Matt Winn-Smith

  D.O.B: 31/5/1979

E-mail: mattwinnsmith@hotmail.com

Date started running:2003-ish

Events: Tri, track, trail, xc, fell, road & ultra!!

Short biog: I am a triathlete that can run a bit. From time to time I forget that I need to train my swimming and cycling as much as, if not more than, my running! Unfortunately there are only 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week. At present I am riding the improvement curve hard and hope that it does not flatten out too much too soon. I like to dabble and am keen to try every distance and event.

Personal bests:

A selection . . . .

3,000 - 9.22 (June 07)

5,000 - 16.22 (June 07)

10k - 35.08 (Dec 07)

10m - 57.38 (March 08)

Marathon - 2.49.02 (April 08)

Oly. distance tri - 2.10.35 (June 07)

Half IronMan - 4.38 (Sep 07)

Favourite race and why: The Borrowdale fell race. This is a very VERY hard race but it has everything that a fell race can offer. Grass, peat bog, scree, boulder fields, river crossings, a slate mine and some monster hills. The first time I had gone up Bessyboot, Scafell Pike, Great Gable and then Dale Head my legs were in a world of pain like nothing ever experienced before. After 30mins on my back at the end of the race trying to will the pain to subside and wondering if I would ever be able to walk again I began to convince myself that I had enjoyed the stunning views and had been uplifted by the seemingly near-death experience. Several hours later, 7 or 8 sandwiches on and by about the 4th pint my delusion was complete. This was the best race I had ever done. I have been back 3 times now. In 2008 I am finally going to race it well and Mark Newell's long standing club record is going to be obliterated . . . just you watch!

Career highlights: 2nd in the Tring 2 Town 40m trail / tow path race. Achieving sub 2 hours in the Ben Nevis fell race. The celebrations in Amsterdam after the club trip there for the marathon! The best is yet to come.

Injuries: I have worked my way through Achilles tendonitis, ITB syndrome, runner's knee, mild plantar fasciitis and a grade 2 acromio-clavicular joint separation (when knocked off my bike). Touch wood, I am suffering with no injuries at present and have had a good block of largely injury free training for several months. Long may it continue.

Career ambition Complete the Bob Graham round in 2009 (or failing that, some other year). Do a sub 2 hour olympic distance triathlon.

Complete one of the classic 100m trail races in the USA. Nail an Ironman.To be fulfilled as an athlete for many years to come.