RUNNER PROFILES

INDEX
Come on Ladies - you are trailing behind a bit. Can you let Steve Myerscough or Graham Vickers have your profiles please?
Men	Ladies
Martin Bates	Fiona Bledge
John Bertenshaw	Michaela Dempsey
Nicholas Graeme Brandwood	Dette Dickinson
Peter Cooke	Kerry Eccles
Graham Cunliffe	Kath Hoyer
Richard Davies	Helen Jolly
Peter Earnshaw
Howard Henshaw
Philip Leaver
Karl Lee
Steve Littler
Charlie Pass
Brian Porter
Trevor Rawcliffe
Dave Waywell
Pete Waywell
John Whiteman
Brian Yates
Dave Young

SPECIAL INTERVIEWS
Chris McDougall, author of Born to Run

Job: Administrative Officer at Disability Living Allowance, Warbreck Hill, Blackpool.

I ran at Blackpool Collegiate Grammar School for the cross country team circa 1971–73? (Age 15 – 16 perhaps). I seem to remember Rob Brown (?) and Martin Cousins (?) were the Charlie Pass/Alex Rowe and I was the “Martin Bates” (usually 6^th counter!) I also did 100 metres hurdles believe it or not and I was in the 4 x 100 relay or was it the 2 x 200 metres relay???(Long time ago!) I missed a fixture once to attend a Blackpool match, (Middlesbrough away with Rog Graham). The teacher, Mr Slater was brilliant about it, (no bollocking- rather like Dave Young!!!) I seemed to remember he was very encouraging – making you feel special, even though there were five better runners in front of you.

I seem to remember a chap called Barry Durham from Red Rose who seemed to organise the majority of races in those days. Having always been a prolific racer, I joined Red Rose. However the races seemed to fizzle out – possibly under some sort of a cloud (?), so my mates and I (from Tomlinson’s Gym, Talbot Road – Jack Goodwin, Billy Beggs, Keith Hawtin, Mark Hill, Chris Carter) all joined Wesham en-masse.

To cut a long story short I was a Sunday Alliance (Division 5A!) footballer and broke a bone in my foot training, (the infamous metatarsal!?). I started to run to get fit and ended up a better runner than footballer.

Describe your form over the years – how fast did you improve, when were you’re your best times, has injury played a part over the years, have you had periods of stagnation and how long did they last? Have you stopped running for a time and why?

I think Steve had me in mind with this question???? Apart from a great Tour of Tameside in 1993 – running in the name of Geoff Nicholls, (it’s always gone on and it always will though it backfired somewhat as I couldn’t claim the “most improved runner”) I did a 1:19 half, my purple patch occurred when I worked in Preston and started training with Barry Peatfield. We sat in the same bank of desks and I didn’t know him from Adam. We got talking about the Blackpool 10k; I think I was bragging about my 38(?) minutes when he suddenly chirped up “I’ve done that race”, so I thought I’d humour him by asking, “How did you go on?” He replied, “Oh, I won it!” I could have died with embarrassment!!! We started training together at lunchtime. He had slowed down a bit, (by his standards), and it really bought me on, (trying) to keep up with a faster runner. (He wouldn’t wait if I was lagging behind, so I had to keep up or else I’d get lost!!!) I suppose this was 2001 – 2003? I seemed to be able to do 35 and a half 10k’s and sub 3-hour marathons at will. 2004/2005? I seemed to get a succession of minor injuries and never, ever got back.

I suppose I started on the Track in the Civil Service Championships in my mid-40’s, (for a day off work at Tax payers expense, he, he), – I think I ran 2:27 for 800 metres and 4:55 for 1500 metres. Five or six years down the line, I’m probably 2:38/5:16. Used to visit Windsor, Bath, Edinburgh in top notch hotels, (that’s for Finlay and Peter Cruse’s benefit! We actually stayed in student digs!)

After my first sub 3-hour marathon in the name of Chris Carter (2h 55m 47s - 1/7/84) I thought I’d “done it all” so I packed in for maybe 3 months? My weight ballooned to 14 stones, so I thought I’d better get my finger out…….and was soooooo stupid. I ran from Lancaster to Cleveleys from no training in 3 months and got a stress fracture. But I suppose generally I’ve been lucky with injuries, given my stupidity!)

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, etc. What’s the most mileage you have done and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

I don’t keep a log, but I think I’m doing in the region of 60 miles per week at present, mainly due to a 20/21 mile Tuesday night run with Pete Cruse in preparation for Buttermere/Krakov, (my house to St Annes and back). (Tanya and Lee joined us this Tuesday, but not being true Seasiders, they turned back at North Pier!)

Work permitting, (helpline rota permitting), I try to do a speed session on Thursday and Friday lunchtimes and race most Sundays though I have started listening to wiser runners saying don’t race too much…….but then I get back into the “groove” and carry on regardless! I do a half hour gentle swim on Wednesdays and have regular massages.

In the old days I ran 13 miles everyday with my faithful hound, Freeway….and I guess looking back, it didn’t make me faster! Freeway used to “escape” and turn up at friends houses miles away!

I suppose my tip would be try and run with a slightly faster runner on a regular basis, (if you want to improve). I was blissfully happy for years and then I met Michaela. Only joking. Trying to say for years, I was happy to plod round, keeping my weight down and eating and drinking with impunity. I always listen to words of wisdom from our top sticks, (our modest county/international runners), – Alan Hudson, Alex and Steve Littler. ….though I wouldn’t let Steve know in case he took the pee!!

Steve Hallas of Preston Harriers swears by Red Bull. As does Les Cornwall.

Maybe I’m being too ambitious, but I’m aiming for a 36:40 accurate 10k in summer, (I’m 39:45 at present). I want to make Wesham’s V50 Relay team and I’d like to do 2:59:59 at Krakov! Might have to go tea total for a while???? (Not that I’m an alcoholic, but I’m that far down the pecking order at present, I’ll try anything!!)

Who knows, maybe I can win “most improved runner” for a third time??!!

From my own personal PB point of view – Rome marathon. (Suppose I was at my fittest at the time – 2002(?)) – I ran 2:52. I gorged myself on pasta the night before and stopped for portaloo visit on the way round. I love Welsh Castles, Horwich series and the Interclubs for the camaraderie. Also enjoy the laidback Northern Vet track events.

Worst race – sorry Brian – I “DNF’d” once at the Freck Half!!! (Down to being too hot that day!) It was the pre-Porter era! I tend to avoid over-priced/inaccurate courses (to polite to say which ones! – if you don’t already know, you are going to have to learn from experience!) *

Used to love Saturday mornings with North Fylde’s Rod Hardace on Parlick and Fairsnape. Also like Wardstones/Loughridgg and Kentmere. Had a great run once over the Hellvelyn Range from St Johns in the Vale to Grasmere. (Two cars required or a non-running driver). Closer to home, I suppose its Stannah.

No. There’s talk of banning MP3 players by the way, (Athletic Weekly 13/12/2007)

Fell walking, but having a 3-legged dog until recently and a 10-year-old son, it’s been kinda difficult. I fancy doing the Inca Trail maybe next year and although it’s way out of my financial range, always fancied Everest Base Camp. I’ve had a 6-snooker break and once got a darts score of 60. I can regularly kick Levon’s and Michaela’s butt at pool. I swam for school, but never up to my dads/uncles standard. Been scuba diving in Thailand and loved it

Shame on you Steve, (you shouldn’t have to ask that!) I know that Martin – but just checking you hadn’t gone over to PNE!!!!

Thanks for asking me to complete. I’ve enjoyed it even though I “lost” the first one. I saved it and don’t know where it’s gone!

Job and brief description: Countryside Officer: Management and operation of countryside sites and facilities, co-ordinate environmental education programme, lead and manage environmental based community projects and activities, coordinate and supervise volunteer groups and activities. Many other hats........

When did you start running, and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you been a member of any other running clubs?

I first started running at primary school, cross country, and would have been about 9 years old. I joined Wesham within the first couple of months of residing in Lancashire. Approx 4-5 years ago. I had completed the Garstang Half Marathon and was chatting to Barry Norman afterward. The rest is sweet history. I have been a member of two University running teams; University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada and Staffordshire University. I was also a member, for a short spell, of the Speed River Running Club, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, before I got deported!

Being chased down by a daughter’s father, shotgun loaded! Ha Ha. It was back in my rural primary school days. New teacher arrived at school and she put the shout out to begin a cross country team. I didn’t even know what it was then. The first time we went out – I loved it. The enthusiasm and motivation of the teacher, Mrs Rathbone, was infectious.

Describe your form over the years – how fast did you improve, when (and what) were your best times, has injury played a part over the years, have you had periods of stagnation and how long did they last? Have you stopped running for a time and why?

My best running has to be back in Canada. I was really fortunate to be in a team coached by a member of the Canadian Olympic squad. He works at the University of Guelph, Ontario and since he started there 10 years ago he has developed the strongest ladies and men's team, consecutively, in Canada. Amazing! I have asked him a favour for some training programmes he gets the squad to train with. Whoo, they are going to be bruisers! I have a good deal going with him - I get some training info and he gets some good ol’ Brit hospitality when he comes over!

I had a huge break from running before going to Canada of about 10 years, and when I moved there and joined the team my form went from very basic to qualifying for national races within 3 to 4 months.

I caught the end of the cross country season and then moved onto track. I competed in 600m the best time I got then was 1.29. Ran the 1500m several times and my best time was 4.12. I was never a keen track runner and loved the multi events and off- road more. I have competed in an Olympic measured triathlon which was amazing, my first 10km race I finished in around 34 minutes. I have suffered from slight injuries which have been recoverable in a few days to a week. I did suffer a muscle tear injury in my thigh which put me out for several months. Horrible! Right old Jake the peg! Rest, rest, rest is the best prescription! I have never stopped running and don’t recall any periods of stagnation. I love getting a variety of running, challenges and ambition in my training and competing. I believe this keeps the stagnation below par. My running kit goes everywhere with me.

My best 10km time was the Wesham 10k several years back, (33:16). I have had 10k races where I have felt I have run stronger but never been close. I have not done enough of them to get properly trained up racing wise. 10 miles would have been another local race at Guys 10 two years ago, (56:40), and unofficially my half marathon was timed at Coniston 14 two years ago. I remember coming through 13.1 miles at 1:12:32 and probably slowed for a moment or two to double check the time!

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, etc? What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

I currently get 30- 35 miles of training in each week. Work is the biggest enemy against training! I try to organise my training so I can perform endurance running for one week, power, (hill work and anything from running intervals of two or three minute hard running), for another and speed for another. More often than not I mix up this style of training in one week. I have not done so for a while but I would like to get back to a training regime, 6 days a week running, three of them hard training sessions, each lasting around 75 minutes based on the endurance, power, speed ratio, a race, two days of easy tempo or cross training and a rest day. The most mileage I have done is between 50 to 60 miles per week. Maintaining a strong mental attitude is a winner for improvement, in addition to consistency and group training. Varying the kind of terrain and training also works for me. I try to push myself on training, go beyond your threshold to see improvement.

I was introduced to the Horwich race series in 2007. I would like to compete in more race series’ like this. They are very challenging and a great event to be involved in. I would also like to compete in the longer fell running races and improve on my half marathon and 10km times.

Coniston 14 - the first time. Not so for fantastic times, but the whole atmosphere of the event makes a race great. I loved it. The Potteries Marathon 1999 was another favourite. It was a freak heat wave weekend of 32 degrees. I was so happy to finish such gruelling race, more so for the conditions and terrain. The sense of achievement is amazing.

My worst race was a 300m on an indoor track in Birmingham. I had not prepared very well and had not competed indoors for some years. Poor performance and a hacking cough for days after.

At home in Lancashire: From Garstang, follow public right of way to Calder Vale, back up the valley via footpaths and fields to Fell End Farm/Nicky Nook, back to Garstang via public right of way. At home in Staffordshire, Churnet Valley, an extensive woodland river valley, full of forest trails, rugged canal towpaths and river trails.

I love Saucony. Being a skinny sprout and very fragile, Saucony Grid give great cushioning and performance.

More of a gadgeteerphobe! I don’t own any gadgets apart from my wrist watch. I am too busy listening out for birds, bunnies and bees on my runs!

I do keep a diary - everything from the type of run to the weather to how I felt before and after the run. Last year I ran approx 350 miles, (I bust two of my toes which put me out for several months which is why the mileage is down. Hope to get back on form again this time round and steer clear of logs!).

Football, I used to play a lot in my junior days, long jump and triple jump. Goalkeeper for a handball team - a lethal game and position to play. Also, ice skating!

I love cooking and natural history. Volunteering: conducting bird, butterfly, fungi and bat surveys. I need to get a hobby!

Where were you born, how long did you live there, and which schools did you attend?

Seven Oaks Kent, until I was 7 years old. Weald Infant School, Seven Oaks, Huncoats Infant School, Accrington, Woodnook Secondary Modern, Accrington.

Which subjects did you excel at, were you good at sport, (which ones), did you win anything sporting or academic?

Maths and geography, football and cricket, won numerous awards but they dried up when I started running.

Did you have a nickname at school? Name a moment from school which is still with you today, (proud or embarrassing.)

We both worked in the fire service - met 37 years ago her mother told us to get married!

