Phil Beastall
Monday, September 11, 2017
Q. Who are you and what you do for a living?
My name’s Phil Beastall. I’m a Video Producer and run my own Production company called Elrose Creative. I am a Dad to 3 kids - 10, 5, 1.
Q. How do you balance your exercise regime and your professional life?
It’s a battle, I must admit. I often work away from home on locations such as London, which involves either leaving at 7 am and getting back late or staying in a hotel overnight. The good thing is that I work for myself so can choose the work I want to take on and can make suggestions on the days that suit me, for example I will avoid days when I know I’m racing. On the days I simply can’t avoid it, I get up at 4:30 and just get the run in! I’m lucky to have a very supportive partner who looks after the kids in my absence.
Q. When and why did you start running?
I used to be a good XC runner when I was a kid, but gave it up when I was around 13-14. It wasn’t until my mum signed up for the Silverstone half marathon in 2010 that I decided to get back into it.
Q. What motivates you to go out there, when you do not feel like it?
I love getting PBs. I’m also addicted to exercise. So not only do I have an irrational fear of losing all my fitness in the one day I have off, I also love the feeling when I get a PB. This is all the reminder I need to get out there.
Q. What is the longest distance you have ran?
15 miles on a long Sunday run.
Q. What gives you the confidence to run in the streets?
I quite like being a quick runner because it means I don’t fear how I look.
Q. What do you think about the lack of exercise?
Exercise is such an essential part of our existence. We live in a world where for some reason we neglect our bodies. I’m very often on video shoots where we simply don't have time to eat - a basic human need! Exercise is no different. We must look after ourselves and the one body we have been given.
Q. What was your best running experience?
Running 14:35 on the track and getting my current PB. I was lucky to have a pacemaker for 10 laps, which is unheard of normally. Our coach kept thanking him as we went past on each lap because he knew how instrumental this would be to me getting a PB
Q. What was your worst running experience?
Running the 2015 National XC in Parliament Hill. It was so muddy that every footstep felt like such an effort. I went out too hard at the start and finished in a much lower position than I should of. I actually swore never to race there again, but I’m sure I'll be back!
Q. How do you push through the pain?
I always remind myself of times I have been in pain but survived. In fact, I talk to myself (in my head) while it’s happening. Each time I experience new levels of pain I feel it raises my threshold for the next time.
Q. What advice can you give somebody who wants to start running?
Give yourself motivation by signing up for a race. Take it really slow to start with and build gradually. Forget how fast other people are running, this is about you and your own goals.
Q. Which Social media sites are you on and how can one follow you?
I only use Instagram for my running and you can follow me at: therunnerbeast.
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