Fetcheveryone Member of the Month

pedroscalls asks: Congratulations on the win Macca, my question is if money or time was no object what race or route would you love to do?

Maccathecracker says: Thanks Pedroscalls. I’m lucky to have run most of my bucket list events, the standard ones left to do would be Western States 100 and Badwater 135. But if time is no object then I’d really like to run JOGLE, not by the shortest route but by the most scenic, however long it took.

jelly asks: Well done Macca! How do you fuel your long runs! As a high mileage runner what motivates you to keep going?

Maccathecracker says: Thanks Jelly. For a long training run, say 2-3 hrs, early morning, I wouldn’t bother with breakfast or a snack. I would make sure I had eaten well the day before however, probably pasta. On an ultra, I’m lucky I can eat almost anything although sometimes I forget or if it’s very hot and I’ve quaffed too much coke then I can go off food. Go to foods would be flapjack, salted potatoes, sweets, chocolate, peanut butter, jam, or both, wraps or sandwiches. I try to supplement with gels but find after half dozen or so I go off them. As for high mileage, I’m lucky where I live being on the boundary of urban and rural so there’s always an inviting reason to get away from the work desk. I find the games and mileage tracking also helps, appealing to my competitive nature and sense of targets/goals.

chunkywizard asks: Congrats Macca, well deserved. What are three things the average Fetchie doesn’t know about you?

Maccathecracker says: Thanks Chunkywizard. In no particular order, appeared on 15 to 1, very briefly (I may have mentioned that before on here). Completed the Glen Nevis River Raft Race, billed as one of the worlds most dangerous races (the only casualty was my lilo which got a puncture). Also appeared at the Royal Courts of Justice.

westmoors asks: Congratulations Macca. If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

Maccathecracker says: Thanks Westmoors. I side stepped this question at work recently with the Queen. In truth though, mum. Gone two years but….

Pothunter asks: Well done! What would you have for your “death row” meal? Starter, main and dessert plus something to wash it down?

Maccathecracker says: Thanks Pothunter. Prone to brief episodes of thanatophobia I just couldn’t imagine eating anything for a death row meal. However, were I to be granted a pardon or clemency then I think I would celebrate with king prawns and a sweet chilli dip, spaghetti carbonara followed by a birds eye homemade trifle kit for the nostalgia. Depending on whether I had a long run pencilled in for the next day, it would be washed down with a glass of water or a bottle of Chateauneuf-du-pape.

StellaFella1967 asks: Well done Macca. How would you describe being a Fetchie and what would you miss if you weren't a member?

Maccathecracker says: Thanks Stellafella. That’s an existential question ! I guess it’s like a microcosm of society. It’s hard to pick out one bit I’d miss, it’s all the little bits coming together that make it, something for everyone somewhere.

Alice the Camel asks: Congratulations, well deserved! What has been your favourite ultra to run and the one you’re most proud of?

Maccathecracker says: Thanks ATC. It’s a close thing but Spartathlon edges out as favourite. As I’ve read it described elsewhere, it’s hot, on roads with traffic passing, doesn’t have Alpine views, or pine trails, but it feels much more than just a race. Most proud of I think is also Spartathlon. When I look on a map I have to remind myself I completed that journey. When asked at the end, “how was it ?”, all I could reply was “it was hard”.

Stevce asks: Well done Maccthecracker, about time!!! You have just won £1,000,000 - how do you intend to spend it?

Maccathecracker says: Thanks Stevce. Paying someone to restore my VW camper would make a dent in it, they could also do my beetle at the same time. With the change, I’ve been thinking about the marathon majors recently so it should cover that. Leftovers, possibly the dullest answer ever but get the two kids on the housing ladder when they are a bit older.

Mushroom asks: Well done. If you could only ever do one more event - ever - what would you choose? A favourite you've done before, or something new?

Maccathecracker says: Thanks Mushroom. I’m a bit of a creature of habit so definitely one I’ve done before. From quite a few close contenders the London Marathon edges it. It was my first big race many years ago. Logistically, it’s so easy for me, from my own bed, race, then back to my own bed all within the same day. It’s one that family have been able to support and enjoy more than any other race. As a last event, it just feels like it would complete the circle.

Chrisity asks: well done Macca, totally deserved. What is the story behind your Fetch user picture?

Maccathecracker says: Thanks Chrisity. That’s Lilo Lil, my 1973 Bay Window VW Campervan, parked up on a Cornish beach during a VW festival sometime around 2000. She’s got lowered suspension and the name was inspired by the character from the series Bread. Shes currently sat in storage awaiting a lot of tlc but one day I hope to have her back on the road.

Night-owl asks: Well done Macca at last. How did you get into ultrarunning and what would be your advice for a first timer

Maccathecracker says: Thanks Night-Owl. I had read about ultra runners and whilst slightly intrigued I could never understand why. I could get my fix of pain and suffering from a poorly executed marathon, I didn’t have to go any longer. Anyway, my local running club started to put on an annual 12hr endurance race around a 4 mile lap on a Woodland Trust site. At its closest it’s 1/4 mile from my front door. I entered thinking I would complete a marathon then crawl home when the wheels fell off and I’d had enough. The wheels wobbled a few times but they never fell off, I was hooked. I guess part of the attraction is the simplicity. For those hours nothing else matters apart from moving.

My advice ? Try not to be overwhelmed by all the well meaning advice out there. I’ve seen posts (mainly on FB) where I think, good grief, you would need a manual to remember all that, and lots of it conflicting. It’s a simple sport and something to be enjoyed, although there will be moments when it’s not enjoyable but that’s ok. So if it intrigues, dip your tie in and see what happens.

FlyingScotsman asks: Congratulations Macca! If you were a professional athlete in any sport, what song would you want playing as you walked out onto the pitch?

Maccathecracker says: Thanks FlyingScotsman. I’ve been lucky enough to have run in some races closely linked with some classic tunes, Chariots of Fire, Local Hero, Nessus Dorma, Conquest of Paradise, Zorba The Greek ! For something a bit more original I’d have to pick a dance/trance track. Sasha’s Xpander is probably the most upbeat and least melancholic of my favourites. It takes me to a happy place and being quite long would give me plenty of time to get ready.