Two boys from previous marriage, Craig and Shaun, 40 and 39 working in IT, and communications. Joanne and Neil, 30 and 27 second marriage - both police officers.

Why did you become interested in running, was it just to keep fit or did you enjoy the competition?

After finishing team sports in my late 30’s started putting on weight so started running.

What was your favourite distance when you were at your peak, and your best time for it?

Is there anything you wish you had done because the chance will never come round again?

If not running what other path do you think you might have taken leisure wise?

What would be your perfect day out, one of a sporting nature and another with your wife?

Watching Burnley FC winning the premiership, a long summer’s walk and a good pint of real ale at the end.

What, (if anything), about you annoys other people, and do you do it more for that reason?

What memory do you have that makes you glad to be a member of Wesham Road Runners?

Where were you born? How long did you live there? Which schools did you go to?

In the 1960’s not all babies were born in hospital and I was lucky enough to be born in the bedroom of a house in Whitemoss Avenue, which is near Staining Road End and I lived there for 18 years. I went to Layton Primary School, Grange Park Junior School and Hodgson High School, which, for my sins, was the same school, (and year) as club member, Mick Edge …. I know that’s hard to believe, as I look so much younger than him! …. only kidding Mick!!

Which subjects, if any, did you excel at? Were you good at sports, if so, which ones?

I excelled in Mathematics, English Language, English Literature and Human Biology. I’m afraid I was not really sporty at School; however, all the boys found me a ‘great sport’ in some things!! (hee hee!). Didn’t win anything sporting or academic, but as I was such a good girl I was elected as a Prefect, but that means now’t because so was Mick Edge!! (Soz Mick!).

Hmmmm …. Dare I tell you this; my nickname was ‘Cherry B’ to all the boys. Now all of you with mucky minds think again, this was a School in the 70’s. It was simply because I was so shy I used to blush at almost anything.

Name a moment from School which is still with you today (proud or embarrassing).

Now let me think, (a moment from School that’s with me today?) Ah yes, his name is Mick Edge, and yes, he’s still with me today …. now that’s embarrassing! …. (Only joking, again!)

I started working full time in an office at the tender age of 16. I was employed as a data inputter with Guardian Royal Exchange Assurance Ltd., on Ballam Rd in Lytham. I earned a massive £25.00 a week.

Can you remember your first proper boyfriend and how long did the relationship last?

His name was Martyn Sweeney; he was my first love from School. I started going out with him at 15, was engaged at 17, married at 19 and divorced at 22. In the 80’s there was a popular TV series called ‘The Sweeney’ and yes, you guessed it, every time I had to say my name people would hum the theme tune from the programme, how sad is that? Couldn’t wait to get back to Miss Hoyer.

I met Dave in the summer of 1987 when I was working as a Receptionist at the Sandcastle, the year it first opened. Dave was there to do the Fire Safety and I had to make him and his colleague a coffee. I was wearing some sexy ski pants (the trend in those days, so don’t laugh!) and his colleague pointed me out to Dave, saying something like, “She’s a bit of alright over there”. I think Dave replied with, “Yeah, not bad”. A year later when I was ‘strutting my stuff’ in Addisons Nightclub, Dave used the chat up line of, “I know you don’t I? Did you used to work at the Sandcastle?” … and the rest, as they say, is history.

Oh yes, I remember it like it was yesterday. It was Christmas and Dave asked me to go on the blue watch Christmas night out with him, I just couldn’t say ‘no’. Dave was so attentive he didn’t touch his meal; he just wanted to talk to me all night …. Oh how things have changed, now he doesn’t even eat a meal in a Restaurant, or anywhere …. he survives on scones and coffee in the local café!

What would you change about him and what do you think he would change about you?

Him – Everything!! It might be an idea if he upped the game a bit and changed the status quo, although knowing Dave he would only think I was talking about the rock group!! (hee hee!)

Why did you become interested in running, was it just to keep fit or did you enjoy the competition?

Well you all know my Dave …. So there was only one sensible thing to do, and me being an intelligent lady decided that, if you can’t beat ‘em …. join ‘em!!

100 metres …. Well that’s the distance from pub door to the bar, ain’t it? Seriously though, I like 10k’s and my best time was in the Wesham 10k in 2004 when I finished in 43:07.

At the moment I am really liking the fell runs and there are a group of fell races organised by the really funny Dave Woodhead over in Howarth and all are beginner friendly, so no fear of getting lost. There’s the Withins Skyline in November, Stoop and Auld Lang Syne in December, Soreen Stansbury Splash in January and the Four Bunny Runs in April. Anyone who enjoys having fun whilst running, go to one of these …… you’ll laugh all the way round.

If not running, what other path do you think you might have taken leisure wise?

The path to the pub, probably. Running has helped me give up this pass time … almost completely.

Is there anything you wished you had done because the chance will never come round again?

Thankfully no ….. I fulfilled my lifetime ambition in 2006 when I was given my fireman’s lift by a gorgeous, hunky fireman. I still fantasise about it today, he had one had on me bum and the other between me legs, it was heaven!! …. (oops soz! Can I say that?). I’ve had my derriere on the web site for all to see and not one bit of cellulite on show and I weren’t a youngster!! (I’m sure Bossman would try to argue that fact, but on this occasion ya won’t win, mate!)

What annoys you most about everyday things (car parking, street drinkers, and litter)?

What (if anything) about you annoys other people and do you do it all the more for that reason?

There is, of course, nothing about me that annoys other people. I therefore do nothing, which only annoys them more! (hee hee!).

What would be your perfect day out, one of a sporting nature and another with your partner?

The only day out I recall of a sporting nature was when Dave and myself went to watch the Fire Service play volleyball on the beach. It was a smashing day out which was spent mainly at the beer tent making banter, oh … and drinking. Then afterwards the Fireman asked Dave to present the prizes even though it was a year after his retirement, which to me shows his popularity and the respect they had for him. A day out with my partner would be a walk somewhere by a river, my favourites being the River Ribble, River Dunsop and over in Yorkshire the River Wharf. Then, of course, afterwards to the village café for a scone and coffee …... what else?

The village of Melina found on the Greek mainland of Pelion Peninsular. Where? Well you can either land at Volos Airport, which is a military airport and the arrivals lounge is a hut at the side of the airfield (don’t ask!), or you land on the Greek island of Skiathos then take a very small Greek boat (which doesn’t necessarily meet the ideal health and safety standards!!) over to the tiny fishing village of Platanias …. but that’s another story!

Melina is so far removed from any other Greek resort I’ve been to. It’s so beautiful and tranquil. A day that will always remain fond in my memory was the day we spotted a school of porpoise close to the shore on our morning walk. It was completely incredible. The Greek fishermen were so intrigued they all jumped onto their boats just to take a closer look. It took my breath away!

Easy peasy …. To be able to eat a whole box of Swiss Lindit Lindor chocolates every day for the rest of my life, without putting on weight, getting spots or being sick! Yummy!!

They say variety is the spice of life, so my ideal companion becomes companion’s’. I would like to spend some time with Alan Titchmarsh because I could listen to him all day talking about the Nature of Britain. I quite like Tommy Lee Jones as he is a great actor and has a sexy voice and as you can see from my current partner I go for the rugged look. For a ‘good looker’ I wouldn’t mind gazing at Jason Lewis, (Sex and the City plus the Aero advert), for the night and finally, as a group, I wouldn’t mind a night out with the Green Watch Fire-fighters, from any Fire Station really, as they are all good guys who know how to make banter, so there would never be a dull moment.

Combine seasonal aphrodisiacs for a romantic feast!! Start with native oysters (rich in hormone-friendly zinc), followed by roasted guinea fowl (a good source of energy-giving B-vitamins for longer lasting loving), accompanied by slow-cooked red cabbage and apples (rich in male fertility-boosting vitamin C) …… well the magazine says it works!!

I like simple foods, so start with tomato and basil soup with herb croutons, followed by any kind of pasta dish, for desert it has to be chocolate fudge cake.

I think my Mum and Dad will remember me for my love of freedom, for being independent as I’m at my best when doing things my own way, for having good judgement, for being outspoken but sincere and mostly as someone who enjoys life to the full. My friends, well allegedly I don’t have any, but I’m sure all my acquaintances will remember me affectionately as the ‘tart’ in a mini skirt.

What memory do you have that makes you glad to be a member of Wesham Road Runners?

That’s easy …. I’m glad to be a member of Wesham Road Runners, because not only have I joined a friendly Running Club it appears that I have joined a friendly Swingers Club too …. Ouch! …. ouch! Okay Dave okay! I promise I won’t say that!!! (Hee hee!).

Seriously though, I am proud because everywhere I go there’s always someone who says, “You Wesham, you’re all mad, always running around in all kinds of weather, wearing only skimpy shorts” Oh yes, that’s us, this Wesham Club is just right ‘pour moi’.

1. When did you start running, and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you been a member of any other running clubs?

I started running seriously when I was about 15, and joined Wesham when I was 16.

I am a second claim member of Lytham St. Annes RR and have been for 3-4 years.

It was just because I love to keep fit, I did it also to try and help me with football but I began to enjoy the running more and began to take it up, I was also better at the running and so I gave up on the football.

3. Describe your form over the years – how fast did you improve, when (and what) were your best times, has injury played a part over the years, have you had periods of stagnation and how long did they last? Have you stopped running for a time and why?

When I first started, I was knocking times down for fun then they began to slow down. I was trying to target my first sub 40 minute 10k in 2003 but every time I kept finishing just outside it. I went to do the Stanley Park 10k in hope and I clocked 40:01 (My watch said 40:00) that was such a sickener. I eventually broke it at Lancaster 3 Bridges 10k the month after and got 39:43. After that it took me nine months to break it again at Garstang. I eventually started to improve my times again in 2005 and started getting into the 38’s for the 10k. At the end of the year I finished on a high with the Brampton to Carlisle 10 mile race and broke the hour for the first time on a good fast course in 59:52, then I got continuous PB’s in the Wesham 10k (37:12) and Ribble Valley 10k (36:58). I began 2006 how I finished 2005 with even faster times, one notable one was the Wrexham Half Marathon in 1:17:57. I came to pretty much a stand still throughout 2007 and was not getting any faster, despite the hard training but focused a lot on the track. I trained hard over the summer and in October I went to Amsterdam for the Half Marathon, coming away with a PB of 1:17.28, from then I’ve been running well with a PB at Ribble Valley and strong runs at Garstang 10k and the St Annes 10 miler.

4. How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, etc. What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

At the moment I’m running about 45 miles a week which includes pretty much everything: speed sessions at Lytham and at the track on Stanley Park. I do tempo runs at about 6:10 pace for about 8-10 miles and I will finish my week off with a long run of between 14-16 miles. Most of them are a very easy pace but if I’m training for an important race I’ll make them about 7-7:15 pace. The most miles I have done in a week is about 65 miles. I’m now starting to up my miles to 55 per week with a lot of quality work. I train 5-6 times a week.

Whilst I am still young, I have many ambitions, with help of others I am aiming towards a 30 minute 10k in the next 4 years and to try and compete at the highest possible level. My ambition this year is to bring home the club championship from my worst racing rival Lee Barlow this year! Its time he was put to the gauntlet!!!

Garstang 10k, Rothwell 10k, Bupa Manchester 10k, Wrexham half, Amsterdam Half, Coniston 14 are my best races. Great atmosphere, camaraderie, all great courses and have some good times on them.

Cannot give out this personal information... I believe there is a spy who is trying to find out my training regime and what shoes I where!!! Apparently the spy has found out where I train. I intend to keep this person behind me in races so I am treating this person as though he is a PNE fan.

No way - buggars up your run big time!!! Having these with you makes your run not how you want it to be, GPS and heart rate monitors end up making you run to a different pace and you cannot focus on your run the same or enjoy it the same. And walkmans are not good, you are never aware of what is happening around you with tunes blaring in your ears!

I do keep a diary but most of the time I’m just too lazy to fill it. I try hard to total up the miles though. Last year I ran slightly under 2000 miles.

Job and brief description: Housewife and Retired. – Cleaning up after the luverly Kath

1. When did you start running and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you ever been a member of any other Running Clubs?

Got too old to carry on playing football, (couldn’t get up off the floor after being tackled hard), and found tug of war was going to put me on a traction bed if I carried on, so again, persuaded by Whitewash, (OK – if you’re still scratching your head, try Bossman). We started running around the block and bought some running shoes, (big mistake, if we had waited we could have used the black pumps the Fire Service provided us with for P.E. which had become part of the work routine). The main motivation was the first Blackpool Fun Run, but that’s another story.

My form has to be measured by age. I was probably 40 plus before I started to realise that I was a bit better than average, and believe it or not, Bossman was good too!!! Not sure how long after I actually started running, but I won the “Friendly Way Fun Run” which is approximately 6 miles, beating Alan Metcalfe, who I did not know at the time, but Bossman had warned me about this good Fireman at Morecambe Fire Station, and yes it was Alan, who now runs for Preston Harriers. Alan is only a V45 now. From that day on I realised I had found a sport I could enjoy and do well in, mainly because of my age. The only stagnation and stopping of running has been caused by injury, all of which have probably been due to overuse.

