Photo info: The Kilpatrick Hills are a few miles from my house, and are my favourite place to run
The poster boy for Pyllon Ultra has a big day ahead! If you haven’t met Martin, his demeanour matches his smile - he exudes generosity and enthusiasm.
Martin doesn’t see himself as especially tough, but having the courage, gumption and commitment to dedicate himself to the challenge of an FKT suggests otherwise.
On the 9th June 2023 Martin will set off along the John Muir Way, from Dunbar to Helensburgh, taking in 134 miles. His target is to achieve this challenge within 24 hours. With strong finishes in the West Highland Way Race and Pyllon Exposure, Martin is well capable of such a time. Pesky injuries have been the cause for him missing the start of his previous two dates for this challenge, but you know what they say - third time lucky!
Photo info: Malaga Marathon - Finish Line Feels
Personalised training to fit the challenge
With some trying times during his training, Martin and his coach, James Stewart, switched out all speed work and focused on endurance and long slow runs to mitigate for injuries and best prepare his body for what’s to come. They also worked on training his gut to refuel appropriately on the move.
Photo Info: Crewing for Stuart McNeish on the WHW Race 2022
Martin’s personal why
The inner why for this sort of challenge needs to be strong enough to get through the dark moments. Martin’s why is deeply personal and indicative of his own desire to return kindness with kindness.
On 16th July 2021 Martin’s dad passed away after a long battle with prostate cancer, he was cared for by the Beatson Cancer Charity. The Beatson are currently treating Martin’s mother-in-law.
Speaking of his dad, Martin said he was, “Extremely proud of everything that I have achieved, and would always attend races and ask me what I had planned next.” It seems fitting that his biggest running undertaking to date is in honour of his dad and to raise funds as a thanks to the Beatson Cancer Charity.
Who’s the man behind the smile?
Hailing from the village of Bishopton in Scotland, Martin is a dedicated husband and father. Surrounded by all women in his family (a wife and 3 daughters), he balances this out by spending as much time as possible at Celtic Park and spending time with friends. Let’s just say Martin isn’t backwards at coming forwards, he has an opinion on every topic and likes to engage in good conversation.
“Pleasant, helpful, and good company” are some of descriptions his friends would attribute to him, but Martin also suggests they would accuse him, in a light hearted manner, of having a “massively inflated ego.” There’s a fine line between confidence and ego, having spent many hours in his company I don’t detect any ego hiding in there, but maybe I’m one of many under his charming spell!
Photo info: Pyllon XP5 in the Lakes
The running origins
Before succumbing to the grasps of running, Martin describes himself as “just getting by.” It wasn’t that he was unhappy, but he wasn’t thriving. He wasn’t high on life, healthy, inspired or driven. It sounds like there was maybe a purpose or goal missing before running came along. He flitted between jobs, was overweight and was fond of a tipple or two.
In 2011, in a bid to shake off some weight, Martin ran the Glasgow Men’s Health 10k in a time of 47 minutes. One thing led to another and in 2016 he found himself achieving 3.32 in the Edinburgh marathon. Several marathons and ultras later, Martin was hooked.
In 2018 the inaugural Pyllon Experience weekend was launched. Yes you’ve guessed it, Martin was there with his contagious enthusiasm. A few months later Martin watched Pyllon Ultra coach and fellow athlete, John Connolly, finish second in the Fling. The little cogs in Martin’s brain started whirling. Inspired by John’s performance Martin signed up as an athlete with James Stewart at Pyllon Ultra and the rest, as they say, is history.
Running flow tips
The trick of breaking a run or race down into sections helps Martin find flow and move in a more relaxed and efficient manner. It seems he’s only human after all and says that positive thoughts don’t always come easy to him, he is also troubled by a distracted mind with his thoughts wandering off to the end of an interval or race.
For his longer runs, and let's face it 134 miles is one helluva long way, Martin stays in the moment by focusing on the joy of running and finding gratitude in the motion and freedom of running. This focus helps him control his thoughts and allows him to tap into a running flow.
If not for running?
Many describe running as transformational. Martin credits running with significant life changes. For instance, he says he is a better father, husband and person in general. He also says “Physical fitness breeds mental fitness and resilience, and these are the reasons I will run for as long as I can.”
As his love affair with running blossomed, Martin started to consider the nutritional value of his food. He recognises the importance of living the ultra lifestyle and now adopts a largely plant based diet, restricts alcohol several months before a race and takes superfood green shakes along with multi vitamins and supplements.
He’s also a big fan of beetroot concentrate but just don’t ask him about the harmless consequences of this!
We all know running is associated with a boost in physical and mental wellbeing, Martin takes the benefits he has experienced himself and does his utmost to share them with others. His generosity of spirit guided him into becoming an active member of the mental health first aid team within his place of work, illustrating his dedication to promote an active lifestyle as a tool for improving mental health.
Will you support Martin?
We often talk about running beyond our potential. Martin is setting out to shatter his glass ceiling and find out exactly what he is capable of.
You can support Martin by sponsoring him here.
You can also track him on his challenge.
Good luck Martin from all of us at Team Pyllon. Your Dad will be with you in spirit through the tough times and the not so tough times. Go and be courageous and awesome!
A little inspiration from John Muir himself,
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
Martin talks to Pyllon Coach James Stewart.