Your Total Guide To lifestyle

TGt Meets...Ben Smithson

We've been chatting with Ben Smithson, Operations Manager at Aqua Italia about all things Bath Half Marathon.

How many times have you run the Bath Half Marathon?

This will be my second time.

What’s your Bath Half PB and what time are you going for this year?

My best is 1.44. This year I am going for 1.35

Which Olympic athlete inspires you the most?

It has got to be Usain Bolt! Just a legend, great character and very relaxed under pressure. His determination is infectious.

Are there any other sporting hobbies you enjoy in your spare time?

I love all sports, rugby & cricket especially but I still play an old English sport called Fives! Similar to squash but you hit the ball with your hands

Are you running for a charity? If so which one and why?

Yeah I am running for the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance. A condition that I have and is very common. The arthritis part not so common but I just want to prove that you can still achieve great things when you put your mind to it.

What advice would you give to other people training for a half marathon?

Advice that I need to learn to listen to myself! Train sensibly and don’t over do it, you should train 80% of the time comfortably and then 20% of the time hard. Mix up your training sessions with hill reps and sprint sessions rather than just long runs. This will create more strength and get you quicker! Train with someone too to get you out on those cold days!

How many days a week do you train?

I train 3/4 times per week. Any more than this then my body wont survive! This is enough. The key is in recovery, eat well and get sleep.

Do you run with any local running/fitness clubs?

No I just run with a very good friend of mine who runs half iron man’s he is crazy!!

Where’s your favourite place to run in and around Bath?

I love running from Bath to Bristol. The cycle path is great especially going out of Bath through the countryside. Put your headphones in and escape the daily pressures!

How will you celebrate completing the Bath Half Marathon?

By eating with my my family in a lovely restaurant called AQUA!!!