4. How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork etc? What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

Approximately 15 to 20 miles per week with two rest days and two races, but due to present knee injury I have only been able to run every other day, so training is almost none existent. The quality is a problem, but I have never really tried any special training other than long runs at a decent pace. It used to be up to 40 to 50 miles per week, but that’s a dream usually these days. As to making me faster …. Yes, training helps, but just running and racing is the best I can ask for at the moment.

Training tips …. Running faster then you will inevitably race faster, if you train over longer distances then you will inevitably feel better in longer races, but the secret is finding the happy medium and never ever say ‘no’ to a rest day. They become more and more important as you get older. My definition of a rest day is no running or jogging whatsoever or any other sport where you are competing or training. In other words …. Go on your bike to the shop, take the kids swimming etc., but you are not trying to beat anyone or anything ….. that’s a rest day.

My running ambitions – They haven’t changed a great deal, but age has become the biggest factor. Breaking course records, (age ones), is always very satisfying. Racing at international level is also therapeutical, but I do not try whilst carrying an injury, as all I finish up with is mild depression. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the losing at this level, it’s the letting down of the team as you have been selected and it’s cheating if you are not capable of helping them win.

My favourite training run is the first one after being stopped running by injury and the buzz I get after a dozen races without any re-occurrence and the elation I feel after a mile or two and I’m still able to run pain free.

I have at least 8 pairs of shoes which I use for training only, but for the past 15 years I have always used one pair for racing and they have always been a pair of New Balance lightweight, changed usually once, sometimes twice a year. I usually have at least 4 or 5 still boxed, which I will use whenever a pair wears down, but my racing shoes are always for that and that only …. never used in training …. ever!!

Not really a gadgeteer, although I have tried a heart rate monitor, read the books, but the problem is I cannot read it when running without my glasses, so there’s a couple of heart rate monitors with flat batteries in my drawer. GPS …... I’ve had two of these. The first one I left on top of the car and drove off, never saw that one again and it did not work efficiently anyway, so I upgraded. Latest one is great, but again I cannot look at it when running and as with stop watches, I either forget to start it, forget to stop it or it’s still on the cars facia when I set off ….. I did learn not to put it on the car roof.

No, I don’t keep a running diary, although I used to. The only things I keep in the diary are race times and Garmin distances, if I’ve remembered to stop it.

My other sin in life or sporting interest is Sea Angling, which I have done since I was 7 years old, so ‘yes’ I am good at it and love competitions and as with running I am always organising matches, Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of several different Clubs over the years and am still on the British Fire Service Sports National Assembly. I still enjoy football, but only watching on the telly when I’m not doing something else and cannot rest till I have seen the Blackpool result, even on holiday, sad but true. I have been a Blackpool fan since I was 5 years old, but my Dad was a Blackburn supporter so I support them as well.

Other non-sporting interests, well ‘no’ not really, I have always collected stamps, but they are piled up in tins now until I retire, (properly), and then I can sit sticking them in a book again.

I’ve already admitted my affinity to Blackpool, but I suppose I have to admit I always look at all results and surprisingly note teams like Carlisle, Rotherham, Blackburn, Preston, Man Utd, Leeds …... now I wonder why that is?

As Kath will tell you, my first love is Wesham, (after her!!!). But sometimes the good old fishing takes priority …… well I won’t always be able to run and I keep telling Kath she will look good with a rod in her hands, although from reading Kath’s profile in the last magazine, it looks like she would prefer a ‘hose’ in her hands!!

Q:-Where were you born? How long did you live there? Which schools did you attend?

A: - It was on a farm in the then small village of Staining just east of Blackpool. I attended the local village school to age 8 and then transferred to Devonshire Road Juniors in Blackpool. At age 11 I went to the big school for four years, which was Hodgson Secondary Modern in Poulton, and then to Blackpool Technical College where I took ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels. I left, age 19, to go to Birmingham for three years to train to be a teacher.

Q: - Which subjects did you enjoy? Were you good at sports (which)? Did you win anything sporting or academic?

A: Maths and Science were my favourite subjects but on the whole I liked everything. The least liked was French because, being a country boy back in the early 50’s I couldn’t see that I would ever use it or go abroad. Little did I know how times would change? I was nothing special at games, (football), but I enjoyed cross country and came second in the School Championships. I also liked distance running on the track and represented my school at Stanley Park in the Inter School Sports but didn’t do anything special.

Q: - Did you have a nickname at school? Name a moment from school which is still with you today. (Proud or embarrassing.)

A: - The obvious one was ‘Ernie’ and it even became a nickname when I was a teacher, especially when Benny Hill’s ‘Fastest Milkman in the West’ song was Top of the Pops! At school and still today, I always liked to feel as if I tried my best even though I wasn’t top or first.

Q: - Can you remember your first girlfriend? How long did the relationship last?

A: - My first job, (as a student), was working as a café assistant in Blackpool’s Derby Baths. I did it during the summer holiday for a couple of years and it paid about £8 a week. I enjoyed it most when they had the ASA England Swimming Championships and International matches when I saw some of the famous swimmers, (Anita Lonsborough), and divers, (Brian Phelps), of the day. The noise was deafening. It was my job to go round selling ice cream - Palatine Ice Cream for those who remember it.

Q: - Pick two perfect days out, one of a sporting nature the other with a partner or friend.

A: - Sporting days would have been the Lowther Park 13 mile, the Dentdale 14 and the Coniston 14, (in that order).

The other would be a day out in the Lakes with the family when they were young.

A: - My ideal meal must have a good, tasty steak and I’m not too bothered about what else comes with it! (Sorry Brenda but that does include you being there as well!)

A: - The original Blue Lagoon with Jean Simms. As far as music is concerned I’m none too fussed about this area.

Q: - What annoys you most about everyday things, (parking, litter, swearing etc)

A: - Swearing, litter and generally poor behaviour towards others and in that order.

Q: - What (if anything) about yourself, do you think annoys other people, and do you do it more often for that reason?

A: - I don’t set out to annoy people!! It’s for others to decide what the answer might be – but don’t tell me. Brenda says she has a list!!!!!

A: - Hong Kong through to China – Brenda and I did a tour there of all the main sights in 1998 where we saw not only China but also the preliminary group stages of the World Cup in France and we saw them with Chinese commentaries! We wondered why, when we booked it, it was cheaper for those two weeks than those before and after it. We’d always go back given half a chance, (and the money). The people were great and the sights were fantastic no matter where we went.

Q: - Choose a celebrity to take on a training run, who would it be? Where would you go, and what would you talk about?

Q:- What memory do you have that makes you glad to be a member of Wesham Road Runners.

A: - To get and then keep fit. Also to keep the weight off as I like my food. Another reason would be to relieve the day to day stress of being a teacher – it kept me sane.

A:-. 10 mile – 68 minutes and half marathon at 1:32. The 10k was a bit too fast and furious but my best time was 40:10.

A: - My first Dentdale 14, (it was somewhere around 1988?) As we lined up for the start it was quiet and the snow gently started to fall. Thank goodness it didn’t continue. Afterwards the local Primary School put on sandwiches, cakes and tea – a real country feast which was much appreciated.

Q:- Is there anything you wish you had done because the opportunity will never come around again.

Q:-Where were you born? How long did you live there? Which schools did you attend?

A: - Victoria Hospital, Blackpool. Attended St John Vianey Primary school, St Mary’s High School and Blackpool Collegiate 6^th form.

I currently live in Blackpool although I lived in Leeds for eight years and Tadcaster for two.

Q: - Which subjects did you enjoy? Were you good at sports (which)? Did you win anything sporting or academic?

A: - Music and English were my favourites. I was good at running and was in the X-country team until me and my friend took our vests off, (bras underneath), and got hauled into the headmistress’s office! I won a bronze medal for my year.

Q: - Did you have a nickname at school? Name a moment from school which is still with you today. (Proud or embarrassing)

A: - Mick! Mickado! Oh and Pinocchio, by the two school bullies, one of which I punched in the stomach after she’d prodded me in the back all the way through assembly. They didn’t call me names after that!!.

A moment from school was when my friend and I were picked to play the flute at the leaving Mass. When the time came we both got a fit of the giggles and were blowing and laughing into the flutes. The pianist stopped and we had to start again, still on the verge of laughter.

Q:- Can you remember your first boyfriend ? How long did the relationship last?

A: - My first, (proper), boyfriend was Martin… a vicars son, he was 25!! I was 16. My parents took a bit of persuading The relationship lasted two years, I found out he’d been unfaithful so I dumped him. It was very timely as I was away to college.

A: - My first job was on Blackpool promenade serving Mr Whippy ice cream, I lasted one day, they wouldn’t have me back ‘cause I kept pulling ‘em with wonky heads. I got paid a pittance but I was only twelve.

Q:- Pick 2 perfect days out, one of a sporting nature the other with a partner or friend.

Another perfect day out is walking the Dales or Lakes, followed by a few pints or nice meal and somewhere rustic to stay.

A: - Midnight Express and in close second The Wizard of Oz. My Artist and Song are Christy Moore with his song, ‘Ride on’, and Jodie Mitchell, with the whole of her Album, ‘Blue’.

Q:- What annoys you most about everyday things,(parking, litter, swearing etc)

A: - I hate day old, dog muck, ignorance, bad manners, and American sit coms. Going to the hairdressers, football, and good things coming to an end.

Q:- What (if anything) about yourself, do you think annoys other people, and do you do it more often for that reason ?

A: - I am writing this on a plane, coming back from the Algarve! Portugal is beautiful, but I really enjoy city breaks to my favourite city Budapest for the architecture, the Danube, the people and the views.

Q: - Choose a celebrity to take on a training run, who would it be? Where would you go, and what would you talk about?

A:- I wouldn’t take a celebrity on a training run as I like running on my own, and when I train with people, I am happy with the ones I train with, But I suppose it would be David Attenborough, if he wasn’t so bloody old (sorry Mike), and it would be a training run around the Galapagos Islands.

Q: - What memory do you have that makes you glad to be a member of Wesham Road Runners.

A: - I have a few memories, all the dinner dances, The Welsh Castles Relays, Winning Ladies team prizes and getting my picture in the paper with my club vest on.

A: - Compete and get fit, but I don’t see the point of running if your not going to compete as it’s the competing that gets you fitter.

A: - 10k, in 40.38, (prom 10k)-Bah! I can’t count that one, can I? Salford 10k is next, in 41:05.

A: - The Buttermere 22 for its severity and beauty and the pub afterwards.

A: - Dancing, as I went to classes for all of my childhood. I mainly did ballet but I always wanted to learn to jive. I do like socialising in the pub, but I do that in conjunction with running, and why not!?

Q:- Is there anything you wish you had done because the opportunity will never come around again.

A:- I don’t do regrets, so no. What’s the point in wishing for something that’s passed?

When did you start running, and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you been a member of any other running clubs?

I started running at the age of 23 and joined Wesham at about the same time. I had a brief interlude of 10 years without being a member of a club and rejoined Wesham in January 2006.

My form has been consistent over the years without any drastic improvement as long as I’m at full fitness. My best times were between 1993 and 1995 when I did Fleetwood ½ marathon in 1hr 18min, 10 mile in 59min and a 36 min 10k (can’t remember where – it was a while ago!). I’ve had few over the years but the main one was a back injury which put me out of action for 2 years. Life changed and got seriously busy with important stuff like partying and having a good time in my mid 20s so the running took a back seat!

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, etc? What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

At the moment my mileage is up and down especially since the birth of Tom 9 months ago. Before that, my weekly mileage was between 30 and 70 miles. I don’t programme speedwork just run to how I feel – but Helen Jolly’s Wednesday sessions were very beneficial and I got to them whenever I could. As for training tips I find that when I’m racing twice a week, though my times might not improve, I tend not to struggle as much as when races are further apart.

Having recently fulfilled one ambition of running a sub 3 hour marathon, my other ambitions include the completion of a 100 mile race within 24 hours and to take part and complete the Himalayan Mountain Marathon.

Worst Race – Nottingham Marathon. Reason being, I haven’t got one - I just hated it.

Best races –Too many to mention but among the top 10 are Barcelona Marathon, Coniston 14, Derwentwater 10 but my favourite event to date was the Tour of Horwich – a week long competition to get my teeth into!

Not really but really value my Garmin 305. It provides motivation when training on my own. I did get an iPod Shuffle for Christmas but since it took 6 months to get it working I don’t think I can class that as a must have when running!

As a child I did a lot of fishing. Other than that, I’m a big fan of armchair TV sports. Oh yeah, I play loads of darts and snooker – that’s what Fire-fighters are supposed to do isn’t it?!?!

For those people who have never been on any of the away trips, e.g. Welsh Castles, Coniston, Isle of Man, they are great breaks away where everyone is welcome – even the non-running other halves! It would be good to see more new faces to these events.

When did you start running, and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you been a member of any other running clubs?

I started running in November 1982; I was 26 years old at the time. I joined Wesham in June 2008, having previously been a member of Clayton Le Moors Harriers for 24 years. Clayton are now more of a fell running club, which prompted me to join a road running club. I found it quite a wrench to change clubs but even after such a short time I am sure I have made the right decision.

My wife Judith said she wanted to start “jogging” to lose some weight, I was a 40 fag a day Asthmatic and very unfit. After managing about a three quarters of a mile and collapsing in a heap I decided that was it and I threw my fags in a bin and decided to get fit.

