Ian Hammett - Ambassadors during Lockdown
I started running in 2013 covering the usual distances from 5km to marathon, before discovering the joy of ultra running in 2015. My first Ultra saw me finish second behind Mr X-Miles himself Anthony Clark, which I then followed up with a win at Rat Race 'The Wall' setting a new course record in the process, the rest as they say is history.
I've since run many ultra's gradually pushing myself further, harder and faster. I keep looking for that one challenge that is beyond me and almost found it during Spartathlon in 2017 (read my blog to find out more), thankfully I overcame it and now looking for new challenges to test me.
What are your personal bests?
- 5km – 16:47
- 10km – 34:42
- 10 miles – 57.04
- Marathon – 2:37:49
- 50km – 3:36:40
- 50 miles – 6:49:06
- 100 miles – 14:36:25
- Spartathlon 2019 – 26:14:17 – 6th Overall, 2nd place British Runner, 9th fastest GB time
What have you been doing during lockdown?
I work for the emergency services in a support role so not much has changed for me other than I spent a large amount of time working from home. I had made plans to put in a big training block and come out of lockdown in great shape, however an innocuous injury gradually became worse and stopped me running altogether from late April. Thankfully with the help of a great physio I am starting to get back to training and am looking forward to returning to full fitness.
Did COVID-19 affect many events / training?
Luckily prior to the lockdown I squeezed in a couple of 6hr timed ultras and a trip to run the Seville Marathon, but then my plans for the year were curtailed with the cancellation of the Centurion Track 100 in April, Lakeland 100 in July and Tooting Bec 24hr in September.
How did you cope with training during lockdown?
Training was going well until I was injured and then it took a back seat. I decided to take the time to rest and focus on work instead. The pandemic made me busier than ever at work, so not having to fit in training probably helped. It was tough mentally to cope with not being able to run though as it is my relaxation from work and gives me the chance to clear my head. Long walks just aren't the same.
How have you found being an ambassador for XMiles?
XMiles are great and I am looking forward to working closely with them in the future. I have used them to supply my nutrition throughout my ultra-running journey and I am looking forward to helping support them and raise awareness as one of their ambassadors.
What do you have planned for the future?
Currently I have Wendover Woods 50 mile and North Downs Way 50 mile in the diary for November as I build up to tackling the Arc of Attrition 100 mile race in January 2021. My other races that were postponed this year, have all been moved until 2021 so I will look to preparing for those as well. A couple of friends keep mentioning FKT's to me, so you never know when I am back to full fitness I might give one a go.
About the Author
IAN HAMMETT
XMiles Ambassador -