We want to hear from the Waverley Harriers and see what motivates them. Each month we will be asking one lucky club member the same set of questions. So far we have heard from Steve Rogers and Ruth Lyon, Ali Morris, Tracy Burgess, Kate Horne, Penny Elliott & Alexis Shirtliff. This month we hear from Ian Campbell who was nominated by Alexis.
When did running begin for you? Not long ago. One of my colleagues at work had just run the London Marathon and he was entering the ballot for the next one. He suggested I entered the ballot as I had started running for general fitness. To say it came as a bit of a surprise when I secured a place would be an understatement. Then I though ‘ah, what now?’ so I joined the Waverley Harriers and the rest is history.
Why do you run? For fun and fitness. It’s all a matter of credits and debits for me; a pizza and a bottle of wine – no problem I’ll go for a run tomorrow!
What race or moment in your running career holds the most significance and why? Of course it has to be the London Marathon in 2014. Not only was it my first and only marathon to date but I also ran it once I’d reached the ripe old age of 50. Not that that makes any difference, it’s just a number.
Who is your running inspiration? As I child I remember watching Dave Bedford leading the 10,000 meters until generally, with a lap to go he would fade. He ran the first London Marathon in 1981 as a result of a bet, had a curry the night before and was pictured vomiting at the roadside part way through – legend. However for true inspiration I still think back to the golden era of British middle distance running in the 80’s with Seb Coe, Steve Ovett and Steve Cram battling it out.
What event, past or present, would you like to take part in and why? The 800m or 1500m final in Moscow 1980, what a couple of races. Did you know Seb Coe still holds the third fastest 800m of all time which he ran in 1981 – 34 years ago!
What golden piece of advice would you give to other runners? Do yourself justice, train the best you can and enjoy the experience.
What’s next? I have recently completed the Great North run and the Tissington Trail Half Marathon. Next is the Great South Run on 25th October.