Chris began his racing career in 2012 and found Spartan in October of 2016. Since then he’s been a constant and consistent presence on the Elite race scene all around Asia Pacific. As a member of the Spartan Pro Team in Hong Kong and regular presence amongst the top 5 elites and on podiums in OCR and multiple other sports, Chris is continuing to keep healthy and crush his training program during the Pandemic. With a positive outlook and strong work ethic, we can’t wait to see Chris smash his goals and collect more hardware when races return.
Name: Chris Davis
Age: 38
IG Handle: @racerdavis
What is your day job?
APAC Head of Electronic Salestrading, UBS Investment Bank
What is your fitness background?
None really. I was more at home watching Star Trek, making AirFix kits and eating biscuits as a child. I enjoyed playing rugby but really stopped doing all sport when I started working. I started to run a bit when I moved to HK in 2011 as it seemed to be a thing that people did here and the weather was much nicer for it. I entered my first ever race, a Swim and Run, for something to do one weekend in 2012 and surprised myself with how well I did. That opened my eyes to all the other races out there and from there the bug was formed, I was hooked.
First OCR Race?
A partner team race with Maggie while we were on holiday in NZ, Feb 2016. We loved it and won the mixed cat.
How did you first get in to OCR?
My first individual OCR was Spartan Race HK, Oct 2016. I had no idea about these races until then. Unfortunately, someone dropped their Atlas stone on my foot while I was down doing my 5 Burpees. I was in about 5th place at the time. After rolling about on the floor in agony for a bit, I forced myself up to crack on. I probably cried most of the way round the rest of the course and still came in 18th. Then it was off to hospital. Maggie won her race and from that point we knew this was what we should be focussing on.
What keeps you coming back?
I love racing. I love this sport. I love this community
What's your favourite cheat day snack?
Crisps
What change have you made during COVID that you're going to keep?
I've spent more time foam rolling, using a massage gun, and working on my weaknesses. I'll definitely be keeping those that up
Have you set yourself any personal goals or challenges to replace racing currently?
Nothing specific. I noticed in April that I was running a lot more than normal, with the gym closed, so I pushed myself to see what I could get through, without picking up an injury. I clocked 440km for the month, probably double what I would normally do, so I was pretty happy with that. I've just enjoyed being out running with my dogs.
How are you staying focused on training with all current events postponed?
It's been hard. I competed in 38 races in 2019, so this has been a significant part of my life postponed with no idea of when it'll be back. That said, I like training and I like living my life to a schedule so I've just kept going, with the added benefit that I haven't had to be worrying about tapering and recovering before and after races. I'm also extremely competitive, it’s a large part of how and why I'm able to push myself so hard in training all the time. I know my competitors are not slacking so I cannot, will not, get left behind.
What is your top tip for sticking to a schedule?
Be accountable to yourself. I keep a spreadsheet of all my training and cannot bear to see a day where I haven't completed the workout I should have done
Favourite item of kit and why?
A baseball. I use it to release tightness around my hips every morning. Such a simple thing but it made a massive difference to a nagging issue I had through 2017
Favourite nutrition product and why?
Tailwind Endurance Fuel. I like to race on an empty stomach, its how I train and what my body is used to, but I know I need fuel. I've tried so many products to fuel me for races and always struggled to find things that didn’t leave me running a race with stomach issues. I've had no issues with Tailwind, love the Raspberry Buzz flavour and it seems to do the job I need it to.
Favourite fitness book / app and why?
I read Born to Run, Christopher McDougall, when I first started to get into running. It seemed like the thing to do. It definitely opened my eyes to a lot of things I'd never heard of or thought possible. It definitely helped to stir the passion.
Do you have any words / advice for people struggling to stay motivated?
You are not alone. Speak to those around you, your friends and fellow competitors. Most of all, take advantage of this time. Try not to think of this as a negative. There has never been a better time to work on your weaknesses, running form etc.
Any sponsors, brands or people you'd like to shout out too?
@coach.k.performance was my PT for 8 years, but so much more. He is a phenomenal coach and built me up to be able to be do this in the first place. @hongkongsportsclinic always put me back together when I break something. I'm not getting any younger and yet Joe and team always get me back stronger and better than before. Also shout out to @thestretchclinic who always do amazing work on me whenever I see them at races in Singapore and Malaysia
