Matt Whyman is the author of several award-winning novels, his latest book, Failure is an Option explores the world of endurance running. We caught up with Matt Whyman to ask him about his running, sustainability and of course, his new book!
You started running with your dad as a child. Has running been a part of your life ever since then?
Much to my mother’s annoyance, looking after three small children through the working week, my dad used to come home from his commute and then immediately take off for a run. Having seemed so stressed and ragged, he’d return to be a model father and husband. Through my young eyes, running seemed to have this transformative effect on my dad, and so I asked if I could join him. Seeking her opportunity, my mum had all three of us ready at the front door… In writing Failure is an Option, I realised that in every milestone of my life, running had always been there in some shape or form. From school to work, marriage, parenthood, personal issues and into middle age, I’ve followed a well-worn path like so many runners, which was something I wanted to explore and celebrate.
What made you go from park runner to ultra runner?
Age! A weekly 5K is a fantastic opportunity to find out just how fast we can go (even though it’s a run, not a race, right?). After several years of seeking out every marginal gain I could find, I reached a point where I was lucky to improve by a second. With one of my daughters effortlessly hot on my heels, and fast approaching my fifties, I recognised that I had probably reached my limit in terms of speed. That’s when the prospect of slowing things down to go longer became a challenge I couldn’t ignore.
In your book, Failure is an Option, you talk about your experiences of ultra running. Did you enjoy reliving those experiences?
Before putting pen to paper, my aim was to write honestly. I’m far from the sharp end of a race. I’ve also made many mistakes along the way. It would’ve been tempting to filter these out and just focus on the personal wins like a finish or a PB. The result might have made me look good, but that wasn’t the book I wanted to write. The title came first, which made me laugh, but there also seemed to be some truth to it. There are limits in life, and in some ways we have to fail to discover them. Once I’d embraced the concept, I felt quite liberated. I didn’t have to pretend that I might have won had outside factors not conspired against me. I could set my pride to one side and write truthfully about experiences all runners have faced knowing that I had tried my best.
The stakes are very high in ultra running.
What advice would you give runners on dealing with a DNF (Did Not Finish)?
Every runner sets out with the intention of reaching the finish. Over very long distances, and often challenging terrain, all manner of things can go wrong. With the race over prematurely, a DNF is the start of an emotional journey. A runner can go from shock and denial to boiling anger (“What idiot set those cut off times and where do they live?”), a period of sadness, reflection and then acceptance that we must take responsibility for our own outcomes. If that means learning from the experience and even going again, a DNF can only make us stronger. Ultra-running is a work in progress. Part of the challenge, and the attraction, is that we have to work at success – but it’s never guaranteed.
What’s your proudest or happiest moment as a runner?
Joining the athletics track for the last 400 metres of the North Downs Way 100. It was my first attempt at that distance. I didn’t know anyone who had run one, and found the mental challenge in the months from signing up to setting off to be as tough as the race itself. I just couldn’t get my head around how far I had to run, or stop feeling out of my depth. Nor was I prepared for the emotions after a day and a night on my feet. It also seemed to me that the track had been extended by a few hundred metres because it took forever to reach the finishing arch.
You’ve taken part in quite a few running events, do you have a large collection of finisher’s t-shirts?
I’m pleased to say my collection is shrinking thanks to my children. Like vultures, they’ve picked off shirts to wear in their own training, and I’m happy they’ve found a second life. I like to think they’ll keep being passed down through the generations; becoming slowly more vintage and meaningful. We don’t need any more shirts, but we can make the most of what we have.
What do you think about Trees not Tees and what we’re doing?
I’ll confess that my first Trees Not Tees certificate was a surprise. I’d ticked the box by accident, but it was also such a buzz to see the photo of my sapling that it’s since become the default choice for me. As a writer by profession, it was an honour and great responsibility to write the children’s book adaptation of Our Planet, with a foreword by Sir David Attenborough. In working with leading experts and campaigners, I learned so much about the urgency of our climate emergency.
Quite simply, it’s on us to make every effort to protect and respect our environment. Trees Not Tees exemplifies this by empowering runners to take personal responsibility. It might seem like a small contribution, but commitments like this can lead to long-term changes in awareness and attitude, and that can shape the future for us all.
– Matt Whyman
Have you taken any steps towards making your own running more sustainable?
Since writing Our Planet, I have stopped looking overseas for races I’d like to run. Personally, I find the air travel hard to justify when I’m not there to win prize money or satisfy my non-existent sponsors. For runners like me it’s just a holiday, isn’t it? At the same time, having taken on races like The Dragon’s Back across the spine of Wales or the Cornish coastal paths of The Arc of Attrition 100, it’s clear to me that the UK offers some of the most spectacular and challenging terrains in the world. There’s plenty on offer to keep any runner inspired for a lifetime.
What changes would you like to see the running events industry making towards sustainability?
The rising popularity of trail running is a great thing for society’s physical and mental health. It’s a chance to get out and about in nature. At the same time, with the rising footfall comes an environmental responsibility. As a know-nothing observer, usually behind a runner threatening to accidentally stab me in the thigh, I am concerned about the use of running poles. I can just back off a bit to protect myself, but worry when I see those carbon tips driving, jabbing and chiselling into rock or trail-side vegetation. Our trails are a precious feature of the landscape, and it’s on us to respect that. I’m going to put it out there by questioning whether we need poles at all
Do you still enjoy taking part in shorter runs now or are you only satisfied by ultras?!
I’ve not given up on Parkrun and shorter races. I just find I can’t aim to do my best at both distance and speed. Normally this is apparent when I rock up at the Saturday morning 5K, one week after some ambitious ultra that’s left me crawling up the stairs like a toddler, and then wonder why I’m five minutes off the pace. I seem to forget about context and just conclude that I’ve ruined my running. So, now I aim to focus on one or the other, and no doubt further my reputation at being happily average at both.
Failure is an option by Matt Whyman is out now. Failure is an Option is the story of an average runner who sets out to discover just how far he can go. With the support (and misgivings) of his family, and aware that his quickest years are behind him, Matt Whyman leaves the Saturday morning 5K to push towards 100-mile ultramarathons and beyond. For more updates from Matt Whyman, head over to his website.
Image: Phil Rodham
