Ellie Greenwood is winner of IAU 100km World Championships 2010 and 2014. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You were introduced to your sport of marathon running through Club Fat Ass in Vancouver, a low key group who are all about having fun on the trails. The list of your winning and competing at international level over various distances on various terrains is endless. You reached the pinnacle of success when you won International Association of Ultrarunners 100km World Championships 2010 at Gibraltar. What factors you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Ellie Greenwood:
I built up a very solid base of running just for fitness and fun before I made a slightly more conscious move to see if I could perform at a higher level. I believe that some runners can try to step things up too quickly and miss out on having that solid foundation of just covering many miles over many years. When I did decide to try to qualify to compete for GB at the IAU World 100k in 2010 I did however realize that I would need to be more dedicated to my running, but because I had such a clearly set out goal this was easier as I was working towards a specific target within a set time frame.
I did put other social activities to aside slightly while I focused on my training outside of work hours as I was running more miles which clearly took up more time. I also joined a more competitive running group who I would train with weekly when I could, and certainly being surrounded by excellent runners who are also chasing big goals inspires me to push myself harder.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
One question which comes in everyone’s mind when they see you running for miles at a stretch is, How you are able to ‘beat the monotony in thought’ in hours of running apart from physical endurance needed for reaching the success at the end?
Ms. Ellie Greenwood:
I honestly don’t find I have a problem with boredom when running for long hours, I truly enjoy running and can just zone out and enjoy putting one foot in front of another. if anyone does experience boredom though then running with friends is the best solution as company always makes the miles go fast more quickly. In addition, choosing more scenic routes, often found in trail running, can alleviate boredom as there is so much to see and look at along the way, as well as not always running the same route and instead mixing up where you run. Others enjoy listening to music and focusing in on that.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Ellie Greenwood:
If I could just run then I probably would but any runner who wants to stay strong and injury free so they can perform at their best should do some other activities. I go to the gym 2 – 3 times a week for some strength work and also to do some focused stretching to remain strong and somewhat flexible. In addition, in the summer months, I enjoy cycling and will cycle commute short distances year round. In the winter I try to get out cross country skiing a little.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Ellie Greenwood:
I am a strict lacto-ovo vegetarian for ethical and environmental reasons, and feel this is more than compatible with running at a high level. Other than that, I try to avoid too many packaged and processed foods and instead stick to lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts, along with some dairy. A balanced diet is important but however good your diet you also need to put in the hard work in training!
Video
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
