12 Questions with………Sven Mason

2. Which club race/ races have you won?

I won the two lapper 5k at Ulverstone, Gunns Plains and last year the Don 7k.

3. What do you like about being a part of the PCCCT?

I like the social side of it and the competitive side. I like to secretly test myself against others who are running a similar pace.

4. You have battled with injuries. What cross training do you do when you are unable to run?

To be honest, walking and rest. That’s it. I try not to overdo it with the junk food if I can’t run.

5. Favourite spots locally you like to run? I generally run the coastal pathways. Once COVID is over I’ll get a bit further afield. I have some unusual places I plan to run during the year. I also like to run around in the mountains, especially up at Cradle.

6. You completed a marathon this year.

Any plans for the next one? That was a bit of fun that marathon. 17.5 laps of the Burnie parkrun course just to see how far I could go. I did plan on doing the PCCCT marathon but ended up doing a charity run instead.

7. Your most memorable run?

It would have to be the 2012 Feature Race, crossing the finish line dead level with Gerard Lowry. People still talk about it. Even though I came second, I treat it like a win. I’d never run so far at that pace for so long. I’d planned to try and place around 20-25th.

8. What has running given you?

Heaps of new friends and acquaintances. I’m certainly fitter (and sorer) but I get a real buzz out of pushing myself, either speed wise or with distance.

9. Do you have a running partner/ group you train with?

I generally run alone or do a few runs with a workmate. Hopefully our Wednesday and Friday Solemates sessions will start up again soon.

10. Who are some of your role models in running?

Anyone who puts in the effort and/or has a crack. I do follow the Meercroft Group on Strava and what they do inspires me.

11. Other interests/sports?

I do a fair bit of bushwalking, photography and have had a new hobby for the last couple of months building Viking type axes.

12. What is something about you most people wouldn’t know?

I got quite bad frostbite on my feet at around 20,000 feet on Denali in Alaska. My feet still get cold even in summer.