ASK THE PACK – Craig Tye

We chatted with trail runner Craig about his running journey. @_findyourhappypace

When did your passion for running start?

My passion for running began when I ran the London Marathon in 2016. It was my first ever race. I dabbled on and off for the next few years before making running part of my daily life when I ran a half marathon on my birthday in October 2019.

What do you love about running?

What I love about running is that it shows me everyday that I can push myself physically and mentally further than I ever thought possible.  

What is your favourite run locally?

I’m a trail runner at heart so my favourite local run would have to be out on the North Downs.

Where is your favourite place to run?

My favourite place I’ve ever ran has to be the Welsh Coast Path…the hills and the views are something else. One day I want to run the whole 870mile trail. I'm more interested in distance than time. For me I'd rather train for a 24hour race on the trails. However I would like to break 20mins for the 5k, 90mins for the half marathon and 3:30 for a full marathon and before lockdown I ran 20:02 5K, 1:37 Half Marathon and 3:45 Marathon.

"What I love about running is that it shows me everyday that I can push myself physically and mentally further than I ever thought possible"

What is the longest run you have completed?

My longest run to date is 75miles but I am running a 100miler later this year.

Where would you love to run that you haven't yet been?

If I could run anywhere I would love to go mountain running in Europe, the dream has to be to qualify for the UTMB races one year.

Have you ever had any injury set backs?

I have unfortunately had a lot of injury setbacks, mainly in the last year from overtraining. Achilles tendonitis, plantar issues and calf strain in particular. 

Are you signed up to take part in any running challenges/events over the next year and what's your goal?

This year is mainly about the postponed races from 2020. On the 2021 race calendar I have a 53miler, 100km and 100mile trail races that I’m competing in.