David Bones

We’re buzzing with excitement to welcome back a true legend—our friend, ultra-endurance dynamo, and chocolate evangelist, Ambassador David Bone! If you’ve spent any time in the UK running scene, you know David. He’s the guy who somehow manages to combine 100+ mile races, relentless positivity, and a near-scientific obsession with good chocolate—all while helping others become the best versions of themselves. Whether he’s coaching at Camino Ultra, tackling Death Valley’s brutal Badwater 135, or experimenting with the perfect 80Noir protein smoothie, David is always pushing boundaries (and encouraging the rest of us to do the same). This time, we sat down with David to find out what keeps him coming back to those epic distances, how he’s woven chocolate into his training and recovery, and why he believes a little nudge in the right direction is all you need to unlock your own potential. Plus, he shares some myths, advice for first-timers, and his favourite ways to enjoy chocolate on the run. Read on for David’s take on resilience, community, and why dark chocolate just might be the best training partner you never knew you needed. (And if you’re curious about ultrarunning or looking for expert coaching, don’t miss your chance to connect with David and the Camino team for a free 1-to-1 exploratory consultation. Click here to get started!)

 

1. When did you first realise you were truly an ultrarunner, and what keeps you coming back to these epic distances?

This is the classic question that grips anyone with any shred of imposter syndrome. I’m always looking to improve and so there’s always a better way and someone being a better ultrarunner- so you can off those levels. For the first few years it was basically the achievement of distance. I did the 100km of Brighton to London one year, Capital Ring next, then Cotswold 100 mile and a 24 hour. I guess when I finally kissed the feet of King Leonidas at the finish of the 153 mile Spartathlon in Greece I gave myself the ultrarunner tag.

It’s changed over the last 15 years. At first it was all about my close friendship base - we did all the first few years together. Then I started coaching and keeping relevant in the scene made sense. More recently I’ve thrived on taking myself completely outside of my comfort zone (both in the training and racing) and building a new resilience path through ultras.

2.  What’s one lesson from ultrarunning that’s shaped your approach as a coach and co-founder of Camino Ultra? What is a running major of Hackney?

Learn how to Oscillate - It came from my Coach Paula Bedford - it's the secret to getting 'unstuck' - the idea is that you try things and when things might feel a little static or 'samey' you try and flip to the other side. For ultrarunners that might be to try out some new distances - new terrain - try new habits like being more social or to do without tech.

3.  How long have you loved dark chocolate —what’s your earliest chocolate memory?

Well I credit Carole and 80Noir tremendously here - I've had the sweetest milk choc teeth forever and yet I've been busy learning good Bluezone type habits and so dark choc and it's powers have come quite late. 

4.  Was there a moment you realised dark chocolate could boost your recovery and not just be a treat?

Only when I started using it as dark hot choc drink using 80Noir - It's been a combination of things which have created positive physical and mental habits. I don't feel bloated having it. I feel like it's something I can consume as the last thing of the day. I know I sleep well and I wake feeling ready to run without the deeper need of wanting some other fuelling.

5. What’s the most surprising thing about pairing endurance running with quality chocolate?

It’s not surprising to me know but I think for many people their is still a negative association with chocolate and any form of exercise. When athletes do more endurance events there are still many who take that as an opportunity to eat a lot of stuff and much of it really poor processed foods. If I can do one thing as a coach beyond movement and  running skills it’s to help build a programme around the other pillars of nutritions/ recovery / sleep. Quality chocolate can play such a vital role in these pillars. There are many great podcasts with Andrew Huberman where he has explored these.

6.  What’s your favourite way to enjoy 80Noir Ultra—straight up, in a drink, or something creative?

As I am training for Badwater and I have upped both mileage and intensity my coach has asked me to try more protein and one way I have been consuming this is in an 80Noir Protein smoothie (with Manilife peanut butter + Oat milk + water + Banana)

7.  What’s one myth about chocolate and athletic performance you want to set straight?

Well in general too many athletes still believe the oldest myth which is 'if I run more I should eat more'. Plus if you have ever seen an interview with an Olympic runner and they are asked 'Whats the one thing you will do when the games are over' they all say 'McDonalds'. I think we are deeply programmed to eat sugary processed foods that even now we know they are awful they are part of our upbringing and DNA!

8. What advice would you give to runners new to both dark chocolate and ultra distances?

I’m a huge fan of the Bluezones - the study of what habits people have around the globe when observed living most healthily into their hundreds. Dark chocolate as well as coffee are common features amongst these groups as well as movement - being based in hillier terrain - being social and living a life full of gratitude. When coaching I am as keen to seed these ideas into training plans as much as I am Cooper and Sharpened Romberg tests. 

9. Whats your next big race and will chocolate be featured?

On July 7th I’ll be one of 100 runners taking part in the Badwater 135 - one of the worlds most iconic ultra races running through temperatures of up to 55 degrees in Death Valley. I’m lucky enough to be doing two solid weeks of heat training at Chichester University and one of the things planned is to use 80 Noir as one of the recovery aids before and after those sessions. Whether any 80Noir survives the desert is another question.

10. Any words of encouragement for runners who are new to the world of dark chocolate—or ultra distances?

I love the nudge theory. 

Just be kind to yourself and try things that you believe may give you a small but meaningful nudge in a good direction. 

Swapping out some less quality chocolate or sweet foods for 80Noir is one nudge that works for me and I am always grateful when I come back to it. 

Practice nutrition the way you practice running. Don’t wait for a big long distance race to start eating all kinds of new stuff - try them inside long weekend practice runs and see what works best for you!

If you are interested in any ultrarunning coaching then why not contact David and Camino to arrange an initial free 1-2-1 exploratory consultation. Click here