My first race was the inaugural Burnley Half Marathon in 1983, a tough two lap course from Towneley Park; I finished in 2:04 for 850^th place!! And was totally wrecked, I continued to train about 20 miles a week and by December I did the Blackpool Half in 1:29, my next attempt at the Burnley Half in 1984 brought an amazing time of 1:20. I then progressed steadily to PBs of 15:48 for 5k in 1991, 32:13 for 10k in 1990, 53:25 for 10 miles in 1988, 1:11:13 for the half in 1988, 1:56:09 for 20 miles in 1991 and 2:34:28 for the Marathon in 1990 all off an average of about 40 miles per week. Injury has never really been a problem for me apart from the odd niggle now and then, I put this down to the low mileage. When I was still new to running I found that my times would stagnate for periods of a year or more before suddenly improving again, more recently I have had a very long period of not having the motivation to train, hence the reason I have joined Wesham. I had to stop running for around 9 months in 1994 due to having a Spinal Fusion after having had a bad back for some time, that apart I haven’t really had any time off, although lately I seem to do more walking than running.

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speed work, etc. What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

I currently run between 10 and 20 miles a week but probably walk between 20 and 30 miles in addition, the quality is very low as I prefer to jog most of my runs at around 8 minute pace and get my speed work with regular races. In the past I have had weeks of 70 to 80 miles a week but I found I was so tired that the next week I would end up doing 20 to 30 so I soon learnt to cut it back to more manageable proportions, the most I have averaged for a full year was in 1991 when I averaged 46 miles a week which entailed two runs a day on several days, I certainly ran better off it but I found it too much of a commitment at the time. My training tips would be not to get too hung up on what others are doing and just find out what works for you, my training would be laughable to some people but it works just fine for me, I have no doubt I could improve greatly if I were to train harder but then I would probably end up on the Physio’s couch every week!!

My current ambitions are to run as hard as I can whilst in my Wesham vest, to try and make the V50 teams, to stave off slowing down for as many years as I can and to stay fit and active for as long as possible.

As I have done 936 races to date this will be a tough one to answer but if pushed I would probably go for finishing 3^rd at the Dentdale 14:5 mile road race in 1988 in a time of 1:19:40, as it was totally unexpected at the time and more recently my run at the 2003 London to Brighton road race, (54.1 miles), in which I did 7:05:12 for 8^th place overall, managing to run every step of the way, all off an average of 36 miles per week for the previous year. Worst races?? I had to think long and hard about this one, the only one from the past which springs to mind is the 31 mile Wuthering Hike/Howarth Hobble in 2000 with partner Roger Brewster. We were aiming to win the race but my legs were totally jellified by 9 miles!! I somehow managed to get round in 4:44:27 for 15^th place and to this day I still can’t work out what went wrong!! More recently I attempted to do the Grand Union Canal Race in May of this year; it runs from Birmingham to London with a distance of 145 miles, (no that’s not a misprint). Why?? Because my running was down in the dumps and I wasn’t training, at such times I usually enter something daft to motivate myself, as in 2003 with the London to Brighton, unfortunately this time I came unstuck big style and failed to finish, only reaching the 67 mile point before retiring with severely dented pride and because both my big toe nails were lifting off and were excruciatingly painful.

This is a strange one for me as I am a bit of a lazy git and don’t like training, so I would have to say any long run with some good company for a chat as we go along. Oh and not to forget the best bit, a cup of tea and some cakes afterwards.

My shoes are always Mizuno Wave, be it trainers or racers, I have tried others but Mizuno work just great for me.

I have used a Polar heart rate monitor for more years than I care to remember and I have recently bought a Garmin 405 but I’m not keen on the Walkman as I think it’s dangerous whilst on busy roads.

I have kept a diary since starting running in 1982 but I am beginning to go off the idea more recently, it’s sometimes a bit of a chore to keep everything up to date and I am wondering if it’s all worth it, (I’m getting old and cranky I suppose) especially as I am in the throes of a house move and all my old diaries weigh a tonne. Last year I ran 1495 miles for an average of 28:8 miles per week.

I used to be a very enthusiastic fisherman, formerly a mad keen match angler and more recently trout and salmon. I also enjoy sea fishing but have trouble with sea sickness when on boats; I have let things slip for the last few years I but hope to pick it up again soon.

I occasionally enjoy painting, (just to amuse myself). I also like holidaying in France.

I am afraid I’m with Bossman on this one!! Burnley Football Club. I was born in Burnley and was an avid supporter for many years until running rudely interrupted, who could forget trips to Blackpool, Preston, Blackburn (hiss), etc during the 70s. Great times but sadly I fear, gone forever. I still manage to attend a game every now and then and always look out for the results to see how they have gone on.

Yes, I would just like to say a great big thank you to my wife Judith for all she has had to put up with over the last 25 years of running, the times I was hyper after having had a great run, the desperate downers after a poor run, the sheer madness of entering crazy races, i.e. entering all seven legs of the Rochdale canal race as ‘Billy no mates’, as I couldn’t get any Clayton members to run with me!! And some of the previously mentioned races. She has always been there to console, cajole or kick me up the backside as needed and although I don’t always tell her, I am very, very grateful for all her help.

We usually take in turns to interview members about their running. However, in this case we felt it was better if we both went along. Safety in numbers!

I was born in Penrith on 29^th November 1963. I’ll be 45 on 29^th November 2008. As you’ll all be coming to either run or help with the Wesham 10K you can save postage by bringing the cards with you. And don’t forget Lee Barlow’s birthday is the same day. I only lived in the hospital for a few days before they decided I was too noisy and sent me to live with my Mum and Dad.

Which schools did you attend and what are your memories of your early years?

I lived between Penrith and Carlisle throughout my childhood. I went to school in Penrith and watched my football at Carlisle United. My so called mates once put all my school stuff outside on a window ledge on the top floor. As I climbed out to retrieve it, the Head looked up and without hesitation shouted “PORTER, MY OFFICE!” No-one got into trouble for putting stuff outside, only me for climbing through windows!

Were you good at sports at school, or were you the academic child, or both?

NEITHER! Surely you’ve seen enough of my race results to see I would never be any good at sport, especially running! Academically I did OK. Mum and Dad have always taken the view that so long as I did the best I could then it was good enough. It’s a philosophy I stick to now and encourage in my own son.

Oh, yes. Her name was Heather. We didn’t go out very long. It ended tragically when she decided I wasn’t good looking enough!

Where and when did you meet your wife? Do you remember how you asked her out?

I was on a late shift and agreed to meet my mates in a local night club. I got talking to her and thought mo more about it until a couple of days later a friend asked if I was going to see her again. But I hadn’t asked the important stuff like her name, address and phone number! He duly obliged and I went round to ask her out. 6 weeks later I proposed and we’re coming up to 21 years of marriage

I worked as an assistant manager in a pizza restaurant. I hated it. I think I drank the first wage packet.

I teach Sports Therapy at Blackpool and The Fylde College, and have a part time sports therapy practice, specialising in sports massage to help/prevent injuries. I used to manage an amusement arcade on Blackpool Prom. When my boss told me off big style one day, he ended the tirade by telling me to “Decide what you want to do………..” I decided I wasn’t sticking around for the rest of my life to be bullied so I started looking around. I went to Blackpool and The Fylde College part time for 3 years studying various courses and they asked me to do some teaching. When I told my Dad he said, “What the bloody hell makes you think you can teach?” To be honest I hadn’t considered teaching but it was people at the college who said it and the rest is history. Best moved I ever made.

I could give you the old ones about nicking apples from next door, or a disapproving father, but the truth is much less interesting I’m afraid. I just felt I should get fitter and went out for a run. I remember I did what I thought was two miles. It turned out to be about ½ a mile and it hurt! But I went again, and again and eventually entered the Charles Saer 10K in Fleetwood.

I’ve never been quick and have the results to prove it! But I do thoroughly enjoy running. When I really put my mind to it I get tremendous improvements and I really enjoy marathon training. I can live without the 26 mile hell on the day but I do love the training!

I’ve generally been lucky and only had a couple of injuries. The latest was in a car crash after a cross country in 2007. It took a while to get over that one and has resulted in my longest period of stagnation. I’ve never really got going again since then.

What training?? I’m ticking over, that’s about all I can say. I get out a couple of times a week at the moment due to loads of other commitments. I don’t race anything like as much as I would like, which is a shame because I do enjoy racing.

Enjoy it and don’t get obsessed with times are two that spring to mind. But the best piece of advice I can give to most people is to buy a bigger pair of shoes. The cause of black toe nails in runners is the pounding of the toe against the shoe. Most runners are wearing shoes that are at least a size too small.

I reckon, and so do a lot of others, that I should be able to do 3 ½ hours for a marathon. But every time I miss out. It remains an ambition. We’ll see……….

Swinside 6 near Keswick and Lowther. Both tough races but they’re in some of the best countryside you could ever wish for. Coniston for the same reasons. I’m very proud to be associated with the Freckleton Half Marathon. When I took over it had 150 entries and there was a danger of it ending. I just couldn’t let a race of its history go to the wall.

I’ve had plenty races where I’ve run badly but I don’t do bad races. I reckon if the race is well organised and I can have an enjoyable experience it offsets the time on the watch.

I’ve run in Asics shoes for as long as I can remember, (so that’s a fortnight then!) I’ve got a GPS thingy that I use now and again. I’ve gone “hi tech” with my training diary these days and keep it as a blog.

What are your other interests (sporting and non-sporting) and how do you relax?

I enjoy most sports and I’ve also become involved with AFC Fylde, helping out on the sports therapy side.

I’m currently studying for a Masters Degree, I organise the Freckleton Half Marathon, issue race licences for Lancashire and I measure race courses. I’ve also been asked to do announcements at athletics meetings and football matches. I can’t understand why someone as shy and retiring as me would get asked to do that!

I’m not really one for sitting doing nothing but the wide variety of things I do mean I can always be doing something different. And I don’t do anything I don’t like doing.

That’s a difficult one. I have an eclectic taste in music from ABBA to Vivaldi, depending on the mood and the occasion. My favourite song would be, “We’ve only just begun” by The Carpenters. We had that at our Wedding. Favourite singers: Karen Carpenter, Eva Cassidy, Meat Loaf and Freddie Mercury.

People stopping you in the pub saying, “Can we have an interview for the Wesham Road Runners Magazine!!?” Oh, and smoking. I absolutely can’t abide smoking anywhere at any time.

Which famous person would you like to take on a training run? Where would you go and what would you talk about?

Jeremy Clarkson. I think I’d try to persuade him to become a runner. I suspect he’d sooner take up caravanning though!

How do you think your family and friends would describe you to a stranger?

Finally, what do you think you add to Wesham Road Runners? Come on, don’t be shy.

I like to think I add a little entertainment on a Monday evening and at races. You know I don’t take life too seriously. Why should we? I’ve never met anyone who got out of alive! But the greatest thing I add to the club is the quality reports about cross country. I think it is so important to report the facts, which is lacking in much of the British Press. Thank God you have me to report fully, accurately and without embellishment.

Written by: Steve Myerscough and Graham Vickers spoke to Brian Porter for a very, very, long time, before finally losing the will to live.

Aircraft Stress Engineer at BAE Systems, Salmesbury. Stress Engineers are basically the people who work to ensure that the Aircraft design is both strong enough and durable enough to do its job.

When did you start running, and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you been a member of any other running clubs?

I ran XC at School like most people, initially it was to avoid playing Football, (because I always got the crap positions), but I found that I enjoyed the running.

I started road running in 1982 when I was 26 and ran unattached until July 1996 when I joined Wesham. I have been a 2nd claim member of Northern Vets AC for 10 years and Lytham St Anne’s Road Runners for 8 years.

I didn’t do much after leaving School until about mid-1982 when a friend said he was doing the Stockport Daffodil Marathon in the April of the following year and asked if I fancied running it. The race seemed a long way off and it gave me plenty of time to get fit, so I agreed. I ran the Marathon in 3:54:06 off relatively light training, (20 – 25 m.p.w), and only one long run of 22 miles which was awful - worse than the Marathon itself. Incidentally, a certain Geoff Everall (V50), unattached of Bispham, had finished the Marathon before I‘d even reached the 20 mile mark.

Describe your form over the years – how fast did you improve, when, (and what), were your best times, has injury played a part over the years, have you had periods of stagnation and how long did they last? Have you stopped running for a time and why?

Before I joined Wesham I was running 3 or 4 times a week, totalling around 20 miles, and racing only a few times a year.

My first 10-miler was the 1982 Preston Harriers Style Systems 10 which I completed in 73:32, nearly 20 minutes behind the legendary Alan Hudson, running for Blackpool and Fylde AC at the time, who ran a very impressive 54:42. It wasn’t the flat Hutton course – it started in Moor Park and did a loop out to Grimsargh, so it was a bit ‘up and down’. My first ‘Half’ was the Windmill Half-Marathon in September1986, which I completed in 1:46:29.

I ran at a similar level for many years and prior to joining Wesham my PB’s were: 5k, (hadn’t run one); 5 miles 33:29; 10K 43:14; 10 Miles 69:53; Half-Marathon 1:36:54; Marathon 3:54:06. A few years with Wesham and my times went ‘through the floor’. My PB’s are now:- 5k 18:11 (2004); 5 miles 29:14, on the way to a 10K PB of 36:35 (2006); 10 miles 60:33 (2005); Half-Marathon 1:20:38 (2008); Marathon 3:08:26 (in 1998 and the 2nd of only two Marathons I have run).

Somewhere between my 43:14 and 36:35 10k’s is a story that will be familiar to many. I thought you might like to read the story of my search for the Holy Grail, that for us mere mortals is the sub-40 10k:-

Since starting running in 1982 I had always had a goal of breaking 40 minutes, although it was way beyond me at that time. But as my race times improved during the first half of 1997 I began to think that maybe I could achieve that goal. I had been doing about 25 m.p.w with some fast running now and then when I felt like it, which had got me from 43:10 at Garstang in the January to 40:24 for the Charles Saer 10k in the June, (just behind Martin Bates). Around this time Howard Henshaw suggested to me that I could improve my race times and beat the 40-minute barrier if I did structured speedwork, e.g. 800 metre efforts aiming for around 2:45 each with 2 mins recovery. I got started straight away and introduced one session of 4-5 x 800m per week into my training, whilst also gradually increasing my weekly mileage to 30 m.p.w with some longer runs, and managed to get down to 2:40 – 2:45 for the 800’s. For a while I saw no real improvement, with a 40:41 at Birchwood followed by a 40:38 on a warm and muggy day at Kirkham, (paced round by Phil Leaver who did 40:29). Then at Rufford the breakthrough almost came – I ran ‘out of my skin’ to get a 40:01, (if I remember correctly Steve, you got even closer before you succeeded - 40:00 dead at Hawkshead in 2004-Correct Steve). I was very disappointed with 40:01 but should have been ‘over the moon’ because it signalled that sub-40 was finally within reach. That was followed by a 40:56 at the tough Tulketh 10k and by then I’d had enough of 10k’s, so I decided to have a break from them and ran a few Half-Marathons - Garstang, where I broke 1:30 for the first time, Reims and then Langdale. At the end of October I went with Howard to the Burnden 10k in Bolton. I tried not to think too much about whether I could better my 40:01 PB – I just got on with the running…..and absolutely obliterated it with 39:06. I was pleased, to say the least…but then the usual doubts began to creep in – was it a short course? Was it just a fluke? Could I do it again?

Well, a sub-40 at Accrington and then a 38:46 at Wesham soon put those doubts to bed.

If this story gives some of you other mere mortals who are in search of that Holy Grail the inspiration to keep plugging away and one day achieve your goal, then it has been worth telling.

As for injuries - I’ve been very lucky on that score, mostly just niggles which I’ve been able to manage with reduced training or the odd week or two out – ITB, knee and back problems mainly. My only major injury occurred this April when I injured my Hamstring and it was bad enough to stop me running altogether, no argument – I couldn’t have run to save my life! After 5 weeks doing lots of cycling and very little running, I started light training. Two weeks of training then I had the bright idea of running Freck. – I had pre-entered before getting injured and not wanting to waste the number; I thought I’d do it as a ‘training run’. It was a nice thought but I was deceiving myself - there’s no such thing - you run races to race, not to go easy! Needless to say, I tried to race it and ended up aggravating the injury, but being stubborn as well as stupid and never having dropped out of a race in my life. I wasn’t about to drop out then so I struggled on and finished, running the last 7 miles in a lot of pain – I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, but I would no-doubt do it again myself! After a few other hiccups, I’m almost back to my old form.

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, etc. What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

I’m currently doing around 40-45 m.p.w, which includes two speed sessions, a 5-miler at a fairly hard pace, (tempo run), and a long run of 13 – 15 miles. The remainder is made up of steady running and recovery runs, and the odd race thrown in for good measure.

After experimenting with my training over the years, I now put more emphasis on quality than miles, which seems to give the same end result as higher, easier mileage.

My highest mileage was whilst training for the Wrexham Half-Marathon earlier this year where I set my PB - I averaged 50 m.p.w for the two months prior to the race.

Training tips - hmm…depends what you want out of your running. I guess most people want to run a faster 10k?

In my experience of chasing the sub-40 10k I found that, combined with speedwork, Half-Marathon, (or 10 mile), races (or long training runs), are good basic training for running fast 10K’s. If you want to run a faster 10k, run shorter distances faster to get the speed and also train or race over-distance to get the endurance, don’t just do steady 6-mile or 10k training runs – they’ll only teach you to run steady 10k’s.

My main running ambitions, which would have been a piece of cake if I’d trained as hard when I was in my 20’s as I do now, are to run sub-hour for 10 miles, sub 1:20 for Half-Marathon and sub-3 Hours for the Marathon. I’d also like to run sub-1:30 for the, (very tough but really enjoyable), Burn Valley Half-Marathon, (Masham, Yorkshire). I’ll try to achieve as many as I can before the inevitable happens and I start slowing down.

Best races – for fast times: Rothwell 10k; Wrexham Half-Marathon; Brampton-Carlisle 10, (when the prevailing wind isn’t westerly); Green Drive 5; St Anne’s 10 when the wind’s not blowing, which isn’t very often!

Best races – for enjoyment: Coniston 14; Lowther Run; Langdale Half-Marathon; Calder Vale 10; Burn Valley Half Marathon; Burnsall Sports 10, (nr Skipton – new addition to list); Freckleton Half-Marathon, (except for this year). Mostly for scenery/organisation/atmosphere and no pressure to run fast times – that doesn’t mean they’re easy though!

Worst race – Ribble Valley 10 miler, Feb 1986**. Why? Well, I didn’t know it at the time, but many years later on joining Wesham I found out I’d been beaten by no other than Boss Wrinkly! Only joking, John.

Seriously though, I think Freck. This year must be my worst race ever for reasons mentioned earlier.

**John was running well then, much better than me, he ran a swift 66:47 and Reg Chapman did an equally impressive 63:30. My time isn’t going to impress anyone though, so I’ll keep it to myself.

After browsing subsequent year’s results I found out that I’d got my own back in the 1988 race when I beat the Boss by 22 secs, just dipping under 70:00, although I did get beaten by Peter Earnshaw - but that’s OK.

Long run over the fells on a crisp, clear winter’s day with some friends. Favourite area – Woodacre, Nicky Nook, Grizedale, Barnacre, which were introduced to me by John Whiteman on one of my first Wrinkly runs.

I have tried a few different makes over the years and have settled on Asics – I have three or four pairs of different Asics shoes: 2130’s, 1130’s and Cumulus, which I alternate to allow them to dry out between runs, and also since they all have different biomechanical properties, in theory at least that can help prevent repetitive strain type injuries - on the whole it seems to work for me. When they’ve suffered about 400 miles of punishment they’re normally ‘done for’ and I give them to my brother-in-law - he goes through trainers in his work almost as fast as I can wear them out running in them. Any spare ones get used for gardening in or for going down the pub in if they’re still half-decent.

I have a heart rate monitor and a GPS watch and they each add a different dimension to my training – both are very useful gadgets, although you can get hung up on miles with the GPS - in the old days before GPS I’d put a 70 minute run down as 10 miles, now I find myself doing extra to make that 70 minute 9.5 mile run into a proper 10-miler!

Bird watching, (not twitching though) - both varieties, and wildlife in general.

2 Q What did your parents do for a living, how many children in the family?

A My Dad worked for Avery Scales, my Mum was a teacher. I have three brothers and no sisters.

A I went to the same school from the age of 4 Winckley Square Convent School. (Say no more). I left at 8 and returned after taking my 11 plus and stayed until I was 18.

4 Q Did you play for the school team at any sport, did you win any prizes at school, sporting or academic?

A I played left wing for the school hockey team. Each year we had an interclass tournament for hockey and our class won the most rosettes.

6 Q Is there anything you wished you had done or a piece of advice you wish you had taken?

A I wish I had worked in a ski resort when I was a lot younger although I managed to enjoy myself even though I was the oldest chalet girl there.

7 Q What was your 1^st job after leaving school, how much did it pay and what did you spend your 1^st wages on?

A After finishing my catering course at Huddersfield Polytechnic, I worked for a high spend restaurant in the city called the Portico in London. I can’t remember how much I got paid all I know is I spent my first wages on a beautiful pair of stillies!!!

8 Q What made you take up running, exercise, to lose weight or for the competition? Did you run alone or as part of a group?

A When I was a student working in London I put weight on so I decided to lose weight and take up running. I ran alone for a long time I was soon hooked I lost weight and joined Wesham Road Runners when I moved to Blackpool in 1994.

9 Q What is your occupation at the moment and how do you relax and wind down?

A I am a part-time chef/layabout at the moment desperately seeking full time employment meanwhile I am enjoying pretending to be a retired person with the Wrinkly’s

10 Q Describe a perfect evening meal out; choose the venue, a companion and the menu, wine, music etc?

A I love Italian food and would love to go to Italy one day meanwhile I would like to try out new restaurants in the area, with a special friend, red wine, (just the one glass), and Barry White playing of course!!

11 Q Name your favourite singer/group and your all time favourite song/tune?

12 Q If you have to make a long boring coach trip, who would you chose to sit next to you and what would you talk about for hours without boring them?

A I think if you go on long coach trips you need to consume alcohol really as the conversation flows on to just about any topic really and you never get bored of the person you are talking to or listening to as you are both drunk and, (I am far to interesting). I would sit next to any one really I love a challenge!!

13 Q Which is your favourite race and what is your best time for it, and which do you like best, road, x/c, fell or trail racing?

A My favourite race and the only time I made an appearance in the fell runner's magazine was for the Nicky Nook Challenge in 2000 when I was 1^st lady V35. Time I can’t remember. I love fell running and I am looking forward to getting fit for next year.

14 Q Are you a pub & club person or would you prefer a restaurant and a show?

A I like going to pubs and clubs occasionally and visiting restaurants and shows - I’m a Party girl.

15 Q What do you see yourself doing in 20 yrs from now, work and leisure wise?

A. I will still be running and I will still be working paying of my student loan!!

A. Friendly, talks a lot, likes chocolate, determined, in the words of John Sharples a bit of a nutter!!

20 Q What have you enjoyed the most since being a member and committee person at Wesham Road Runners?

A I have enjoyed making so many friends in supporting one another in races and challenges and particularly having fun which is what are club is all about I am very proud to be a member of such a fine bunch of people who are also quite good at running!!

Q: Which schools did you attend and what are your various memories of your time there?

A: St Georges Juniors and Maricourt High School. The ‘Sisters of Mercy’ ran both schools. My junior’s school head teacher Sister Laguri would wait on the playground smacking her frayed cane against her habit ‘encouraging’ us to enter school quickly!!!

I cycled to school and home for lunch on a daily basis which was a 10 mile round trip.

Q: Were sports a part of your life, taking part or a fan following a particular team/person?

A: During my early years my sister and I had a passion for horses. We would spend many hours at the stables grooming, mucking out and showing at various events. We eventually got our own horse, which we kept in the back garden.

Q: What would you change about the world to make it in your eyes a better place to live?

A: All young people to enrol into national service for a period of time and anyone who receives benefits to help in the community and contribute to society.

Q: What is your all time favourite film, how many times have you watched it?

Q: What would be your perfect evening meal out, venue companion and menu choice?

A: McDonalds with Richard Hammond, - Filet meal with water and fruit bag.

A: I first did the Liverpool Women’s 10k in 1987 and 1988. It was not until 2000 when, through a customer, I was introduced to North Fylde and became hooked

Q: What is your favourite distance/terrain and what is your favourite race?

Q: Which famous person would you take on a long training run and what would you talk about?

A: Padraig Harrington - I would suggest he sack his sports psychologist and do some long runs with me………I’ll keep him fit and sort his head out!!!

Q: Where in the world would you like to live and bring up the family and what type of house?

A: Out in the country within Lancashire in a detached farmhouse with a bit of land…I’m working on it!

A: Working with someone who has poor personal hygiene or bad breath. Irresponsible dog owners who don’t pick up their dog dirt.

A: Para glided off a black ski slope in Austria and I have a body piercing in a very unusual place!!?

Q: Name three personal items you would take with you if you could to a desert island on your own?

A: Being part of a very friendly group and knowing that there is always somebody to run with and talk to.

Accounts senior at Horne Brooke Shenton – look after small jobs and tax returns.

Birkenhead, Cheshire. Never lived there – lived in Wallasey till 4; Walsall till 8; Hull till 10; Accrington till 13; Halifax till 28; Blackpool since then.

Which schools did you attend and what are your various memories of your time there?

Were sports a part of your life, taking part or a fan following a particular team/person?

Always – fan of Leeds, but first game I saw was at West Bromwich Albion. Played football – not well,

Table Tennis (see below). Also Halifax rugby league for a time. Love Speedway.

Maybe if I had set goals I might have been a chartered accountant in Halifax or somewhere. Unfortunately, (possibly due to times moved as a kid – who knows), I never did as well at school as I should. Given that I’ve done as well as I could have expected and – who knows – might never started running and look reasonably trim as opposed to a 20 stone fat sod! No comments thank you! Basically, I never set goals, but I am not complaining either

When did you start running, and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you been a member of any other running clubs?

