Age: 48
A bit about yourself (job, hobbies, background etc):
Born in Sheffield, 3 brothers, one my Twin brother. Moved around with the job a bit ( Bank Manager) lived in Harrogate, Derby and moved to Leicestershire 16 years ago. Hobbies, mainly children and have 2 young children Isabella and Sebastian as well as 2 grown up ones James and Amy. Do a bit of gardening although probably not through choice! I love organising and helping to organise events
Years in running and other sports:
I ran at School in Sheffield. I went to the same school as Seb Coe ( although he left the year I arrived! But we had the same sports teacher! Clearly he listened more!). Cross country and some track stuff, 800 and 1500 metres. When I left school aged 16 I took up football which I played into my early 30's but ran a little for fitness. When I moved to Leicestershire (16 years ago) I worked with a young guy who got me to run the Newton Solney 10k (Burton on Trent) still got the Tshirt and no it is not minging I have never worn it! I absolutely loved it and to this day that is one of my best memories of running. The same guy also told me about Barrow Runners ( he was with Coalville harriers - now Hermitage) - I turned up there were about 10 people training, ran loved the run loved the people the rest is history. In more recent years I have got a little bit more into Triathlons which is brilliant fun. If you have not tried this do so, we are miles away from the elite but it is a real laugh and we do not take ourselves too seriously. Although if anyone can help me swim, that would be great!
What is your best/worst training session
Best - I really used to love pyramid sessions and 1 mile intervals ( or at least that is what I got most out of)
Worst - Pyramid and 1 mile interval sessions - I just can't cope with the pain anymore!
Favourite training snack
Fried egg sandwich - Double Chocolate Muffin! OK may be better to have the above afterwards.
Despite having run for quite some years I still have not a snack that works for me pre and during training.
Sports person you most admire and why?
Kriss Akabusi - Down to earth, hard worker, always praised others and just the best laugh ever!
What are your training aims for the year 2011/2012
Got to get injury free, build stamina and speed again. The latter is hard as you have to be prepared to suffer.
Top training tip
Work out what you are aiming for, plan a structure (seek held and advice from those around you and your Club!) and if you are one of those looking to improve be prepared to put up with discomfort in training. Above all remember we run because we want to, because we can and because we choose to, not everyone has those choices!