David Smith Reveals His Race Strategy
On Day 7, there were 120 still competing in the Cape Wrath Ultra. I have heard many people saying: “Slow and steady gets there.”
David says he has greatly enjoyed the race.
David Smith (156), England, is still part of the race and he told me his strategy for completion. He said: "I am not here to race but to finish but I am pleased that I have made it through every day and not missed the cut-off times."
David was attracted to the Cape Wrath Ultra because he once missed out on reaching the north-westerly point.
He said: “ I once cycled in the north-west of Scotland but the ferry wasn’t running and I didn’t make it all the way to Cape Wrath. Doing this ultra meant I could have a chance to reach that point."
David has a slow and fast day strategy for the race. He said: “I always aim to be at the finish by 7pm so I have time to properly recover for the next day.
David is delighted with how his race has gone.
"So, on shorter mileage days I go slow and generally walk. I walked day 1 and walk-jogged day 2. Then on the longer day 3 I pushed it harder so I could cover all the miles and still make it to camp in good time to recover.
“I walked day 4 and 5 and then pushed hard on day 6 again because that was a longer day.
“Now, on day 7, I am just trying to get through. The strategy appears to have worked for me because I am doing fine and have no major injuries.
“I am looking forward to making it to Cape Wrath tomorrow.”
One of David's poles has the name of 'angels' on them.
David, of Chesterfield, is also raising money for Sands, a charity close to his heart after his step-daughter had a stillborn child some four years ago. He runs marathons and half marathons dressed, frequently as Scooby Doo, to raise money for charity.
Since 2000 he has raised around £70,000 and since 2014 when he started raising funds for SANDs he has collected £15,000.
David said: "I run about 20 races each year and road races and training has been mostly what I have done before the Cape Wrath Ultra. It has not been ideal but I am still going well."