At the 25th Logicom Cyprus Marathon on 12th March 2023, Steve will attempt to finish another Marathon bringing his total to 955 Marathons.
Steve Edwards, “The Machine” is 60 years old and was born in Coventry, England. He currently lives in the Cotswolds district of North Gloucestershire with his wife Teresa. He is a former IT professional but now he is working in an ambassadorial role for a National UK Running platform, Every Run Counts.
We spoke to Steve about his achievements and what does running mean to him.
When did you start running?
I started in 1981 when I signed up to run my first-ever race, the inaugural Coventry Marathon. I only had 5 weeks to train but in truth hadn’t a clue about how to prepare. Although my longest training run was 5 miles, I managed to complete the race in 3hrs 38min but really suffered in the closing miles, suffice to say I have respected the distance ever since!
What motivates you to run regularly?
My main motivation has come from trying to establish new records/bests in multi-marathon running and achieve things that have never before been done thus hoping to inspire others about what can be achieved with focus and dedication.
What are some of your habits before a race?
My weekly training generally consists of around 40 miles of running which includes a tempo run and at least one very hilly run. I also do weights and core strength sessions 4 times a week. I like to be well prepared before race day with all my kit ready and have a time plan for race morning from when I get up to race start which includes breakfast 3 hours before the start as well as hydration and fuelling.
Is this your second time at the Logicom Cyprus Marathon? What did you enjoy the last time you were here?
It is my second time in Paphos, the first time was in 2013 when I finished the race in 3hrs 17min to win the MV50 trophy. I just about managed to fit it into my cabin luggage! I liked the scenic course which went through many villages where the support was brilliant, I also enjoyed the sunshine!
What is your main objective and what does it mean to you?
Currently, I have run 951 official marathon races with an average finish time of 3hrs 20min 26sec. My lifetime ambition has been to try and set a new world record for running 1000 official marathon races averaging sub 3hrs 30min. I’m currently well on track but know from experience that you can’t take anything for granted. The wear & tear on my body is now taking its toll and of course I’m not getting any younger so my finish times are getting slower. However, I’m determined to achieve what I set out to do so will try to stay focused and keep working hard to maintain best possible health & fitness. Fingers crossed!
What would you advise someone who has just started running?
Firstly, my own personal mantra,
“Never underestimate your potential, Follow your dreams”.
Work hard and follow the 4 Ds, Discipline, Dedication, Desire & Determination. Over the years, I’ve come to learn that the human body is a fantastic machine and it never ceases to amaze me how ordinary people can achieve incredible things if they put their minds to it.
Above all, enjoy the journey and the process of becoming a runner, there will be good days and not-so-good days, embrace them all and learn from the experience.
And when it all becomes a bit too much, just remember
“The comfort zone is a wonderful place to be, but to achieve great things we need to step out into the unknown and embrace the uncertainty, the doubts and the knock backs, only then will we truly know what amazing feats we are capable of”
“Believe in yourself, you are braver than you think, more talented than you know and capable of more than you can imagine!”
