Training & Methodology
William’s approach to training, preparation, and the sustained career methodology that has produced 780 records.
Training Philosophy
William’s training philosophy is built on consistency, cross-training, and intelligent adaptation to age. He does not believe in one-size-fits-all programmes or high-volume training that risks injury. Instead, he focuses on sustainable training loads that can be maintained year after year.
Key principles:
- Consistency over intensity — showing up every day matters more than any single session
- Cross-training to maintain overall fitness and reduce injury risk
- Age-appropriate training that respects the body’s changing recovery needs
- Mental preparation as a core training component, not an afterthought
- Data-informed decisions: tracking performance, recovery, and training load over time
This philosophy has enabled a competitive career spanning decades — not a brief peak followed by decline.
Training Methods
William’s training structure is built around a combination of methods designed for the unique demands of ultra distance running:
Treadmill Training
Essential in Orkney’s winter months. Controlled conditions allow precise pace and distance management while avoiding the risks of dark, wet roads.
Weight Vest Training
Building strength endurance without the impact stress of additional running miles. Particularly valuable for multi-day race preparation.
Race Simulation
Practising the specific demands of target races: nutrition timing, sleep deprivation management, kit testing, and pace strategy rehearsal.
Cross-Training
Swimming, cycling, and gym work to maintain cardiovascular fitness while giving joints and muscles a break from running impact.
Training Camps
William has been attending warm weather training camps since 1997. His current base is Iten in Kenya — a destination now regarded as a Mecca for distance runners worldwide, training at 2,400m/8,000 feet of altitude with low humidity and consistent, favourable weather.
Previous camp destinations have included Majorca and Playa Blanca in Lanzarote. Since 2025 he has moved to high altitude training in Iten, spending six weeks there in March–April 2025 and four weeks in January 2026.
When training camps are not possible, William replicates the key training elements at home in Orkney using treadmill work, local routes, and simulation sessions.
Full warm weather & altitude training history →
Injury & Recovery
Ultra distance running places extraordinary demands on the body, and injury management is a critical skill. William’s approach to injury recovery is pragmatic and patient:
- Listen to the body — distinguish between discomfort and damage
- Seek professional medical advice early, not late
- Use cross-training to maintain fitness during recovery periods
- Take the time needed — rushing back risks longer-term setbacks
The most significant test of this philosophy was his hip replacement in 2023. Rather than retiring, William worked methodically through rehabilitation and returned to competition, demonstrating that even major surgery need not end an athletic career if approached with the right mindset and medical support.
Useful Links
Essential resources for the ultra running community: