When did running begin for you?
I use to run very badly during my first year of university, this was to mainly help my mental health. I would only run about 5 minutes before having stop. Fast forward to roughly 3 years later, my mum asked me whether I fancied signing up for a couch to 5km. I thought why not? If it will get me running without having to stop then that’s an achievement.
I completed the couch to 5km with Cranleigh park run. It’s safe to say I bit the running bug and stayed on for a graduates 5km group. 10 weeks later I completed my first 10km at Hatchlands.
Why do you run?
I run for a number of reasons, to keep fit and healthy, to be social with club members and mainly for my mental health. The best cure for a stressful day at work is putting my running shoes on and seeing where they’ll take me.
What race or moment in your running career holds the most significance and why?
The Great South Run 2019. I was injured up until the race. I still managed to complete the race, in under 2 hours which I had no clue I would be able to achieve. I managed to complete the Great South in 1:53:21, which without any training and just spin classes, is a massive achievement for me.
Who is your running inspiration?
I take inspiration from anyone running. I love seeing people achieve their goals. People who gives their time up like Kate and Nikki to run couch to 5km every week because they want others to love running as much as they do. To people coming back from injury. When people cheer me on during a track session, when I’m mainly not feelings great, somehow, I get that boost to push myself further. My dad who had to stop running and just over a year ago had open heart surgery, for him to complete his first 10km run in months! Penny Elliot inspires me constantly with the amount of help she has given, not only to myself but to fellow runners. She has overcome difficulties with her running, but it does not stop her! As she called herself the other week my running ‘granny!’.
What event, past or present, would you like to take part in and why?
London Marathon as it’s the most talked about race within the club. I would also like to take part in the wings for life race as it’s such a unique race and looks great fun to run.
What golden piece of advice would you give to other runners?
Always reward yourself after your run, so then you feel like you’ve achieved something.
What’s next?
Recovery, then the vitality half marathon and the Fox ultra-relay with my mum and Nicola.
Who would you like to nominate?
Mark Hobbs