Karl Gray our lead clinical physio represented Great Britain at the World Mountain Running Championships in Premana, Italy. 

He was the second British runner to complete the course and .finished 32nd in the 20-mile mountain race slog.

‘I felt really proud and privileged to represent my country at such a fantastic event.'

‘And while I don’t think it was my best performance, I still had a good consistent run and was pleased in the end with my 32nd position.’

Karl was previously part of the British team which won silver medals at the mountain running championships in Slovenia last year.

‘I don’t think being a physio helps me as a competitor, as I have a natural enjoyment and drive to compete and to do my best,’ he said.

‘However, I do feel my experience as a physio enables me to train sensibly and consistently, which helps me manage the inevitable niggles and avoid injury.’

Karl shares his knowledge with CHFT readers:

Q  -  Any tips for someone wanting to take up running?

A - Start gradually, run/walk or short runs. Make time for it, get up earlier or run before you settle down for tea. Be consistent by making it part of your daily weekly routine. And enjoy it!

Q - Who do you prefer Mo Farah  or Usain Bolt.

A  - Mo - he's GB

Q  - Best pre-run meal?

A - Porridge

Q  - Where do you train round here?

A  - I do most of my training on the slopes of Southowram mainly in the Sunny Vale valley and Elland bottom woods. However, my favourite local hills are where I began fell running in the South Pennines and in particular the hills above Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. The Italian Alps and Dolomites are my favourite mountains.

Q How do you survive those runs?

A By making sure I’m hydrated and taking on electrolytes in long races especially those over 20 miles.