Off and on since school (hills in Halifax kept putting me off regular training) but mainly since I was 30 (Blackpool 10k 1989). Did a few races until 1993 and then decided to take the plunge. Went to a “jogging club” at the track at Stanley Park – 200 metre sprints! – and a lot of Wesham members were there – Alex, Phil Leaver and Ian Evans to name but three – and they suggested I went down to Wesham. I did so apprehensively on 4^th October 1993 and it was best decision I ever made so you’re stuck with me.

My mum asked me if I fancied the aforementioned 10k – it was advertised in April in the paper – and being mad I said yes! I enjoyed it and finished! The rest is as above. I guess at school I was reasonable but had let myself go fitness wise - (nearly 16 stone when I came over to Blackpool in 1987), and decided I wanted to be fit. My brother was also a keen runner – and still is.

Once I joined “THE FRIENDLY CLUB” I made steady progress until my mum died in 1999 (10k down from 50 mins to 43 mins 33 secs etc) and then, primarily due to joining Terry Helling’s speed sessions at Lytham as I was unable to continue to go to the track on a Friday, due to going out with dad. He used to go out with my mum and I thought he would like to still go out. I made rapid strides in the next year – 8 mins 47 secs off half mar; 1 min 40 secs off 10k; 2 mins off 10 mile. Between 2000 and 2002 I broke my PB. in all disciplines except the marathon,(only done two – 1996 and 2007), and then things went a bit pear-shaped again – dad being ill; dying and moving house etc. I never stopped running though.

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, etc? What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

I am hoping that my 50th year will bring me back to something like, time wise, the plan being to up the training gradually and get back to regular speedwork and hill work as well as the normal roadwork. I may try the fells and have already committed myself, (to myself at least), to every cross country this year. I did 50 miles a week training for London in 1996 and no it didn’t really make me faster, but as I said before regular speedwork appears to help me.

Try and vary it and preferably go in a group that are similar, or maybe slightly faster, than your pace. Speed sessions help me – although they are not for everybody. (Finlay never did them even when he was running really well)

To have a really good year. I still hanker after sub 40 mins (10k) and sub 1 hr 30 (Half Marathon) and sub 4 (Marathon). I am more hopeful of the latter next year as I am doing Edinburgh in May. My best time for 10k is 41:50 and half mar is 1 hr 31:52, but they were in my heyday and I’ve got nowhere near them since – but you can dream

Ignoring personal bests and worst’s my favourite races are Bluebell Trail in Halifax, (scenery brilliant and reminiscing), and my worst race has to be the Lancaster 10k in July, (has to be the most boring course ever). There are many races that I like, but another I would never do again is Oldham Half – unless the marshalling improved dramatically.

Anywhere there is water or trails involved and, fortunately, I live very close to the DeVere. Love going on the training weekends to the Lakes with Lytham, (and sometimes Blackpool – how can you beat the scenery?

Not really. I do have a Timex Ironman GPS and I guess if enough people club together for a pressie for my 50^th (see above) – I mean friends who I have clubbed together for in the past not necessarily members of Wesham (although no refusals will be given!) – I would like a Garmin 205/305.

Ask Carol, my girlfriend – she’s my diary – and ‘no’ I don’t for running either. Bad year 2008 but probably did 600/700 miles.

Leeds United and part time Blackpool, (not a great combination at this time – for those who don’t know, Simon (Larry) Grayson has just left Blackpool to join Leeds – as manager.

What would you change about the world to make it in your eyes a better place to live?

Not having ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ – surely it wouldn’t be that difficult. The criminal being made to pay for the crime and not the victim being made to look bad

Difficult – love music of all sorts but probably all time favourite artists are 10cc ELO Queen and Bryan Adams and

Full Monte – about three or four times – ‘specially the bit in the Job Centre.

My brother to fully recover from his cardiac arrest and for everybody in my family and Carol’s to be healthy. Probably

What would be your perfect evening meal out, venue companion and menu choice?

At a restaurant that does good wholesome food, (not nouveau cuisine); Carol (my girlfriend); pate; anything with

Which famous person would you take on a long training run and what would you talk about?

Tony Blair – I’d like to see if he still smiled at 20 miles. I’d try to talk about anything as I reckon he’s led a far more exciting life than me – whether or not I’d believe a word is another matter!

Where in the world would you like to live and bring up the family and what type of house?

Believe it or not in England - possibly the lakes but a populated area there - but maybe a detached house instead of a

Criminals getting away with crimes with absolutely useless sentences. Insincerity.

Name three personal items you would take with you if you could to a desert island on your own?

My CD player and CDs, (with extremely long lasting batteries!); my running gear; books.

What is there left to say – I love running; love being Wesham member and the magazine is brilliant (payment later Brenda!)

Solicitor, practising in medical negligence claims, at Potter Rees Serious Injury Solicitors in Manchester.

When did you start running, and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you been a member of any other running clubs?

I started running in 1999, at the ripe age of 30, (when I was young, free, single), along with other members of the Women-only Gym, The Figure Factory in Liverpool which is unfortunately no longer in existence. My first race was the Race for Life in Sefton Park. I joined Wesham in 2006, (I think). I have previously been a member of Southport Waterloo AC and Red Rose Running Club.

My dad has been a runner for a large part of his adult life and I have always emulated him. Running for me began as a means to get fit and also socialise with the other girls in the gym.

My best form was in 2000-2 when I was putting in high mileage. I took part in lots of races and achieved my current half-marathon PB in the Liverpool Half Marathon 2001 in a time of 1:45:08. My 10K PB was 46:36 in 2002 in Croxteth Park. I have built my fitness up again recently and hope to beat 1:45 in this year’s Liverpool Half Marathon. I had to stop running for about 7 months in 2002/3 and, just after starting back I discovered I was pregnant with my daughter so my running tailed off a little and then stopped altogether until July 2004, a few weeks after my daughter was born. Since then I have been lucky to have been running without any injuries and have steadily increased my fitness.

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, ect. What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

On average I run 25 miles per week, with a long run of about 10 miles, one tempo or interval run, and 2-3 easy runs. The most mileage I have done is 40+/week when I was training for my first Marathon, the 2008 London Marathon. It certainly made me faster at shorter distances. My training tip would be to do 2 or 3 quality sessions per week with the rest easy runs.

I want to do the London Marathon again, do a half-marathon in under 1:45 and just keep on enjoying running.

Best race – London Marathon 2008 – my first (and only so far) Marathon. My training went to plan and I managed to finish under my goal time of 4 hours (3:54:25).

Worst race – Southport Waterloo Good Friday 4-miler in 2002 – had a stinking hangover and felt awful. I never did that again!

I love gadgets and have to talk myself out of all the new ones! I love my Garmin Speed/Distance/Heart rate monitor and I take my MP3 player on the odd run, especially the long ones.

I religiously keep a running diary, (yes, I’m a running geek!) and logged 1307 miles last year, (my biggest mileage year to date).

I used to go spinning and also enjoyed aerobics classes but haven’t been for a while. I am a member of South Ribble Orienteering Club.

I love reading, cinema, film and the internet. I enjoy spending time with my family.

I don’t really follow any football team apart from England when they play in the big international competitions.

Even though I can’t attend the Wesham Club nights I love being a member of the Club as they seem a real friendly bunch.

When did you start running, and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you been a member of any other running clubs?

I started running about 2005 at the age of 30. I joined WRR’s on the night of the Predictor Race which started on Dowbridge, Kirkham and finished at the top of the hill in the town centre.

Now that’s a long story, but it was mainly a bit of persuasion from a fellow Wesham runner

FORM – WHAT’S THAT? In my short running career I have had plenty of ups and downs. I was decreasing my 10k and Inter Club times at a decent rate. My one and only half marathon was in 1h 53mins. I stopped running at Lytham I/C 2008, I pulled up at the two mile marker due to severe pain within my legs. Since then I have been under the knife and had a long period of rehabilitation. I have recently started back running with the times and fitness as when I first started. On a positive outlook I can only get better!!!

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, ect. What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

My training is limited to a maximum of 2 -5 miles due to the operation at the moment but will improve as the weeks trot by. This time last year I was training for Freckleton Half Marathon and running up to 15 miles in one go, averaging 35 miles a week.

To run a 10k at a pace of 7.25 - 7.7 mpm (45 - 48mins) and then aim for a sub 40.

I use an IPod when running alone, it gets me in a good rhythmic running pace and I also have a Garmin 305-useful when it’s working

I would like to thank all my fellow runners within the club for the encouragement you give.

I would also like to thank my wife-to-be (GAYLE) for the kind support with anything I do and all the love she shows XXX

Job and brief description: Retired Overseas Director- Standard Chartered Bank

When did you start running, and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you been a member of any other running clubs?

Joined Blackpool & Fylde when I left Arnold School, aged 16 in 1956 and was a sprinter/middle distance runner until I went abroad in 1970 when I joined Ndola, Zambia AC. I subsequently joined Macritchie Road Runners (Singapore) and the Hash House Harriers in Singapore/Kota Kinabalu (Borneo/) Hong Kong/Kampala/Dares Salaam/Freetown (Sierra Leone/Dubai and Doha (Qatar) when I was working in these counties.

Invited along to Blackpool & Fylde by Pete Adcroft, Senior Partner at Adcrofts Chartered Accountants with whom I was articled – introduced to Wesham whilst on leave from Borneo in 1985 by John Lyons who was then my best mate at Blackpool & Fylde – by this time we were both too bloody old for sprinting! John was a 1:54 man at 800m.and former Lancs. Track and Field champion.

Form- Steadily declined over 52 years continuous years running. Went over badly on my ankle during a hash run in Spain in 1994 – out of action for 6 months. Flat footed and dodgy knees for past few years. Best times 400m.around 50 secs. 800m.sub 2 mins. (in the sixties) 10K. 38:15 as Vet 50 in Freetown (Sierra Leone)

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, ect? What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

Only 20 mile a week - my knees won’t take any more - got up to 50 mile a week training for Marathons in Malaysia when my training partner and best mate was an ex. Blackpool & Fylde international miler called John Kirkbride who came 4^th in the Munich Olympics 1500m.in 3:38 which is still the oldest record (1972)in BWFAC’s books. John was General Manager of Taylor Woodrow Malaysia) at that time and now lives in a three acre mansion next to the start of the Grasmere Gallop .Still try to do one speed session a week –one minute fast followed by one minute jog X 10, (my fast one minutes are now only 250m.whereas in the sixties they were 400m.)

To keep running till I’m 100 (my Granny lived to 98) - although I will be lucky if I can run 100m.in a minute at that age!

Winning Asian Vet.50. 800m.in Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia in 2:12 and Brunei Half in 1:33 – in 110F!

Windermere Marathon 1983 – hit the wall at Newby Bridge and staggered the last 6 miles to Bowness - lack of training – John Lyons and Russ Forsyth who were both ex. members of B& F and Wesham came past me together at 20 miles and Blackpool’s Alf Meakin (Tokyo Olympic sprinter), ran with me for the last mile..

Bolton Wanderers –born there! My Dad knew Nat Lofthouse, my granddad knew Joe Smith (Ex Bolton & England Capt. and Manager of Blackpool when they won the cup in 1953), and my Great Grandad played in the same snooker team as Sam Lever- founder of Unilever Soap firm .My old man told me that my great, great granddad who was born in 1786 was jailed for 6 weeks for killing a horse with a rabbit punch - he was a blacksmith who lost his temper when it kicked him in the googlies, whilst he was shoeing it!

I POUND the streets to keep off the POUNDS but like a few POUNDS in my pocket.

I was born in Hampshire (God, a Southerner!). My dad was in the army so we travelled around quite a lot, depending where he was stationed. For instance, we lived in Germany for two years. We moved to Morecambe when I was ten and I lived there until I was twenty-one when we moved to Elswick.

Which schools did you attend and what was the best experience you remember?

I attended Euston Road Secondary Modern in Morecambe. An 11 plus failure, I left school in 1962 with no academic qualifications. My best educational experience, therefore, came many years later when I graduated in History and Politics at Lancaster University in July 2000 aged fifty-two.

What’s homework? I loved P.E. lessons, though it has to be said that any ‘A’s’ were for effort rather than achievement.

Did you make plans for your career, or did things pretty much just happen? What was your first job and how much did it pay? How long did you stay there?

I wanted to be a joiner but was unable to obtain an apprenticeship with any of the local firms. One firm, however, offered me an apprenticeship in plastering, which I accepted. I started work on December 31^st 1962 and, ‘yes’, I was in on the following day. New Year’s Day was not a Bank Holiday in the Dark Ages! I was paid £2.12s.9d for a 42 hour week, which seemed like a fortune at the time. I worked as a plasterer until 2001 when I became a Learning Mentor at a local Secondary School, (the best job I have ever had.) I am now easing myself into retirement as a part-time postman. Chris says I have to put “postperson”!

In 1980 I was doing a maths course with the Open University and was stuck on an assignment question. A friend suggested a run might clear my head, so I went for a jog round Stanley Park. After what seemed like hours I was exhausted but I got a really good mark for that assignment. I continued to run occasionally after that but I only started doing it seriously when I joined Wesham R.R. in 1991.

What is your favourite race, any terrain, distance and what is your P.B. for that race?

My favourite discipline is cross-country so I can’t really talk about PB’s. I love the Nationals. They are always a great day out and you get to run on some fantastic courses such as Roundhay Park, Leeds and Parliament Hill Fields, London. Newark leaves a bit to be desired, however. Some of the best events I have taken part in other than XC are, London Marathon, Tour of Tameside, Round of the Four Passes, Coniston 14 and Freckleton ½ marathon. (Yes, Freck. It brings out the masochist in me!). For what it’s worth my 10k P.B. is 39:25. It seems a long time ago now though.

Is there a person who you take inspiration from either in running or everyday life?

I owe it all to Lady Young, or so she tells me! It’s certainly true that I wish I had had teachers as good as Chris when I was at school.

There are many runners who I admire, though probably none more inspirational than Bernard Yarwood, a true gent and a good friend with a wonderful dry wit. I think of him often and value the too short a time during which I knew him.

In everyday life, I admire and was inspired by, one of my politics tutors, Professor Preston King. A black American, he was persecuted and forced to live outside the United States for refusing to be treated as a second class citizen in the armed forces. He has since been honoured and welcomed back by former President Clinton. Seeing his patience, tolerance and simple human compassion after what has happened to him would be an inspiration to anyone. Professor King is almost certainly the most intelligent person I have ever met. Sorry Chris, but you are a close second with the rest left trailing!

Name a famous person you would like to take for a training run, where would you go and what would you talk about?

On a slightly topical note, how about a run with William Wilberforce and Christiano Ronaldo? I would love to listen to them comparing notes on their views of slavery! A run round the Dentdale course I think. I haven’t done that one for a while and it is a beautiful course. Even Christiano’s drivel might be tolerable there!

Slight explanation needed here. I answered this questionnaire some time ago, not long after Sepp Blather, sorry Blatter and Christiano Ronaldo claimed that modern day footballers were treated like slaves by their clubs; a bad choice of words in my opinion. Ronaldo is some footballer though!

What aspects of modern life really annoy you and how would you solve the problem?

Litter annoys me though I’m not sure if it is really an aspect of modern life. The past seemed cleaner but are my glasses rose-tinted?

This one may seem pompous, (particularly to Boss Wrinkly), but I often get annoyed by adulteration of the English language. I appreciate the convenience of text and e-mail shorthand but feel that it is overused. Our language is our main form of communication, whether spoken, written or broadcast and to my mind it is a thing of real beauty. When used badly it can be misleading and cause confusion.

Not sure how to solve either problem. It’s probably down to personal pride. See, I told you it would sound pompous!

Any venue that serves good food, I enjoy most types of cuisine. As the question said companion rather than companions, it has to be Lady Young.

Who is your favourite singer/group and what is your favourite all-time song tune?

I don’t really have favourites in terms of either performers or songs. My tastes are fairly wide ranging. For instance I think Nat King Cole had a tremendous voice and was a terrific jazz pianist to boot. However, I can equally enjoy Dire Straits, Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny or The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

What is your all time favourite film/show and how many times have you seen it?

Favourites again! I find the idea of having favourites a bit restrictive. I enjoy films of many genres, historical, political, or simply pure escapism For instance recently I have enjoyed, “Indiana Jones”, “Downfall” and “Charlie Wilson’s War”.

I have also enjoyed many shows and plays. I love going to the theatre. One particular play I will always remember was at Blackpool’s glorious Grand Theatre. Sir Anthony Quayle played King Lear. It was my first experience of Shakespeare and it was wonderful. It could have been awful and I would never have gone to see any Shakespeare again. As it was, I was hooked and have enjoyed many performances since. They have not always been good; some have been downright awful but thanks to that one night I know how wonderful it can be.

Where is your favourite holiday destination and a special memory of your visit there?

It would have to be Dubrovnik in Croatia. The old walled city is beautiful. We were lucky enough to be there during a cultural festival that lasted for around a month and we went to several performances. One in particular featured a young Russian violinist. He almost made the instrument talk. If I equate him to Eric Clapton on guitar, Mohamed Ali in the ring or Christiano Ronaldo with a football, (What? Him again?), you’ll get the picture, and we caught his performance purely by chance.

I was also lucky enough to go to the Olympics in Barcelona, a fabulous experience. I’m looking forward to attending as many events as I can in 2012.

Slow, grey, old! Our eldest daughter keeps asking me what it was like living in black and white! Hopefully they would describe me as honest, cheerful, and helpful. Chris says honourable. What a lovely woman.

As a student of history, the ability to travel through time as an observer would be terrific. If I had to choose just one period, it would probably be England in the seventeenth century.

Do you have a training schedule, or do you train as and when for particular races?

I don’t have a schedule as such. I like to try and run five times a week with a mix of steady and harder sessions. I plan more seriously when training for a marathon.

If you had not taken up running, how do you think you would have spent your leisure time? What other hobbies do you have?

My interests outside running include history, politics and the theatre. When I say the theatre, I mean all forms of theatre. I enjoy all types of drama, from the classics such as Shakespeare and Chekhov to modern day playwrights such as Harold Pinter and Jack Rosenthal. I also enjoy opera, although not the really heavy composers such as Wagner. As far as hobbies are concerned, my favourite pastime is cooking. I really enjoy cooking for friends and family. I have never had any real training but they tell me I cook quite well and I’m pretty sure I haven’t poisoned anyone. YET! Needless to say, I also love eating. Probably a good job I run!

Is there anything you wish you had done that you will never get the chance to do now?

I have now retired and am looking forward to whatever it brings. I prefer to look to the future, (Can a history student say that?), rather than dwell on any missed opportunities in the past.

It’s something to do on a Monday night! Seriously though, we are a terrific, friendly club. I count many of the club’s members amongst my best friends. We have a great relationship with other local clubs, rivals on the road or country etc, but good friends enjoying the same sport. I have also enjoyed being on the committee in recent years, it has given me an opportunity to put just a little back into a sport that has given me so much over the years. The “Wrinkly Tours” are a superb added bonus!

When did you start running and at what age were you?
1982 is when I was about 9 years of age but there was a football involved. Took up running seriously about 13 years ago.

When did you join Wesham?
Not really sure, I thought it was about 4 or 5 years ago but when I tot up my London runs it must be longer.

Have you been a member of any other running clubs?
Yes, I was a member of a club that was full of oddballs and anoraks. The members would congregate on a Wednesday night to stare at each other and weigh people up.

What made you start running?
I always loved the adrenaline of running out on the football pitch. (Probably covered more miles during half time than Whiteman did in his hay day!)

Describe your form over the years – how fast did you improve, when (and what) were your best times?
Can’t say I improved that much that quick. My first 10K was 33 minutes which was achieved by a mixture of natural ability and having a good level of fitness anyway due to playing football. With regards to marathons, times have continued to improve from year to year due to increased training and the stamina which I believe you build up after running long distance for several years. With regards long distance my best times are at present (London Marathon 2:25 / Buttermere 2:03). With regards shorter distance best time was 31:24 at the Blackpool Fun Run about 5 years ago, (although during the race heart was at 240bpm and eyes were popping out).

Has injury played a part over the years, have you had periods of stagnation and how long did they last? Have you stopped running for a time and why?
Over the years I’ve had better luck than the other pony-tailed runner I often get mistaken for, (who’s old enough to be my dad by the way!). I’ve had plenty of “niggles” but only had two injuries that have stopped me from running. Once had a problem with my shin which stopped me running for 3 weeks. More recently had an injury in my hip area which stopped me training properly for 3 months.

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, etc?
Average 60 – 80 miles per week. I do the odd speed session from time to time which I tend to fit in around racing when I still feel a bit of freshness in myself. The majority of the miles are made up of just one foot in front of the other.

What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner?
Never done more than 80 miles in a week. As to whether running more miles make you faster I can’t really answer that. Doing more miles would increase your speed during a marathon but it wouldn’t make you any faster over 100 metres, if you get my gist.

Do you have any training tips?
If training for a marathon, go the distance and beyond – guaranteed results! (A lot of people’s post race comments usually consist of, “I was fine until 18/20 miles,” etc.) Too much attention is paid to magazine articles and training tips from so-called coaches. The proof is in the pudding!

What running ambitions do you have?
My only real ambition is to improve my marathon time as all other distances are “just a spit”!

Best races – London Marathon (for the atmosphere) and anything in the Lakes (fantastic views, country air, etc). Worst races – city races, out and back runs, lapped courses, (these are boring).

Favourite training run?
Not sure about some of these questions? In general I run up and around Stanley Park and back. This is my most regular training run but not sure that makes it my favourite. Preference would be traffic free (for a bit of peace and quiet).

Are you a gadgeteer (GPS/Heart monitors/Walkman)?
No, but use a satellite dish for my long runs.

Do you keep a diary? If so how many miles did you run last year?
Yes, but couldn’t be ar*ed adding up the miles!

Other sporting interests (including past interests)?
Football, fishing, snooker, gambling and a bit of etiquette golf.

Other non-sporting interests?
Walking (The Lakes, etc), travelling, Real Ale, lamb dinners, log fires and swinging.

My personnel trainer at the gym suggested it as I was doing a lot of running on a treadmill he said try running outside as it is far more fun and he was right.

I didn’t improve for a long time after starting running but by upping the training miles the times started to come down until the injury I now have which has stopped me running since the Blackpool fun run. Had some minor injuries early on but got those sorted by wearing orthotics. Wished I was running as I am finding it hard and boring with time on my hands so I have started to do a spin class and Pilates but it’s not the same.

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, ect. What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

Before the injury my mileage had got up to around 30+ miles per week and I usually did Helen Jolly’s hill or speed sessions depending on the season. I did a bit of track work with Blackpool last summer which certainly helped. By increasing the mileage the times did start coming down. No training tips I am too inexperienced.

Best race was St. Annes 10 miler earlier this year and finishing with Dougie Brown got me a PB and breaking 23 minutes for a 5K last summer.

Out in the countryside away from main roads. Had a scenic route I did in Antigua with fantastic views but not likely to do that one again.

No diary just the Garmin which I got February 2008 and clocked up 1000 miles before my injury.

I am currently Self Employed. I have had my own DVD business for several years selling at large market venues and though online shopping sites and I also work locally as a taxi driver.

When did you start running, and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you been a member of any other running clubs?

I used to run at school and in later years I would run at weekend for fitness and enter local fun runs. I only took up running as a serious interest in Jan 2008 at the age of 37 but I didn’t join a running club until July 2009.

I had a shock last year when I stepped on the scales and saw that my weight had crept up to 151/2 stone which was far too much for my size and frame. I saw myself as a heart attack just waiting to happen.

I began running again in order to lose weight and I have since lost more than 5 stone. I now maintain that by carefully monitoring my food intake and run at least 6 times a week.

I had several years where I completely stopped running following an unrelated but serious ligament injury and the distraction of starting my own business. This is when I piled on excess weight.

Since resuming running, I have been fortunate that I have not had any serious injury or periods of stagnation. I always aim to reach my personal best each and every time I run. Failure to do so does leave me temporarily disappointed but it only serves to motivate me further for the next time.

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, ect. What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

I’ve been averaging around 60 miles per wk at present and the most I’ve done is around 90 miles per week but that was with 2 half marathons in the same week. Running further hasn’t necessarily helped to me run faster, but over time I have learned to interpret the messages my body gives me through my breathing and my muscles, so I know better how far I can push it and when to push it.

I like to vary the length of my training courses throughout the week, running 10k, 10 miles or 14 miles on different days depending on the races I have coming up. I don't currently do as much speedwork sessions as I would like but I am considering introducing it more into my training week.

When I don't feel up to a run or I have a slight Achilles problem, I hop on the bike and cycle between 10 – 20 miles to maintain my fitness.

Just to win a race would be good! But seriously I simply aim to improve on all times, in all distances and to complete my races injury free.

You would be forgiven for thinking it was when I qualified for 2010 London Marathon at Brathay in Windermere in May. However my best race was the 2009 Blackpool Fun Run. This was the last race my mother saw me run before she passed away to Cancer in June. I ran my heart out for her and it gave me my best 10k time in 35m 32s. It was a great day all round because the whole family turned out with her, either running themselves or simply spectating.

My worse race was the Freckleton Half Marathon just days after my Mum died where I clocked a disappointing time, over five minutes under my PB. I’d also put in a poor performance at the SOTO race in Fleetwood the day before her funeral. Although I needed to run to keep my mind off the situation, the reality was that my mind couldn’t fully focus on my running and a slower than usual time led to even further disappointment.

Aside from these specific cases, I don’t generally enjoy lap races because these can become boring and predictable but I like the challenge of a new race/course when you don’t know what to expect but simply have to adapt to it, such as a trail race or doing a course for the first time.

I don’t really have a favourite training run, (that I’m prepared to disclose!!), It’s convenient to run along the prom near my home when the weather is nice but I like to vary my course and their durations to try avoid repetition and throw myself extra challenges such as slow climbs, steep hills, uneven ground etc.

At present I use Nike Lunar Racers, Nike Lunar Glide +, Nike Air Max + 2009, Nike Zoom Start and Inov-8 Mudclaw 330 depending on the type of race, terrain or training session I am doing. I’m constantly looking to improve on these and I like to have a pair in reserve when the time comes to change them.

Until recently no but I have just bought the Garmin 310 XT Forerunner to monitor my pace/ time average. I’m not overly interested in using a walkman or heart monitor unless someone can tell me they will boost my performance!!

