A Consultant with a Difference
Nick took up high altitude ultra marathon endurance trail running in his early 50’s to further improve his work / life balance.
Many of the races he has competed in, are held in the European Alps. Notable races include the Mont Blanc 90K (90km distance with 6225m vertical climb), CCC (101km with 6, 100m vertical climb and the Swiss Irontrail T127 (125.1km with 6, 236m vertical climb, maximum altitude 3, 023m). Each of the races are time trialled with cut-off times along the route. Many of the races have drop out rates of up to 45% even amongst competing international ultra athletes. The time taken to complete such races varies but can involve non-stop racing for over 24 hours.
The terrain can vary hugely and be very technical. The terrain may be very steep, unstable, muddy, rocky, icy or in snow. There are precipitous falls in places. The weather at high altitude can be very unpredictable all year round and such races require athletes to carry a mandatory supply of food, water, clothing and survival equipment. Frequent bag checks are held failure to carry the mandatory list of equipment results in disqualification. The Mont Blanc race in 2017 required a minimum self-sufficient water supply of 3 litres with temperatures up to 32C.
The races are in self-sufficiency or semi self-sufficiency and the longer distance races involve running overnight in the mountains.
The ability to participate and complete the races requires a very high degree of determination, self-discipline and both physical and mental fitness.
As an elite athlete Nick believes the fitness he has gained both physically and mentally, enhance his ability to work as an orthopaedic surgeon and to increase his empathy for the injured recreational and elite athlete.
Nick has an in-depth knowledge of acute musculoskeletal injuries and chronic overuse musculoskeletal injuries and over 24 years experience as a consultant treating such injuries.
Please see list of races completed, pictures and photos.
