Reece Barclay

1

How did your running journey start?

I started running in 2014 whilst training for an Ironman Triathlon.

What were/are your main/favourite distances?

5k Parkruns are my favourite, Gunpowder park run is my favourite park run venue.

What would you consider your greatest personal athletic achievement, and what did it mean to you?

I’ve won an amateur middle distance Triathlon world championship. It has given me to the confidence to race professionally from 2018 onwards.

How did/has your approach to running change throughout your career?

Since joining the Orion my approach to running has been completely turned on its head. I used to run steady pace mostly on roads. I now mix it up completely with XC races, track sessions and making good use of the Epping forest trail paths.

Favourite race you’ve seen and why

Ironman World Championships. To see some of the best Triathletes from all over the worlds battling not just against each other but the harsh elements of hot humid and wind conditions. It makes the race Unique.

Closely followed by Parliament Hill XC. I’ve never seen so many amazing runners stampede off the start up that hill. Gets the adrenaline going.

What injuries have you had, how did you treat them, and how did it affect you mentally?

I had ITB syndrome very early on when I started training for the 2014 Ironman. As a syndrome, there isn’t any single cause or cure, but a combination of factors that could have caused it and equally a numberĀ of solutions that could have potentially fixed it.

I went for the shotgun approach and tried everything to fix it. Fortunately, it worked and has been ok ever since (touch wood).

What was/has been your number one challenge throughout your career, and how did you overcome it?

Undoubtedly my recent race at the Ironman World Championships. This was my final race as an amateur before turning professional. I wanted to win another world AG title.

I had a fantastic swim coming out 1st and nearly a 4min gap on my closest rival. Out onto the bike I felt brilliant, I had extended the gap to 6mins by 40km into the ride. From there on everything was a disaster. I got 3 consecutive punctures which cost me 35mins. I got back onto my bike dehydrated and angry. I tried my best to get back into the mix but the deficit was too much.

I’m not sure how I managed to drag myself round the marathon feeling so beat up and depressed, but I’m immensely proud that I did.

What is your number one piece of advice?

Enjoy your training. Whether you’re training for your 1st 5k or looking to run a sub 3hr marathon, it makes no difference if you do not enjoy the process.