Learning from a World Record Holder

Attack, attack, attack. These were some of the words of advice of Nick Grainge, ex-Special Forces operator and Guinness World Record Holder for running a marathon with an 80lb (>36kg) pack on his back (5 hrs 39 mins and 17 seconds)…. a serious “super-human” effort!

Nick is founder of Elite Outdoor Fitness (EOF) and part of the Avalanche Endurance Events (AEE) Fan Dance Directing Staff.

On the weekend of January 4th/5th, I competed in “The Fan Dance Trident” – 3 races in 24 hrs covering 40 miles with 9,000ft of ascent while carrying a 35lb+ pack. This is in the Brecon Beacons, the heartland of the “hill phase” of SAS/SBS training and included two full Fan Dance Races plus a night race “High Moon”. 

To compete in Trident, you must have previously completed a Fan Dance Race. Of more than 12,000 who have attempted the Fan Dance Race only a few attempt Trident each year. It is a serious test of physical endurance, personal discipline and administration through the event to make sure you reach each start and finish line. The goal is simply to complete it without being withdrawn for missing a cut off time or through injury.

With my “Champions Do Extra” mindset (see previous article), I wanted to perform well in Trident. The trouble is I had never done an event like this before – the furthest I had raced before was a single Fan Dance Race – Trident was way out of my comfort zone. 

Joining up with Nick and EOF for the last month of my training gave me a step change in my mindset and personal performance expectations. I had performed well previously in single events and had a strong mental toughness to get through them, but Nick helped give me the confidence I could do Trident and do it well. 

I listened, I learned, I adapted my training in the final weeks of my plan and followed hints and tips around nutrition, recovery and race strategy.

My lowest point was in the second “High Moon” race. Slogging up Jacob’s Ladder on Pen-Y-Fan – pitch black, wind howling, rain lashing with less than 5metres of visibility, I doubted if I would finish that race, let alone get up and make the start line again for the final race the next morning. When I reached the checkpoint at the top of Pen-Y-Fan I followed the routine and called my name and number…

“Pilgrim 575 Staff”. A voice came from the tent “There’s someone 5 minutes in front of you… go, go, go….” It was Nick – his voice clicked a switch back on in my head… I remembered his race strategy notes…. “Dominate this race - attack, attack, attack…… if there is someone in front work out a set of QBO’s (quick battle orders) to take that **** down. Then over 400m or 2km get passed them. Small aggressive steps all the time.”

I won “High Moon” by 12 mins and went on to win the Sunday Fan Dance by 2 mins (I took the guy on the last hill). In the first Saturday race I was 2nd. I won Trident by more than an hour. My combined time for Trident was 9 hrs 49 mins…… less than a handful have made sub 10 hrs. 

For me those QBO’s apply to the business world too. To the challenges we see in front of us. To the competition ahead of us. Hopefully you will be able to “attack, attack, attack” in your business world and have a super successful 2020. Good luck.