SOUTAR SHEDS SIX KILOS AFTER RUNNING TRANSFORMATION

ALAN SOUTAR has dropped more than SIX kilos after turning to running and admits it has transformed his darts game.

The world No.53 has been pounding the streets across the PDC circuit as he prepares for the 26.2 mile London marathon alongside his manager Paul. 

Soots signed up for the race in aid of Guide Dogs Scotland, a cause close to his heart after he and wife Amanda spent more than eight years raising and training puppies. 

Soutar has been in strong form this season, reaching the Players Championship Seven final, and says his fitness work is paying off on the oche. 

He told the Weekly Dartscast: “I’ve went for runs in Leicester, Hildesheim, Milton Keynes, Wigan, everywhere we go. 

“I’ll get up in the morning, go out and do four, five, six, seven miles, come back, have breakfast and get ready to go to darts. I think from that side of it, it makes you feel great.

“It releases your endorphins, you’ve got up, you’ve done something. You’ve got rid of the sluggishness. 

“I think in darts, there’s a lot of repetitive, even diet, food, drink, sleep, and it’s the same pattern for two, three, four days in a row. 

“I noticed on the ProTour sometimes the average on the second day dips, and then maybe the first and second rounds, and then it happens again the next day. 

“So, if you can be fresh and get yourself up a little bit more, I think you’re probably a bit more dialled in, a bit more focused, and a bit more on it. 

“People have been noticing that with me as well, and saying, oh, you’re looking better, you’re looking more focused and things like that. 

“When people tell you that, I think it maybe sinks in as well to yourself, when you start believing that, even if it’s not the case, it’s a mindset, isn’t it? 

“And you know darts is a lot in the head. So, if you’re feeling good and feeling fresh, then long runs on the ProTour don’t take their toll as much when you’re feeling good, and you’re a bit fitter and a bit healthier.

“So yeah, it’s really cool. And I think indebted to Paul, guide dogs is very important to myself and Amanda, and to Paul, to be honest. 

“And you know, at this minute, I think we’re sitting on between the two of us, £10,100 raised.” 

Soutar described how running has transformed from an initial goal into a lasting lifestyle change. 

He added: “After the marathon, I’m going to continue doing it. So maybe two runs a week, three runs a week.  

“I’ve even been with one of my work colleagues who does marathons and half marathons. 

“We’ve been looking at half marathons in Scotland, or even we’ve talked about the Madrid half marathon.  

“It’s kind of spiralled into something more than it was initially intended to, but it’s mega positive. 

“I know myself, I’ve dropped six kilograms in weight as well. And just even doing that, you notice that on yourself — the way you carry yourself, the way your clothes fit, the way you feel. 

“So just continue doing that because the darts lifestyle isn’t always great, as you know, with travel. You don’t always get the food you want. 

“You might have to take what is there, or, you know, eating out or fast food, which all puts you down the wrong path.  

“So, if you can clean yourself up a little bit when you’re at home and in between going to darts, then great. I’m all for it.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.