Ben Swinfield

Ben Swinfield

How did you first get into running?

I first had a go at running in my late 20s when I realised that I was overweight and extremely unfit and that I needed to do something about it.

I remember being able to just run to the end of the street (and I live quite close to end of the street!). I then started doing events like the City2Surf which in my first attempt I ran/walked it in around 100 minutes.

From there I steadily improved to the point where I could run 5km without stopping, which I still clearly remember how good I felt being able to do this.

I first joined Westies Joggers as a way to get serious with my running and to get the opportunity to run with other runners way better than me.

Since then I have improved my City2Surf PB to 0:58:58, run the Sydney Marathon several times, the Six Foot Track Marathon 7 times and the Ultra-Trail Australia 100km 5 times.

So looking back I really had no idea just how far that first run to the end of my street would actually take me!

What is the one thing that you have learnt in your running journey that has made most impact?

The majority of training runs should be done in your aerobic heart rate zone. Running at this pace should be actually feel quite easy but it helps your body adapt strength & endurance.

One other thing is always follow a proper program when training for an event. Don't just make it up yourself!

If you could only do one race per year, which one would it be?

The one race I plan to do from now until I can do it no more is the Six Foot Track Marathon. This is Australia's premier trail running event and is run by runners for runners and supports the Rural Fire Service.

What are some tips you would give to new runners?

• Not every run is a race.
• Start out easy and build your running fitness and strength slowly.
• And join a great club like Westies Joggers!