July Challenge Response (from an old-timer)

[andystev]

I'd drifted away from an on-line presence, apart from the odd dip into Facebook. But I'm hunting down some motivation, and this worked way back when I managed to drag myself through C25K, so here I am, back again. roseabi's July challenge seemed like a good way to dip my toe back in, so here you go.

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: Me finishing the River Thames Half in 2016.

Q: Tell us a little bit about you!

A: 51 year old data geek living in Leicestershire. Hobbies include scuba diving and buggering about with motorbikes.

Q: How long have you been a runner?

A: Coming up to eight years. On and off.

Q: Did you start running with a C25K programme? Why or why not?

A: Yes, it's all Laura's fault!

Q: But what made you want to start running races?

A: Entering races is good motivation, can provide some structure to training and they're really good for monitoring progress. Certainly not in it to win...

Q: What's it like to run in your area?

A: Reasonably flat, although there are some lumps. I've got quite a few off-road tracks to play with as well as some quiet roads.

Q: What is your favourite race event so far? And why?

A: York 10k. I've run it twice. York is one of my favourite cities and the course is really nice.

Q: What are your favourite mid-race snack, and post-race meal?

A: Jelly babies. One every half mile after mile five. Post race? Don't care, just bring me food! And coffee.

Q: Name a favourite running website (plus link, please!):

A: Not really big on running websites.

Q: What's next for you, running-wise?

A: Brighton Marathon 2019. There's a 10k and a half marathon planned along the way too, but Brighton's the goal.

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

Hello! That's such a great photo, it looks like nothing will stop you 😄

[Madge50 Marathon]

That’s you at the end of a HM? Blimey......you look fresh as a daisy, with plenty in the tank, flying too!

Mx

[andystev in reply to Madge50]

Looks can be deceiving... I was being shouted at, which made me pick my feet up. For all of the last couple of yards.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Hi - and an enormous and profound welcome to this forum!!!! I hope you will find this a motivational sort of place

Thank you so much for this post, a wonderful read and your photo is amazing - look at those flying feet!

And you're coming to Brighton next year! It is a great marathon, there is amazing crowd support, and the second half of it is completely flat - a marvellous choice for your first marathon (it is your first, right?). Have fun with your training and I look forward to hearing more about it!

I hope it's ok with you to link this post and the original Challenge post together?

Here's the challenge post:

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

[andystev in reply to roseabi]

Thank you.

Yes, first marathon. Not the first time I've started training for one though... That's partly why I'm here. I've also signed up with a running coach, which, so far (3 weeks in) is proving to be a sound investment.

Yes, of course, link away.

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to andystev]

Marvs, thank you!

Ooh, a coach - interesting!!

[Decker Ultramarathon]

A great story and a great race pic too! All the best on the next step of your journey.