Matt Yapp
Age: 24
How did you first get into running?
I’ve been running and competing in races since I was 7. It’s probably because my parents have always run that I’ve never really stopped. It’s just something I’ve always done and enjoyed.
What’s a typical running week for you?
I run pretty much every day, I usually run about 50 miles each week. Most of my running is around Mortimer Forest. I’m out in the Forest most evenings after work. For my Manchester Marathon I pushed the distance up. The furthest I ran in a week was 70 miles.
What’s your most memorable run?
I think it has to be the Manchester Marathon. We went up the night before as a family and my girlfriend Liv and sister Anna ran it as well. It was the first flat marathon I’ve done. I wasn’t really sure what to expect but thought I could keep a pace of just under 6 minutes a mile (Matt’s average pace was 5.52 min/mile).
I was really pleased with my time of 2.34.58 although thinking back to the race now it’s all a bit of a blur. I keep a log-book of all my runs and was looking at it the other day. Two years ago I had written in my diary that I thought I could run a 2.35 marathon. I had completely forgotten about that!
What’s in the diary?
Hereford Half Marathon – 8th May
Shropshire Fell Running Series
Snowdonia marathon – 29th October
Any injuries you’ve struggled with?
Not really.
What do you most love about running?
I just love how simple it is. I put my running shoes on and get out in the forest and run. I cycle a bit but there’s always so much faffing around with all the stuff. There’s no faffing about with running.
What do you do for a living?
I studied horticulture at Pershore Horticultural College and now work as a gardener at a private estate in Hopton Heath.
Who do you live with?
With my mum and dad; Sally and Dave plus my sister Anna and brother Aidan.
Have you any pets?
Yes, a Springer Spaniel, Skye, she’s 4
What’s your favourite Cornetto flavour?
Strawberry.
