Paul Scott Interview:
Dave Rollins from Team Brutal catches up with Paul Scott , local ultra runner, friend of Brutal and all round nice guy.
Q. You recently completed the Bob Graham Round. How did it feel to achieve one of the toughest ultra challenges in UK?
A. It was 3 weeks ago and I’m still beaming now! I didn’t think it was possible for non-elite fell runners. Completing the course felt tough enough, but in under 24hrs was fantastic. Better still was that I ran with my wife, Sam, so great to succeed together. We had perfect weather conditions and amazing support from 6 friends - some running several legs and others manning aid stations at the 4 road crossings. It was my most enjoyable day on the fells ever.
Q. What will be your target for the Brutal 12 hour Enduro?
A. Sam and I are running as a mixed pair and hoping for 12 laps. But the real aim is to complete without injury and for more practise running into darkness and back into daylight again, learning how it feels and how to cope.
Q. What other big events have you got coming up this year?
A. Sam has the main event this year - the UTMB, a continuous 105 miles and 9,500m ascent around Mont Blanc! I’m just trying to stay in good shape to help Sam train - hopefully I’ll get my chance next year! The next 2 months we have another 24hr challenge in the lakes, the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon (25-35 miles with navigation and carrying full kit for a wild camp) and 4 days in the Alps recce’ing the UTMB course.
Q. What advice would you give to any Ultra first timers having a go at the Brutal Enduro ?
A. Besides the training, for me a long event is about pace and nutrition. Don’t be afraid to walk - all my long events have been in fairly hilly conditions where you have little choice but to walk on some sections. But sometimes, you just need to stride out to relax your muscles. Make sure you’ve got a wide selection of food available - what you crave mid-race will be different to what you expect. I need a mix of sweet, savoury and energy foods. Recent favourite, cocktail sausages mixed with salted cashew nuts!
Quick fire questions for the Brutal Enduro:
What shoes? Mizuno Cabraken trail.
What snacks? Powerbar gels (supplied), chocolate brioche, cocktail sausages, cashew nuts, yogurt coated cereal bars.
Vaseline or no Vaseline? Body glide - just to be on the safe side.
What headlight? Silva Runner
Why do it? For the challenge and it’s different. I love running on technical single tracks, and have never ran a road 10k !
