Training in the Extreme with Team Montane athlete Howard Dracup 

After a significant lifestyle change, Howard Dracup took up ultra running. A story like so many others, however, Dracup has elevated his sport and conquered some of the UK’s most decorated races. All the while becoming a Team Montane athlete. 

“I found ultrarunning almost by accident. I was the typical 30-year-old single guy, living a hectic and unhealthy lifestyle, particularly on weekends, and had been in this routine for probably around ten years. 

“That being said, I had always been relatively fit, as I was regularly weightlifting with a bit of cardio on the side. However, when I got to 30, I had a nervous breakdown. This resulted in me deciding to get outdoors more and start running, initially at a basic level. Time passed, and they soon became bigger and bigger, eventually leading me to where I am today.

“My first move towards ultras occurred when I decided to go for a long run one day, which ended up being around 30 miles. I did it in a really good time, and when the evening came, I was so tired that I ended up not going out that night. The week after I felt so much better from not putting myself in the position which I so often did over the years, that I decided to do it again and again, until eventually I built up to ultras.”

Training over winter for the summer season is a divided topic for the ultrarunning community. While some may love skidding over the rocks as the wind and rain belt down, others may find the winter months the hardest time to strap on their coats and get outside. 

“You’ve got to pick and choose your battles. On those really horrendous days you have to choose routes that aren’t as elevated so that you aren’t exposed to the wind and rain. This makes the training slightly more enjoyable, and importantly much safer.