His name is synonymous with the extreme. He’s passed the incomparably brutal training of SAS selection; cheated death on the way to becoming one of the youngest ever people to climb Mt Everest; taught the entire nation how to survive in the world’s most inhospitable places; and eaten wild ‘delicacies’ that most would struggle to even look at. Away from the spotlight, however, he has another love: running. MR found out why it’s become one of Bear’s necessities.
What does running mean to you?
For me it is simply about the freedom and solitude of being outdoors, connected with the ground beneath my feet, having no boundaries and having time and space to clear a lot
of thoughts in my head.
What role did running play during your time in the British Special Air Service?
Combat fitness is all about running. It was really the foundation of my fitness at that time – as well as being the primary cause of vomiting my guts up from exhaustion! Back at base, we were surrounded by so many hills. I look back now, though, and realise that running doesn’t have to be that way.
So, what does your running week look like these days?
For me, running is all about short, sharp runs – 30 minutes max. I always run in barefoot shoes and mix it up with lots of sprints and bodyweight exercises. These sessions are short enough to never get boring. I find that works best for me and the type of fitness I need for my job.
At 23, you became the youngest ever person to climb Everest. What’s your advice to someone trying to achieve an ambitious goal?
That it is better to aim high and hit slightly lower than aim low and hit the ground. Self-belief develops as we challenge ourselves and prevail, but sometimes we also have to embrace failure. It is so often a stepping-stone on the way to success. Don’t ever give up on yourself, even if others do. Set your goal, focus on it and work for it. Worthwhile things never come easy.
When it comes to running, what do you prefer – roads or trails?
Trails – the dirtier and dustier, the better. Often, trails are well hidden and allow one to escape off the beaten track a little. I’m always keen to discover a new route; that’s why it isn’t always about beating times for me, but instead it’s about working hard for a lung-busting 30 minutes.
You’re an advocate of barefoot running; why does it appeal to you?
It seems natural to me. I feel more in contact with the earth when I’m both barefoot walking and running. It felt weird at first and I got very stiff calves, but after a while I found I was moving more nimbly and the impact on my joints was less.
Finally, describe yourself as a runner in one word.
Wild.
Bear Grylls has developed a natural protein supplement range beargryllsnutrition.com and launched a new endurance event beargryllssurvivalrace.com.
