keep doing what I am doing now for many years to come and enjoying being out in the hills.
 

Do you have any advice for other runners?

Make sure your running is an all round package of training, racing, socialising and enjoyment.

Any other comments?

Just enjoy what you are doing and achieving, if not do something else.
 

Trevor Symonds 2008