We caught up with Altus Ambassador Harry Smith to talk running, mindset and what keeps him motivated.

What is your motivation?

I’m writing this just as I get back from one of ‘those’ runs. Not the runner’s high run, or the tough but satisfying quicker run, but a heavy slog run. It’s hard work. Every. Single. Step.

A 5:30am alarm, a long day at work, I tie my laces, step outside and the freezing air hits me. I convince myself not to turn around and go back inside as I shiver from the sub-zero temperature. My calf feels stiff and I’m praying it loosens as I follow the narrow corridor of light from my headtorch, dogs in tow, into the dark woodland.

Time seems to pass at half speed, all I want to do is turn around and clamber into a hot shower. As I continued to struggle, now overheating, I considered why I do this. Why don’t I turn around and head home, why do I run?

Over the past year, I’ve been an Altus ambassador. I think one of the main influences they’ve had is a change in my mindset. Being a runner comes down to your mental attitude. It doesn’t matter how good your genetics are, if you don’t motivate yourself to put your shoes on and get out the door, you aren’t going to succeed. If you want to achieve your goals, you must have the right mindset and motivation.

My mindset is what got me out tonight (even if it was a battle!), and I hope it continues to. Whilst out, I thought about my motivations to run. I want to be faster, so I can win races and better myself, and I know I need to put the training time in. I have two dogs which would need to be walked anyway. I like being fit and healthy in everyday life. And most importantly, most runs I genuinely do enjoy and are often a chance to clear my mind or reflect.

It doesn’t matter what your motivations are, but you need them to get you out the door and achieve your goals. I’m no expert with zero sport qualifications, but I find these help me with my mental state and motivation:

Variety

Change up the running surface. Most of my easy runs are on trail, not only does this dramatically improve the scenery, but the variation in surface will help strengthen joints. Even if you aren’t aiming to be the next Kipchoge, vary your running speeds. Try intervals, I promise they can actually be enjoyable!

Don’t underestimate the runners high from hitting a target pace, or more likely, the relief when you finish the last rep. It also allows you to run slower on your easy days, which is probably what allows me to stay in love with running. Read 80/20 running by Matt Fitzgerald (One of the many books in the Altus Life library) if you’re interested in an evidence based approach to this tried and tested method.

Diet and hydration

For me, I find the most important part is hydration. I can tell on afternoon and evening runs when I haven’t drunk enough in the day, I feel lightheaded and often don’t finish what I set out to. Personally, I can usually run over 90 minutes fasted in the morning, but struggle in the evenings, so try to eat lunch around 3-4 hours before.

Preparation

You’re stumbling around in the dark whilst your partner sleeps, looking for that pair of gloves that you desperately need for the cold winter temperatures outside. Wouldn’t it be easier to just get back into bed? Probably. But that’s not the point and that’s not how we run-obsessed individuals are wired! Let’s make it easy for ourselves. Get your kit ready the night before and put it by the door, keep your watch charged and make sure your favourite running socks don’t spend weeks in a laundry basket.

Routine

I think routine is most important when it comes to morning runs in the working week. I work a full time job, often with early starts so the mornings I run I need to have a strict routine when my alarm goes off. The mornings I don’t get out the door are when 20 minutes have gone by, I’m scrolling on my phone and the self-loathing begins as I realise I’m either not getting my run in, or will be late. For the post-work routine, I do much better with a quick turnaround between arriving home and heading back out. Create something which works for you. Maybe a cup of tea and reading a running article might be the encouragement you need.

Consistency

You’ll read this everywhere but there’s a reason for it, consistency is key. Both your fitness and enjoyment will increase in endurance sport if you are consistent.

More about Harry:

What is your job?

Veterinary Surgeon

Favourite running shoes?

Hoka Cliftons

Pets?

Two rescue collies, Fern and Arlo

Favourite place to run?

Wouldn’t change my doorstep, can’t beat Bentley Woods

Favourite sport to watch on the TV?

Tennis

Favourite workout?

5 x 1 mile at 10k pace (400m float recovery)

Harry’s bio

I’ve been interested in all sports since I can remember, but really started getting into triathlon and specifically running at University (and beer and cheese). Once out of university, triathlon became the focus, and I won the New Forest Huntsman Triathlon and placed 5th at the UK Dualthon Championship in 2021.

Last year, my focus switched to running, highlights include winning the Salisbury 10, a podium spot at Victory 5 in Portsmouth and running at Highgate’s “Night of 10,000m” (one of the few events which actually makes running exciting to watch).

Over the last year, I’ve used Altus to aid my recovery, helping me to train harder and avoid injury. I’m excited to get into an altitude training programme, although it will involve getting back in the saddle.

Away from sport, I work full time as a large animal vet and still love beer and cheese, usually in moderation.