Nick Gibbins
Nick is a relatively new member of the club, but he comes with a lot of experience and interesting events already under his belt. An ENT surgeon by day (and night) he has to fit his training in around a hectic and demanding schedule.
Already an Ironman and ultra runner, in March 2008 he completed the epic Marathon de Sables — the toughest race in the world — and in epic style coming 244th overall. He has hinted that he is interested in completing the Western States 100 — an incredible feat of endurance running nonstop for 100 miles across America. We look forward to more from him in the future!
Running: 10k 39-something, 1/2 marathon 1.26-ish, marathon 3.27 or so, 40 mile 5.55. It's been a long time since I did a timed run...
Triathlon: Olympic 2.15, 1/2 IM 5.09, IM 11.53
Weird runs: North Pole marathon (2007) 5.27, Dead Sea ultramarathon (2007) 4.21, Everest marathon (2007) 7.41, Marathon des Sables (2008) 38.44.
I played rugby for 20 years and when I qualified as a doctor I couldn't do the training on a regular basis that the sport demands so I started jogging whilst I was looking for other things to do and realised I was enjoying it!
Rugby for years and triathlon over the last few years although that's petered out a bit. I do still love cycling, though.
Pretty much work, eat and sleep. The occasional film is always welcome. I've just watched Ironman which was a good popcorn movie!
From a pure speed point of view, the half ironman UK which I did well in. I only missed out on a sub 5 hour time because I punctured, and it was a hilly bike and run. I managed to put in a 23 minute last 5km and crossed the line at a sprint. Apart from the puncture it was perfect!
Ironman UK the following year. Same course down near Sherbourne, but my gear cable slipped at mile 60 on the bike and I couldn't get into any climbing gears so had to grind my way over 50 miles of hills in a big gear. Not surprisingly my legs and back were shot by T2 and I still had a marathon to run. It was a long afternoon.
Marathon des Sables without a doubt, but Everest has to be pretty close behind. The MdS was like being on a different planet; it was so extreme and so far removed from South East England! There were sights that I may well never see again and a focus that will be difficult to replicate. The lows were terrible and made you dig really deep, but the highs were almost indescribable. It made you redefine what you think you can do and that's always a good thing. Trying to put it into words is a difficult thing to do.
Running is the perfect excuse to travel. Book races early so you have a focus, otherwise another summer will slip past. Oh, and vary your routes otherwise you'll go stale.
Long time friend Phil.
I used to listen to music, but I wasn't enjoying the running as much, so now I just sort of zone out and take in the sights. It's very Zen, man.
Cheese and marmite toastie with a cup of tea!
Marathon Grand Slam (7 continents + North Pole) and the Western States 100.
Probably the Three Forts Marathon about three weeks ago. I tried to blag it with no training and strained a hamstring and tweaked my knee. I had to walk the last 7 miles and it hurt. A lot.
It's a really friendly and completely inclusive club. Anyone is welcome and it's ‘the more the merrier'. The run routes are different every week and so we get to know the local area really well. And Olga serves a mean pint of bitter shandy on a Wednesday night!