Russell Maylin Interview

Russell Maylin - 1962

Why I Wanted to Interview Russell
Some people would use the terms ‘crazy’ or ‘insane’ to describe Ultra runners (runners who compete in races of 85+ km). I on the other hand prefer to call such people highly motivated and driven. I feel that anyone who chooses to run, for example a 250km race, over 7 days, across the Sahara desert surely must know a little about motivation and what it takes to get the most out of yourself. It was this motivation and self-discipline I was wanting to explore with Russell during our interview. I was also very interested in discussing Russell's experience as an Endurance/Ultra coach and whether he felt motivation and drive could be cultivated in others.

Sporting Achievements & Accomplishments:

Russell has competed in a range of Ultra running events which typically involves running distances of over 85kms. These gruelling events are varied and can be for example a one day 100 mile trail run (160km) or a 250km run over several days carrying all your own kit
These are some of the Ultra running events Russell has competed in:
2011 Gore-Tex Trans Alpine Run, 250 km over 7 days and running from Germany to Austria to Switzerland and finishing in Italy. Very tough multi day run over huge mountains. This was my first race in a team with my wife. It is compulsory to run in a two person team in this terrain.
2008 & 2010 Leadville Trail 100 mile mountain run (160km), Leadville, Colorado. This is an extraordinary race takes place in altitudes of 10,000 ft. to 12,500 ft. and is very demanding.
2003 & 2006 Marathon Des Sables Sahara race, often called “The Toughest Footrace On Earth”. This gruelling race covers 250+ km over 7 days carrying all your kit.
Swiss Alpine K78 Mountain Run based in the Davos alpine region.
5 times Kepler Challenge 60 km New Zealand Mountain run
2 times Cape Brett Mountain Challenge trail race
Heaphy 85 km trail run Ironman Australia 1999
Ironman NZ 1997

More Interesting Information:

Russell was born in England (Stevenage, Herts) and came to NZ in his early twenties
Whilst at school Russell followed his desire to be an Army Officer completing many tests and attachments until finally deciding on a more “active” choice of Metroplolitan Police, London.
During a sponsored three month tour with a leadership/conservation expedition to the British West Indies Russell met his wife while reef diving. Both then returned to New Zealand where russell pursued a career in the pharmaceutical industry
Russell planned for and moved into his chosen work as a Massage Therapist and Endurance coach and set up his business in Parnell called Action Potential (details below)
People I admired growing up were Robert Falcon Scott, Ranulph Fiennes and Steve Redgrave

Services & Contacts:
Action Potential - Relax, rejuvenate, recover and perform. Russell is a qualified, experienced Massage Therapist offering a professional service based in Parnell, Auckland. You can contact Russell at Action Potential using the details below:

Interview Menu

If you cant see what you want how can you have the drive to get there (2:20)
Subject/Resource links: What Makes Motivated People Different?, Building Motivation to Change, Having a Clear Direction or Goal Before Starting

Being physical is hardwired into us but it needs to be drawn out (5:20)
Subject/Resource links: Why are We Motivated to Change at All?, Building Motivation to Change

There is often is a trigger point that tips the balance between doing something or not (1:34)
Subject/Resource links: Building Motivation to Change

If it’s possible, having a clear goal or direction initially is vital to success plus the difference between having a goal or a direction (6:11)
Subject/Resource links: Having a Clear Direction or Goal Before Starting, Getting Started and Taking the First Steps

For me preparation, both mental and physical is an obsession (4:54)
Subject/Resource links: Preparation Motivation and Change

Break your goal down into achievable steps and keep the dream alive (1:34)
Subject/Resource links: Getting Started and Taking the First Steps

Having others that can bring bad habits to your attention is useful as is self-awareness of habits (3:42)
Subject/Resource links: Habits and Motivation, Self-Awareness and Motivation

Maybe we aren't as honest about ourselves as we used to be and maybe if we were change would be easier (3:48)
Subject/Resource links: Self-Awareness and Motivation

These days I’m more selective about when to really draw on my motivation. Its got to be worth it (3:29)
Subject/Resource links: Why are we motivated to change at all?, Having a Clear Direction or Goal Before Starting, Key Ideas Insights and Advice

Even if you are motivated you will continually be challenged along way plus if something is important and enjoyable enough barriers won’t matter (6:04)
Subject/Resource links: Having a Clear Direction or Goal Before Starting, Barriers to Motivation

Quality goals and starting slow as a way to maintain motivation (3:22)
Subject/Resource links: Maintaining Motivation

Pick good people to mix with and keep your goals hot (1:22)
Subject/Resource links: Key Ideas Insights and Advice

Interview - 2012

Russell during the Marathon Des Sables Sahara race spanning 250 km over 7 days