Miles or Kilometres? | The Running Channel chats with One Run Global Co-Founder, Danny Bent

This week on Miles or Kilometres we’re thrilled to talk to One Run Global co-founder, Danny Bent.

Do you measure in miles or kms?

Miles. Although I occasional get them mixed up in races. Like doing a sprint finish at 6K rather than 6 miles. In a 10K race.

Do you listen to music or podcasts when you’re running? If so, what might we find on your playlist?

I’m a non-earphone runner. I love being able to chat to people I go past or listen to nature.

Do you measure your runs in time or distance?

Neither. I just love running. I’d never go out for an “X minute run”. Ever. I might do a 20 miler in the build up to a marathon – but even then it’s just a guesstimate.

I really LOVE running routes – so I might run Stanage Edge, or the other day I ran 9 edges across the whole of the Peak District. I guess in the new COVID world I’ve made up my own fast-paced ‘races’ and just run for 5K. But that’s it.

Do you prefer tights or shorts? Or shorts over tights?

Is this even a question? I won’t be seen dead in a pair of shorts that cover anything more than my testicles. Half thigh shorts are for footballers. I rarely wear trousers ever. Let alone whilst running. I have a reputation for loving everyone no matter who they are or what they do or what they wear. BUT shorts over tights is pushing my limits.

What are the key recovery techniques you use?

I’m not very technical. I like to jump into cold water in the winter – that always seems to cool the legs. Other than that I always make sure I get a good nights’ sleep!

What are you training for currently?

Currently training because I love it. I love being outside and with the awesome running community (other than the shorts over tights variety 🙂 ) But in terms of racing – I’m hoping some fell races will get started up soon (there’s sometimes 7 races a week up here [in Derbyshire]) and I’m loving all the virtual races. Other than that, I have London Marathon in October 2021 (we’re hoping my mum, dad, my two sisters and I will be running) next year but that’s such a long way away.

How have you motivated yourself in 2020?

I’ve had less money in 2020 but much more time – so I’ve been fully motivated. I’ve managed to get myself to being about as fit as I’ve ever been in terms of running.

My super power though is seeing the positive angle no matter what is happening. So COVID has provided that time – but also a reason to play Ukuleles in the street to get to know my neighbours (before the NHS clap), and also a chance to do some zoom life drawing. COVID was a grenade chucked into our lives. For me it revealed some really interesting new things.

Who is inspiring you at the moment?

My Mum and Dad are my main source of inspiration. They are still loving life and running (sometimes fast). Then I look at all the people in the world who are taking part in One Run Global and each and everyone of those people is inspiring me. People from 195 different countries. People of all nationalities, religions, genders, race. They’re all coming together to finish 2020 on a high. These people should be an inspiration for every single government out there. To every person. We are all so similar. Humans are so amazing.

What’s your best running memory?

Running the London Marathon with my family back in 2003. Worst race ever – my calves were indented with cramp. BUT we all finished. Mum was fastest!

If you weren’t able to run anymore, but could participate in any other activity, what would it be and why?

I used to do ballet and giving up is probably my biggest (only) regret in life. But I think now I’m just too much of a runner with well cooked steaks for hamstrings and hip flexors that may as well be welded in one position!

So in that sense I’d probably stick to the cold water swimming. It’s similar in many ways to running: 1st step is the hardest. It hurts like hell whilst you’re doing it. You do it in beautiful locations normally but sometimes end up doing it in a city. And it makes you feel AWESOME afterwards. Although not as good a feeling as running!

One Run Global takes place on 10th December (Human Rights Day). You can find out more about the event and sign up here.