Ivor McQuaid

Tell us something unusual (non running) about you

My better half says I am a touch stubborn, Not sure what she means………

Number of marathons?

79

Job or occupation ?

Engineering Officer on Submarines

What was your first marathon and what do you remember about it?

Portsmouth Coastal Marathon. I trained for far too long and then made a mess of fuelling. I did however, learn that you need strength of mind as much as strength of body. (Being stubborn, mentioned above, helped a lot). Ran it several times since then.

Who or what inspires you?

From Marathons to parkruns, I am inspired by people believing in their own ability to simply get it done. I love to chat to people and help them to achieve their running goals.

What is your go to running snack before, during, after a run?

Chicken and pasta the night before. I only have a protein bar at the start but utilise Salt Tabs during the race. I normally wait about an hour after a race before eating, then anything goes.

What is your passion outside running?

Motorbikes and dogs, I have one of the first and 3 of the second.

What piece of running kit would you most recommend?

I have a Salomon Running vest. The ability to carry everything I need during a race is brilliant. I would add good running shoes as well, but that is a little obvious in this company.

Running highlight (so far!)

I ran my 50th Marathon with my daughter, she was running her first. I was so proud of her. Strangest race experience? Running the 100MC AGM. I was sure that I would encounter a lot of very fast and somewhat superior runners. Instead, I met a great bunch of like-minded people of similar running capability who actually took the time to chat and get to know me. Thank you.

Ever lost a toe nail and other running injuries?

I once fell at about the half way point on a very hot trail marathon. Broke both my wrists, 2 ribs and damaged my left eye. Manged to finish the race but was out of action for 2 months! Stubborn bit again…… (Toe nails went a long time ago).

Where do you think you will run your 100th / Did you run it? And why?

I was planning it to be at the Larmer Tree Marathon 2021, but I may need to review owing to CONVID-19. I love WSR events, they really have a family atmosphere and look after you no matter what happens.