Getting to know…Adam Page
How did you get into running and when?
I got into running back in 2013 because l wanted to lose weight and get fit before the birth of my baby son/daughter, who of course became Emily! In addition to this, l started because a colleague on my team at work sadly passed away very suddenly. My manager asked us all to do the Great Midlands Fun Run to raise money for the chosen charity of the family involved. At the time, l couldn’t run a single mile, so l trained on my own for a year to achieve this goal the following Summer. I’ve now done it six years in a row and finished inside the top 250. I joined SE Fitness because when l signed up to do GMFR there was a leaflet inside advertising the training days and practising the route seemed like a good idea, and more fun than training on your own.
Where are you now?
I’m now a volunteer leader of Run Plus and regular Speedwork member. I’ve completed over ten half marathon events and a full marathon, plus 3x triathlon and 1x duathlon. I got injured over Winter and been working hard trying to rediscover last year’s form. I completed my first sportive this year (100km Ride Lichfield) and first triathlon of the season a few weeks ago, and my 5k/10k pace is starting to get closer to where I want to be.
What’s the plan for the future / have you got a goal?
My big goal for next year is to complete Birmingham Velo (100 mile cycle) and a 70.3 Half Ironman Triathlon (Outlaw Nottingham is most likely one).
What’s your favourite event? Do you prefer running in Summer or Winter, on roads or on the trails?
I prefer Running in Autumn on the trails of Sutton park. I hate being stuck indoors inside a gym or treadmill. I don’t really have a favourite event, l tend to stick to local events like Lichfield, Birmingham and Tamworth. I prefer the smaller low key events with 150-200 runners than the Big sponsored events.
What’s your recommendation for anyone thinking of trying out a triathlon?
I think most people get put off by the swimming, but you can find events with indoor swimming pools (or outdoor swimming pools) if you don’t like the idea of open water swimming. You can also hire a wetsuit and do beginner confidence courses at local venues such as Cliff Lakes. Remember the Swimming part is only 20% of the race and it’s fun giving everyone else a head start then catching them up later on! Also, don’t worry about having an expensive carbon road bike or time trial triathlon bike (trust me, mine is normally one of the cheapest in the field!). A mountain bike or hybrid is fine, it’s the legs that do the work.
Have you got any special tips?
I would highly recommend mixing up your sessions and pace, and find what works best for YOU. A lot of people go on about increasing your mileage, but quality of sessions is more important. I actually did my best races when l was running 15 miles per week with a bit of swimming and cycling on top to help mix my training up. In terms of triathlon, trying a few brick sessions would be a good idea, so l would do 30-45mins hard on exercise bike, then run outside for 10-15mins straight after just to get your legs used to running off the bike. It’s an unusual feeling the first few times, but you soon get used to it with practice!
What’s your best treat for after a run? A big cup of coffee (or recovery drink) and a long, hot bath!