Last updated: 06-Nov-18
By Luke Jarmey
Congratulations to Robert Gale, who swiped a tasty pair of Altra Lone Peak 3.0s in our recent prize draw. We asked him a few questions to learn more about himself and his running adventures.
Q. Who is Robert Gale?
A. I’m a web developer by day, runner and craft beer lover by night. I started running in February 2016 after a year of trying out cycling and swimming. Prior to 2016 I did next to no exercise and was very overweight. I lost 3.5 stone in 8 months and haven’t looked back.
I never thought I would be a runner and would see people running along the road as I drove past them and always thought that I would never be a runner. That quickly changed as soon as I started.
When I run I can’t help but take photographs. I simply love documenting and sharing my runs and actively seek out interesting and scenic places to run.
Q. First Ultra?
A. St Bega’s Ultra 35 in the Lake District. Six months after starting to run I had ticked off a 5K, 10K and half marathon and was feeling adventurous, and perhaps over-confident, and signed up for the St Bega’s Ultra which is sold as an ultra for beginners (is there such a thing?). I set myself a target of completing it in 8 hours and finished the 36-mile route in just over 8 hours which I was delighted with.
Q. Favourite Ultra?
A. That would have to be the St Bega’s Ultra. Partly because it was my first but mostly because compared to the other two that I’ve done, the scenery was stunning and the aid stations were second-to-none.
With rain forecast just a few days before the race, the weather changed completely with wall-to-wall sunshine and warm temperatures. This meant I had some perfect opportunities to take some photos along the way.
Q. Worst experience running?
A. Any run that involves the dreaded ‘runner’s trots’. I’m sure we’ve all been there at some point but I feel as though I get more than my fair share of unwelcomed experiences.
Q. What would be your perfect run?
A. A run that has trails, mountains, lakes, sunshine and great company. Pretty much my experience at the St Bega’s Ultra.
Q. Where was the photo of you in your Lone Peaks taken?
A. The photo was taken in Blaenavon, near the Big Pit coal mine museum. Blaenavon is a World Heritage Town and the area was important in the Industrial Revolution.
Q. Any race plans for the rest of 2017?
A. Booked so far is the two-day option for Race to the Stones in July and the Ultra Tour of Edinburgh in October. I’ve also put my name down for the Beer Ultra in south Wales which could go either way in terms of how well I perform (10 x 5K laps, 10 x beers!).
In addition to the ultras, I’m also supporting my running club, Parc Bryn Bach Running Club, during the summer road race series and the cross country series in the autumn and winter.
