ELSEY DAVIS

TRAIL RUNNING

Why did you choose SILVA as a partner?
I started using SILVA head torches during my winter Bob Graham Round training and completion in 2023 and have been using them ever since. I find the quality of light amazing even in really technical terrain and in all weathers. Using SILVA has helped me build confidence running in the dark. 

What’s your workout philosophy? 
No hero sessions and quality over quantity. Success comes from consistent good quality training. There’s no point in overreaching in training and burning out/ getting injured. If I have a workout I will always aim to finish feeling like I could do more never emptying the tank... save that for race day! 

LIFE AS A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE

What can an average training week look like for you?
On the race I’m building towards. It will be as specific as possible towards that race in terms of terrain and elevation. I’ll normally do two faster tempo or fartlek type sessions, both hilly and flat, as well as a long run where I will practice fuelling. I also do 2-4 strength and conditioning sessions a week. Then I may need to add in training for the environment, so at the moment I am training for the Western States 100-mile race so will add in heat training and also aim to be at altitude in the weeks prior to the event to acclimatize for that. 

What are your favorite locations for ultra running around the world? 
I have a big soft spot for the Lake District in the UK. The landscape is so unique and breathtaking. Internationally my favourite race location is probably Grindelwald, Switzerland where I have raced the Eiger 35km and 50km. The town is nestled in the mountains and the trails are so flowy and enjoyable to run along. I did my first big trail race there in 2021 and never looked back.

DO YOU WANT TO START ULTRA RUNNING?

What do you do on a rest day?
Normally on a “rest day,” I will go on a very easy bike ride. I find active rest days helpful to keep things moving- I feel more sluggish after a rest day if I completely stop. I live on the coast in Cornwall, so I will often go and jump in the ocean and then relax on the beach with a good book. I also love food, so we love going out for dinner when we can- there are a lot of good fish restaurants in Cornwall!  I work as a doctor part-time, so that also keeps me busy between training.  

What should you think about if you want to start with ultra running?
Enjoyment! You don’t need a complicated plan when you first start. Just get out running, explore the trails you have access to, build up slowly, and make sure you pay attention to recovery between runs- more sleep and food are required to match increased physical demands. Practicing in shorter races first is a good idea, in my first few years, I did a lot of 30-50km trail races which helped me build strength and resilience in my legs over challenging terrain and gave me the confidence to try longer distances after that.