MILLY VOICE

Matt Buck is a fellow Salomon ambassador, qualified running coach, turbo ultra-marathoner and founder of “Running Adventures”. I have always admired Matt’s tenacity to throw himself at pretty much anything and yet have a lot of wisdom and skill to achieve some amazing challenges and great race results. Also, Matt is just really down to earth. He makes running look “do-able”, which I am massively a fan of - because really, anyone can do it.

I caught up with Matt and here’s our chat on all things animals, dragons and what gets Matt running crazy things.

Were you always into trail running ? What is your sports background?

NO, I’ve not always been into trail running, or any running to be honest. I’ve always been into sports, and right from a young age I would go walking with my Dad and mess around in the woods and on the trails. I used to do a lot of swimming, play football and hockey, but I was never very good at them (apart from hockey, I was ok at that). As a kid, I was desperate to be better and I tried really hard, but I just didn’t have the skill level. I was better at outdoors type activities such as kayaking, caving and climbing. Like most people, I started my running journey on the road, and really didn’t enjoy it very much but wanted to tick off a marathon. Once I did that a few times I was more into it but something was missing. It was only when I started getting interested in ultra running that I ended up on the trails and it all made sense to me, suddenly I felt like I was at home, I'd found my sport!

What kind of runs to do you prefer?

I love an adventure, I’m less bothered these days about how far I’m running or how fast, but more about WHERE I’m running and what adventures are to be had along the way. I love going into the mountains, maybe a little bit of scrambling or ridge running, something to get the adrenaline pumping a bit. That type of run isn’t readily available where I live sadly, so my go to session seems to be somewhere between 10-12 miles at a decent pace. I like to do that, gives me a good workout but doesn’t take up half the day. However, more than anything I enjoy running with mates and simply having a good chat in beautiful places.

Where are you based for your runs?

I live in Guildford so I spend a lot of my time in the Surrey Hills and on and around the North Downs Way. We also have some pretty sweet heathland around here which tend to be very quiet and you don’t see many runners there, it feels a bit like secret knowledge as they aren’t very well mapped and you need to check when they are open due to military training. I like that, makes it feel exclusive for some reason!

What is your adventure yet?

Wow, I’ve had so many awesome adventures over the years that it is really hard to pick one. I’ve travelled all over the world and run through deserts, jungles, mountains and everything in-between and I love all those environments for different reasons. I’m super proud to say that I have run in every continent, including Antarctica (although that run was only short, but it still counts). I think the best adventure was doing either the Marathon Des Sables or the Dragons Back Race, both were brutally difficult and across tough terrain, so they will always be fond memories (and bad memories!!).

Hardest thing you have had to tackle with trail running?

It’s always the animals, right!? I love animals and nature, but they can be a bit of a nightmare on the trails sometimes. Over the years I’ve had drama with all sorts… snakes, cows, crocodiles, spiders, badgers, kangaroo, elephants, and wild boar. But the worst of them all is always dogs in my opinion, the amount of incidents I’ve had with dogs is crazy. Especially abroad…I had a particularly terrifying incident in Portugal (not nice, touristy Portugal, but inland, where it’s like the Wild West!!) where this guard dog went for me and it took me 20 minutes to get past it, it was just a stand off! Every time I tried to get past it lunged at me with it’s big, sharp, pointy teeth! I’m not great with dogs as it is but this was awful.

The mental game in running - what does this mean to you?

Everything.

There are two sides of this, the mental game of completing massive ultras, and the mental health advantages of trail running. First of all, as someone who suffers with anxiety and has struggled over the years, I know that I would be in a very bad place if it wasn’t for the trail running, and the amazing community that comes with it. As far as the mental game goes for completing big races, ironically this is when I find myself at my strongest psychologically, I feel like I can deal with the challenges that ultra running throws at you, and I’m good at staying calm and clear of mind. It’s this mental strength that has got be through some big challenges, it never crosses my mind to give up, absolutely never, not an option.

Tell me more about "Running Adventures”?

Running Adventures is my trail running company, specialising in coaching, guided trail running adventures, trail weekends, workshops and more. I started the business for a bit of pocket money, 9 years ago and went full time in 2017 after it had started to grow organically. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done! I love meeting so many different people, showing them my passion for trail running, teaching and guiding people, and sharing experiences. Seeing the joy on someones face when I take them on a trail run for the first time, or somewhere special, is a better than any medal I have ever been given at the end of a race. We travel all over the UK and abroad, and we welcome trail running first timers with open arms, so if you want to give it a go, come and join us for a run.

Dragon's Back 2023 took place fairly recently - arguably one of the toughest ultra marathons. Tell us about your experience of this race in 2017?

It was incredible, and horrendous in equal measure! That was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life and it took a year to prepare for. Despite the hardship, it was an amazing experience, to travel through those mountains on foot is wonderful and something I will never forget. The landscape is beautiful and rugged and will chew you up and spit you out, every single day, but then you just have to brush yourself off and go again. I love that, I love the simplicity of an event like that, you don’t need to worry about anything other than where you are going and not dying! No phones, no computers, no work, no stress…just keep moving and don’t die!

We are both part of the Salomon ambassador family. Favourite bit of kit?

So grateful to be part of the Salomon team and as you know, everyone is amazing and supportive of each others adventures, challenges and businesses. Bit of a boring answer but my favourite bit of kit has to surely be the Advanced Skin 12 Race Vest. I love that thing, I wear it almost every day and couldn’t live without it.

Biggest advice for anyone keen but apprehensive to trail run?

If you are nervous, then find a friend, find a group, find a guide or coach and simply enjoy. Don't stress about time, distance or speed, just enjoy being out on the trails and the adventure that comes with it. There is no pressure, it’s all about having fun and exploring. If you are worried about getting lost, them try some trails close to home, start small and build it up. Be prepared for some problem solving and embrace it when it happens, you will have a blast.

Matt keeps a scrapbook of his adventures on instagram. Check out Running Adventures for coaching, guided runs and all things trail!