Yes, I have a spreadsheet where I record my times or any specific details about the course or my performance on the day (e.g. weather conditions). Last year I ran approx 2600 miles.

I Googled the distance across America, (from East to West), and this was approximately 2700 mileage so I guess this makes me a bit of a Forest Gump!

I used to play football for a Poulton and Norcross Team some years ago and I also had a dabble at golf for a while and played team darts. I like to follow my favourite Football team, which for my sins is Blackburn Rovers.

Not particularly, I don’t have any weird, wacky or wonderful hobbies as my life is pretty full already with work, rest and play. I do like to travel though, so combining races with a short stay around the country is a good way to kill two birds with one stone. I’m a big U2 fan and like to see them perform live.

I would like to thank everyone at Wesham for making me feel very welcome since joining. Also for anyone reading this who doesn’t believe they could lose excess weight, run for miles or achieve their personal goals, (whatever this may be), then I would advise them that nothing difficult, is easily achieved. It is a combination of grit, sweat and determination that makes it happen and you just haven’t to give up on your goal just because it seems impossible.

Since I started running again friends and family have been amazed by my progress both in terms of my times and my stamina. I would never have imagined this time last year that I would be running marathons after barely being able to complete 3 miles at the turn of that year. I look back now at old photographs of myself and recall my old lifestyle and I am more amazed with the impact that running has had on my life, my looks and my happiness. I can’t imagine my life without a pair of racers now.

Toolmaker at Bae Systems Warton Site in the development of future aircraft department.

I started running at school with being picked to run the X C when I was 13 and nothing serious until I started training for the Piccadilly Marathon way back in 1982 as a bet with a mate after a few beers, plus it was a way to keep fit after the football season had ended and then started entering races as unattached runner It was another 10 years before I joined Wesham Road Runners - (no regrets).

Describe your form over the years - how fast did you improve and what were your best times?

I was running well up to a few years ago and then started picking a few injuries. My times improved when I joined Wesham and Stanley Park Friday nights speed sessions, before then I just used to go out and run the miles. Best times are: Blackpool 10K 37:30, Guys 10 61:30. Wilmslow ½ Marathon 82:29, Sutton Park Vets 5K 19:15, Piccadilly Marathon 3 hours 6 mins

Been working away a lot the last couple of years so my training has been up and down. It is now September I am currently working in the outback South Australia Woomera nothing for miles the nearest town is Roxby Downs which is 1 hour drive away, so my training is following the trails through the outback you can run for miles and not see anybody the other is running around the village which is around 5K on the perimeter road, or running home from work which is 4.90miles currently doing around 30 to 35 miles a week nothing else to do out here once you have finished work.

I really enjoy the Inter Club series. Chorley 4 Wednesday night races Wilmslow ½ all with a good atmospheres. Worst races were the Bishop Wilton ½ and Leek ½ Marathon a couple of years ago very hilly - don’t like hills like that.

From my home in St Annes running down to the beach over the sand hills up to Fairhaven Lake taking in Granny’s Bay then along Lytham green over Saltcoates Bridge running through Green Drive back along the road into Lytham turning into Witch Wood by Lytham station coming out at Ansdell with just over a mile from home, the run itself is just over 8 miles.

Just bought the new Garmin Forerunner 310XT in July this year, so much on it - a must if you are into gadgets; previous to this I had the Garmin 205.

When I started entering races but over the years I just didn’t keep it up easier now I have the Garmin watch, down load onto the computer when I get back from the run.

When did you start running, and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you been a member of any other running clubs?

I roughly started running in my early years, when I was around 12-13. I joined Wesham in ’87-’88. I was a member of Preston Harriers and did track, road and XC.

Ran for Preston Harriers as a junior, (track, road and country), track being the cinder one on London Road. Quite a gap before I started running again. Joined Tomlinson’s gym in Blackpool and did the prom fun run, joined Wesham shortly after 87/8 after prompts from Beggs & Goodwin.

My form only improved after a 15 year gap after joining Tomlinson’s gym in Blackpool and doing the Prom fun-run. This led me to join Wesham RR after prompts from Billy Beggs. My best time was running alongside Martin Bates in the Fleetwood 1/2 marathon in 1:32. My best 10k time was the wrong side of 40 minutes. I have had injuries and I am currently doing more gym work. I have stopped running for a while because there probably isn’t anybody as slow as me at Wesham!!

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, etc. What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

I was running around 50 miles a week when I was training for the London marathon and it improved my athletic abilities. I usually ran with people that were faster than me, which helped me gain speed.

Worst race was probably the Great North Run due to it being boring. Best races were Dentdale and Garstang ½

RUNNER PROFILE - RICHARD Davies

Age - 51

Job - Civil Servant, working for Animal Health which is part of Defra. I am involved in checking up on Animal disease and welfare.

When did you start running?

I have always run; well it is quicker than walking! I started training and running competitively in October 2002 aged 44. I joined Wesham in 2004 after having done a couple of Wesham 10k’s.

I am also a member of Bowland Fell Runners and I spend as much time as possible now training off road.

Turning 40 was a big milestone for me and I thought that I ought to get fit, I used to play a lot of squash and badminton but ended up with bad knees, I tried the gym (boring!) then I did quite a lot of circuit training, The next thing to try was running, I entered a sprint triathlon but I am a poor swimmer a month later I entered the Wesham 10k and enjoyed it. I was hooked!

My first 10k in November 2002 was completed in 45:39, after a dozen other 10k races I managed to get under 40 mins in May 2004 but it was Blackpool so it probably doesn’t count, it took me another five 10k’s to get under 40mins again with 39:31 at Wesham in November 2004. My first fell race was in June 2004 and as I got into the fells I cut down on road racing. In November 2005 I managed to finish the Wesham 10k in 39:31 again!

A month later I did the Langdale Christmas Pud 10K in a new PB time of 39:18 in the snow, it must have been short! November 2006, (at Wesham again), I managed my best time to date of 38:12 – I can’t see myself beating that.

I have been very lucky since I started running I have not had any major injuries, a few niggles have made me cut down on my running but there have been very few weeks when I have done nothing. After I completed my Bob Graham Round in June 2009 I lost a bit of interest in running and especially racing but I am trying to get back into regular training and more importantly I am enjoying my running again.

I am trying to do at least 20 miles a week, in a good week at least half of that will be off road with some decent climbs and plenty of mud! I don’t do any speedwork, I never have, I always try and get down to Carr Hill on a Monday and I try to keep up with the fast lads to push myself. When I was training for my Bob Graham I tried to do at least 50 miles per week, as much as possible off road that is the only time I have really concentrated on my training. Switching to fell running has probably spoilt my chances of being a faster runner but it has built my stamina for longer runs. I don’t feel qualified to give any training tips but I do try to encourage people who ask me for advice.

Somewhere quiet, early morning before the crowds, off road with a bit of a challenge

My garage is like a shoe shop, I am using Adidas Glide on the road, and I have Adidas Kanadia, Mizuno Wave Harriers and Inov8 Mudclaw 270’s for off road running depending on the conditions. I have fallen out with the 270’s at the moment as they have started giving me blisters.

I always run with my Garmin, the old forerunner 201, one member of Bowland says it looks like an electronic tag for a criminal!

Do you keep a diary, how many miles last year?

I could be considered a bit sad here, my diary is on a spreadsheet, it adds up my weekly mileage and feet of ascent, then keeps totals for the year, average, maximum and minimum figures, it also keeps a track of how many miles each pair of shoes have done. Last year’s figures were probably a bit of an exception as I was training for the Bob Graham; my total mileage was 1315 with 247,000 feet of ascent which averages as 25.29 miles and 4750 feet of ascent / week.

As a family we enjoy walking and spend holidays in the Lake District, I enjoy cooking and am trying to de-clutter our house via EBay.

Being asked to complete one of these questionnaires by Steve makes me feel like I have made it as a club runner – or is he getting desperate!

Interview with Chris McDougall, author of Born to Run, from Time Magazine.....

Writer Chris McDougall, above the rim of the Sierra Madre Canyon, where the Tarahumara have made their home for centuries

Lace up your sneakers and run around the block. Do that about 10 times and it's a mile. Do that 100 times and it's an ultra-marathon. Now run those 100 miles up a mountain or in the woods at night or in a desert so hot that the soles of your shoes begin to melt. Sound like fun? Chris McDougall, author of Born to Run, thinks so. What started as a simple quest to explain a running injury took the former war correspondent deep into the world of ultra-running — and into the world of the Tarahumara, an indigenous race of super runners who live deep in a canyon in Mexico. McDougall talked to TIME about his experiences and what he thinks about people who say they don't like to run.

Anyone can do running. Running should be easy. It should be fun. It should include everyone. It shouldn't be a punishment for eating cheesecake, which is what we've turned it into. There's this kind of war on running — people keep telling you you'll get hurt, get injured, that you need orthotics, that you need go to a special running store before you try it. There's this totally misconceived notion that it's hard to do, and it's not.

Prior to the creation of the modern running shoe, people were taught how to run either by a running coach or by simple feedback from their feet. If something hurt, you would start running differently. You'd never, ever land on your heel on a thinly cushioned shoe, because it hurt. Your heel's not designed to absorb impact. Running should feel weightless. It should feel like you're floating in space. It's basically a series of controlled jumps. Then we started trying to trump nature and come up with something we could sell, and what we've created are these monstrosities that allow people to forget about form and running technique and just clump along in whatever kind of sloppy fashion they want.

You spent a lot of time with the Tarahumara, a society of master runners who live in obscurity in Mexico. I'd never heard of them before. How do they manage to still stay so secluded, and what did you do to get them to trust you?
They stay secluded by remaining down in the depths of this vast network of canyons. One reason they haven't blazed across the competitive circuit is because our kind of running is really stupid and foreign to them. We bust out as fast as we can from gun to tape, and the Tarahumara don't do that. Humans are built for endurance, not speed. We're awful sprinters, compared to every other animal. We try to run our races as if they were speed races, but they are not. They're endurance races. Even a marathon, the way it's run now, it's not an endurance contest. But the Tarahumara do two things that are different: they run as a group. Secondly, they alternate between bursts of effort and recovery. That's what's brilliant about their running — it's this really smart, strategic combination of fast and slow.

Running a marathon seems like a big deal, but ultra-runners run hundreds of miles over mountains. How do they do it?
I never saw an ultra-marathon until I was in one. I ran 50 miles with the Tarahumara. My stomach was clenching up like a fist before the race. I received the best advice for running I ever heard: "You're not going to win, so just relax. If it feels like work, you're running too hard." I just wish people would run two miles as if they were running 100 miles, because one thing that you will always see in ultra-races that you will never see in normal marathons are smiles. People are relaxed and enjoying the moment.

Most of the miles were a total blast. You start before dawn, so it's dark outside, and you're all huddled for warmth at the start. As you're running, the sun comes up. It's just brilliant. Every moment, every mile brought a vivid sensation. When you allow yourself to ease into the run, as if you're easing into a hot bath, the sensations come to you gradually. You feel your body warming up. You feel yourself hitting a stride. Nothing ever feels forced. It feels soothing and fun. The only crunch time was the last 10 miles or so — they were a little hard. I thought there was going to be more water, but they ran out. One man, Barefoot Ted, was drinking his urine at one point.

About drinking your own urine — you talk in the book about people who hallucinate while running or become disoriented and exhausted. You say running is really easy, but obviously ultra-running is an extreme sport. It's very hard, and people go through a lot. Why do you think people push themselves that hard?
A really smart scientist, Dr. Dennis Bramble at the University of Utah, said to me, "Recreation has its reasons." It's an instinct we have inside of us. We push ourselves that far because we're hard-wired to want to remind ourselves that we can do it.

The theory is that humans evolved as running-pack animals that they only way we got food was by running our prey to death. The human brain exploded in size about 2 million years ago, expanding from a peanut to the melon we have now. That could've only happened if humans were eating animal carcasses. But the first weapon only appeared 200,000 years ago, so for 1,800,000 years we were somehow acquiring dead animals without having a weapon to kill them. So the theory is that we ran animals to death.

I say, Go for a run. Or let's play some Ultimate Frisbee. Almost every sport involves running. You will not find a 4-year-old on this planet who does not like to run. Why? Because they haven't been told it's a workout.

There's no money in it. To get on a bike and look like Lance Armstrong, you're going to drop $8,000 or more. If you're an ultra-runner, you buy one pair of shoes. Tony Krupicka, one of the greatest young ultra-runners, has worn the same pair of crappy, cross-country flats for the past six years. It's actually one of the big debates in ultra-racing right now: some of the top competitors want there to be prize money, but the second money gets into it, the sport is ruined. Right now, there's a certain sense of amateurism and purity to the sport. I was crewing for ultra-runner Jen Shelton during one race, and she was gunning to win, but she ate a jalapeño pizza and pitcher of beer five hours before the start, so at mile 40, she blew up and was retching on the course. When she lifted her head up, she realized that two of the guys she had been competing with were standing there waiting for her. She was 40 miles out in the woods alone, and they wanted to make sure she was O.K. They took her to an aid station, and once she was cared for, they took off [for] the finish line. You get a sense of real camaraderie out there because ultimately it's about everyone pulling together.