BASALTsix Partners with Running Ambassador Nick Weston and the RNNNG 5K Project.
- Jonnie Black
- May 7
- 4 min read
We're excited to announce that BASALTsix has partnered with running ambassador Nick Weston to support the RNNNG 5K Project. A 12-week initiative designed to help runners achieve a 5k personal best.
Whether you're already running 3 to 5 times per week or simply looking to improve your performance, this structured, mentored program is built to guide you every step of the way. Over the course of 12 weeks, you'll follow a tailored training plan created by Nick Weston to help you build speed, strength, and confidence.
As part of the project, participants will also receive an exclusive 20% discount on Inov8 running shoes from BASALTsix.
If you're ready to push your limits and set a new 5K PB, the RNNNG 5K Project is here to support your journey.
Sign up on the website today: www.rnnng.co.uk
Who is Nick Weston?
Nick Weston is a two-time winner of the Causeway BASALTsix Ultra-Marathon, claiming back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024. His 2024 win solidified his reputation as one of the strongest endurance athletes on the local scene.
Nick has continued his impressive form into 2025, finishing first in the Portadown Half Marathon in a PB time of 72 min 18s. More recently his 2025 London Marathon time of 2.35.27 placed him in the top 0.06% out of 62,000 runners and 58th in his age Catagory.
Now, his sights are set on his next major challenge: the Age Group World Championships at the New York Marathon this November. Nick’s dedicated training block begins in September, and includes key races like the NI & Ulster 10K Championships, as well as pacing the 1:30 group at the Belfast Half Marathon.
Post-London Marathon, we caught up with BASALTsix ambassador Nick Weston to ask him six questions about prep, race thoughts, and recovery.
How do you mentally prepare for big events like the London Marathon, and does that mental preparation differ from that of an ultra-marathon?
It probably isn't really much different from an ultra in terms of preparation. For me, it’s all about how much importance I’ve put on the race. Whether it’s an ultra, a marathon, or even a 5K, I mentally prepare in a similar way.
From a couple of weeks out, I start visualising the race in my head. I think through what kind of things might happen, where problems could arise, and how I’m going to overcome them. Visualisation is, to me, a really effective way to prepare mentally. It doesn’t really matter whether the race is short, long, or somewhere in between, that approach stays the same.
Do you have a pre-race routine or superstition before big races like the London Marathon?
I wouldn’t say it’s a superstition, but I definitely have a routine. I always eat the same breakfast at the same time before a race, two hours beforehand, I’ll have two slices of bread with banana and honey. That’s my go-to, tried-and-tested pre-race breakfast, and I really don’t like to vary from it.
As for everything else, it totally depends on the race, what kit I need, where it is, the logistics. But that breakfast never changes.
For someone running their first marathon, what should they focus on during the race?
I think it was Ryan Hall, the American athlete, who said this; “Run the mile you’re in.” In fact, he wrote a book with that title, and it really is true.
Wherever you are in the race, just focus on that one mile. Break the marathon into small chunks, because thinking of the full 26.2 miles can be really daunting. Trust your training, and take it mile by mile.
Do you listen to anything during long runs? If not, what occupies your mind for two and a half hours?
Yeah, I’m maybe a bit odd, I don’t listen to anything. No headphones, no podcasts, no music.
During long runs, I focus on things like heart rate, breathing, maintaining a relaxed effort, and checking in with my running form. I’ll do body scans; Where’s my head? Shoulders? Arms? How’s my posture, how are my hips moving?
It becomes almost meditative. If I’m not working too hard, my mind drifts a bit, and it feels like a break from the stresses of life. Years ago, 15 years or so, when I was training for Ironman and 100-mile events, I tried music and podcasts. But I realised I wasn’t really listening, so it was pointless.
Now I just enjoy the time in my own head.
Is there anything you don’t do after a race that people might assume you should?
Maybe stretching. After races, I’m usually too sore and tight for stretching to be beneficial. I’ll do some gentle walking or maybe some cycling in the first couple of days, but not much else.
I avoid stretching or foam rolling right away because I think you risk doing more damage. Muscles aren’t ready for that kind of demand straight after a race. Just let your body settle down. Don’t jump into mad stretching routines, especially if you’ve never done them before, you’re more likely to tear or strain something than speed up recovery.
How has your approach to recovery changed over the years as you've gained more experience?
I definitely give myself a couple of days off now, I never used to do that. I also used to stretch more back then, but I’ve eased off that too.
The biggest change, though, has been not pressuring myself to book another race straight away. When I was younger and recovering quicker, I’d already have the next race lined up. That meant I’d feel pressure to get back into training too soon, and more often than not, I’d get injured within four to six weeks.
Now, I still like to have a next goal, but I make sure it’s not too close. For me, eight to twelve weeks after a big event is the earliest I’ll look at racing again.
If you want to enter something just for fun, that’s fine, but don’t make it your next big focus. Rushing back too quickly can set you back further than taking your time.
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