- Name: Mel Edwards
- Sport: Long distance running
- Age: 65
- Height and weight: 5ft 11in and 67kg
- Home: Aberdeen
What is your first memory of running?
School sports aged 6
At what age did you win you first medal and what for?
Seven years old at a school sports day.
When did you realise running would be your life?
The summer holidays after leaving school. That’s when I started serious distance training.
What is your greatest achievement?
Winning my first marathon (Harlow, Essex) in 2 hours 18 mins.
And your second best?
Winning the Scottish Junior Cross Country Champs in 1964.
And third?
Setting new record for the Four 4000ft Cairngorm Peaks in 1979 In 4 hours 34 mins.
Tell us about your favourite training. Where and what?
In forests. I like fartlek, long runs or hill reps.
Do you prefer to train alone or in company?
Alone, except for interval training or at Running the Highlands (a running holiday company based in Banchory, Aberdeenshire).
Do you have a coach?
Not now but it used to be John Anderson.
What are your secrets of success?
Total dedication and a “get on with it” approach.
Do you have a pre-race ritual?
No.
How do you fuel for energy?
Normal diet but plenty of bread or toast, as well as fruit. This seems to ensure I don’t get tired.
Fave piece of kit?
Ron Hill tracksters
Any running regrets?
Just one. 5 months after my 2.18 marathon I contemplated doing the Boston Marathon. The cost deterred me. It was won in 2.24.
Tell us your top tips for other runners
Plan your training and racing assiduously and ensure it fits in with work and family; mix with positive people; seek the best advice around; be totally confident and positive about your running.
If you could choose to be running anywhere in the world where would you be? And why?
In my forest in Aberdeen. It’s called Countesswells Forest, and is otherwise known as Paradise.
If you ever stop running what do you plan to do instead?
Nothing because I will have passed away!
Your website?
I don’t have one, but I recommend http://www.runningthehighlands.com/ where I am an advisor. I would suggest to anyone wishing motivation, enjoyment, listening to great guest speakers and running in wonderful surroundings to sign up for a weekend.