Bruce White
Monday, May 16, 2016
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do for a living?
My name is Bruce MacGregor White aka run_bruce_run . I'm a laid back
person but a bit of a pioneer. I'm always thinking about new great ideas
and driving everyone crazy. I've been running a small community charity
in my city for over 18yrs where we work with kids, young people and
families in a local tough housing estate. I'm married with 4 wild boys.
How do you balance your exercise regime and your professional life?
Ah balance mmmm yes I find that difficult lol. I have an addictive
personality so I have to work at balance big time. I tend to go full
throttle at something then eventually after everyone going nuts I begin
to find balance. So for running that means getting up early between 5-6am two
to three times a week. One run during the day and one on my day off and
my long run on a Sunday morning. I don't do many races because of work
and family so I tend to focus on big long events like Ultras 2-3 times a
year. I also do my own adventures whenever I can.
When and why did you start running?
I started running three years this July. I was in the gym getting
fitter and I was on the 'dreadmill' crunching out some miles. Outside
it was a beautiful sunny day the it hit me! 'What am I doing running
here when I could be out there running'. So I ran 6-8 miles that day in
the sun and that was it. Running had got me and couldn't wait for my
next run.
What motivates you to go out there, when you do not feel like it?
I'm pritty motivated most of the time because I 'just love to run'.
It's a joy to me most of the time. The hardest times are in winter when
it's cold, windy and raining but even then I still manage to do it. On
the odd occasion I struggle and want to stay in bed I focus my mind on
one step at a time. I say "ok just get out of bed" then "wash your
face", "put your gear on" and so on. This approach seems to work with me
and yes there are days I completely fail and sleep in but that's ok
also.
What is the longest distance you have ran?
The longest distance ive Ran is 53 miles with the 'Hoka Highland
Fling'. I've ran this Ultra Marathon twice in 2015 and again last
Saturday. It's such an awesome race through the West Highland Way with
trails, hills and tough rocky root section along Loch Lomond. I've
entered the Glenmore 24 race which is a 4 mile loop race in September
which I hope to get my first 100 miles.
What gives you the confidence to get out there?
I've never struggled with lack of confidence to run anywhere. My love
of running and the sense of adventure gets me out the door. I've ran
through the night for my first 30 mile solo run. I run through forests
in the dark alone, up hills and along the coastline. The only time I've
got the fear is when the winds are strong and you're in the forest and
it's dark and your mind starts to play tricks on you. I usually pick up
the pace a bit through those sections lol.
What do you think about the lack of exercise among the youth?
Yes it's concerning with our screen culture. So many young people have a
lot of apathy and computer games especially feeds the 'sit at a screen'
approach to life. I work with young people and I think it's about
trying to find out what they can enjoy whether it's football, bikes,
lazer quest in the forest. Then take them on an adventure and feed that
passion to encourage them to get active.
What was your best running experience?
Running the 53 miles at 'the fling' last year. It was such an
incredible experience the whole day and to know that I can run that
distance was 'pure dead brilliant' ( ie. Awesome ). The weather was
great, unbelievable scenery, brilliant people and I got to run all day
:)
What was your worst running experience?
Mmmm I struggle to think what my worst running experience was because
even when I find it tough I value those runs because I learn so much
from when things go wrong. But my first official Marathon at Edinburgh
in 2014 was the worst in the sense I hit the wall hard at mile 20 after
pushing too hard the first half. I had to walk some and the pain was
tough. I was on target for 3.15 but got 3.48 in the end. Those last 6
miles were so so tough. But again I still enjoyed it and learnt a lot.
How do you push through the pain?
When you run long distance Pain is just part of the experience. So what
I've learned is that most pain will pass or you can manage it. One
thing I've learnt is to not 'moan about your pain' be positive and just
deal with it as best you can and keep moving. In a sick kind of way I
quite enjoy the pain! I guess Ultra running can be seen as a 'legal form
of self-harm'. It's a good feeling to know that you can push through
most of the pain but you also need to listen to your body. If I get a
certain pain in my knee I don't push through it because I know 'that
pain' will get worse and I'll get injured so you need to lead to know
your pain and be wise.
Which Social media sites are you on and how can one follow you?
Instagram is my main running site (@run_bruce_run ) I post running
stuff there so not to drive all my non running friends crazy. I'm on
Facebook under 'Bruce White'. Strava: Bruce White Nike+: brucemacwhite
My best running shoes are Adidas Supernova Sequence 7.
I love running because of the joy and sense of adventure it brings.
Injury is your body telling you you're pushing it too hard and you need
a rest or it can just be bad luck which is just part of life.
My body like everyone else's is a gift and a sacred temple that we should cherish and look after.
My running playlist has everything from Southern Rock 'the black
crowes' Bluesy indie stuff 'early Black Keys', Alt Indie 'Beck' other
favourite bands include: Arcade Fire, Biffy Clyro, Jack White, Dead
Weather, White Stripes, hendrix, Jamiroquai, Anything by Quantic, buena
vista social club and similar Cuban stuff, Royal Blood, Calexico, Daft
Punk Delirious and much more
I hate running when ......... I don't!
Pain is part of the experience so just build a bridge and get over it.
The road leads to a trail which leads to the hills which leads to an adventure.
Sweat is sexy
In future I would like to run 'the west highland way race' 'Glencoe
Marathon' 'devil of the highlands' and like about 100 Ultras in the
States and UTMB of course. I also want to do my own stage challenge to
raise money for my charity. Look at running across Scotland in a week or
something like that.
Indie means great raw guitar music to rock out on the trails. Indie
means another cool adventure film. Indie means stuff what the rules are
you can do it so 'Just Dae It'.
I do not like runners who look down on other runners whether it's
because they are slower than them, less experienced than them, or
because they are so selfless it's just all about them and what they can
get. I'm selfish about my running and like to run alone but I also like
to run with others and if I can help, inspire, encourage or teach anyone
something it's great to do that. I've learnt that the running community
are on the whole a great passionate bunch of people. A great extended
family that can use the passion of running to make a difference.
#RunRevolution
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