Here goes... Who am I , my name is Stephen Pearce aka the womble jogger be interesting to see what i write myself lol
Q: Please attach a picture, doesn't have to be of you if you don't want - but tell us here: what is the picture about?
A: My first attempt at running a Half marathon was earlier this year after only starting 12 months previously, it was for the charity guide dogs, as my wife is a guide dog user I wanted to give something back and challenge myself in the process, the pic is taken at the end of the race so apologies i don't look my best lol
Q: Tell us a little bit about you!
A: I'm a 40 something husband and father, i.t. guru, photographer, and photoshop dabbler, been running on and off for several years but nothing seriously until 12 months ago, each year i take up the challenge for charity next year i'm tackling 3 half marathons for guide dogs ... wish me luck
Q: How long have you been a runner?
A: on and off for the last 5 years dut only in the last 12 months have i got past all the issues that were holding me back and i can say that i truly enjoy it now and the communies i've found through it
Q: Did you start running with a C25K programme? Why or why not?
A: yes, was recommended it by a friend, tried and enjoyed the nhs c25k podcasts ... can highly recommend them, don't think i would have got where i am today without it
Q: But what made you want to start running races?
A: to give it a try i suppose, i've only done two races the flintshire 5k and the chester half but the support and the atmosphere were amazing... go for it people you have nothing to lose by entering and loads to gain
Q: What's it like to run in your area?
A:hilly but i suppose that's what you get for living in wales and it's usually wet, i run in an urban/industrial area most of the time but i would love to get out into the country and do some trail running
Q: What is your favourite race event so far? And why?
A: has to be the chester half, for all it's faults it is my first half so will always be special not only for the reason i did it in the first place, but for the support from the crowd in the last couple of miles spurring me on and the slaps on the back as i run from the other runners telling me i was doing great nothing quite like a crowd of complete strangers shouting your name to give your legs the strength and you the will to go the distance needed
Q: What are your favourite mid-race snack, and post-race meal?
A: not yet needed a mid race snack, did have some jelly babies and i love the odd mint imperial (shouldn't whilst i run i know) as for afterwards anything with loads of carbs, i seem to crave it afterwards
Q: Name a favourite running website (plus link, please!):
A: not really seen or used that many if at all, do you really need another apart from this one ;), oo forgot i use strava and map my run to plot new routes forget my own head if it wasn't screwed on lol
Q: What's next for you, running-wise?
A: first to shift some weight being 4 and a half stone over weight isn't good when you run, next year i plan to run the swansea half, the cardiff half and i am running the chester half, plus one more i have not yet decided upon all again for guide dogs... as for longer term plans, who knows, i want to keep increasing the distance and improving my times, i would love eventually to do a marathon and i have been looking at obstacle course racing such as tough mudder but that i think is a long way off