When did you start running?
I started running over twenty years ago to counteract the effects of a desk job and an otherwise sedentary life. My life as a fair-weather runner changed completely when a chance encounter with Emma Carter-Biggs prompted me to join HRR. Since becoming a club member I’ve discovered that I can
achieve running goals which I previously never believed possible.
What inspired you to become a coach/leader?
So many people helped and encouraged me when I joined HRR that it seemed only fair that I should do the same.
What group coaching/leading do you do at HRR?
I lead the Monday evening sensibly paced 5k group. This is a very informal session which acts as a gentle and positive start to the week. The group is very encouraging and social, we run at the pace of the slowest runner and make sure that everyone is comfortable with the pace.
I'm qualified as a Fell, Hill, Off-Road and Trail Leader in Running Fitness, I regularly lead groups on longer runs on trails through the countryside. I don’t feel competent to give advice to faster runners, but I can help people discover the countryside and run for longer than they thought possible assisted by pub stops and lots of cake.
What is your favourite race or running route?
Fairly late in life I discovered that running long distances slowly is my thing. My happy place is to be out in the countryside discovering new footpaths to run along. The trails on the hills around Elsfield and Beckley are my favourite places to run.
What has been your best coaching/leading moment?
It’s an absolute delight to see people progress and to provide proof that their hard work and effort is paying off. I firmly believe that everyone has a personal best inside them, it just takes a bit of structure and lots of encouragement for it to emerge.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m a complete human biology nerd. Did you know that when you lose weight your body exhales the lost fat as carbon dioxide? I dare you to ask me about erythropoietin and how it affects your fitness.
