Q: what is the picture about?
A: This is me running with my youngest daughter at our local junior parkrun. She is dressed as her hero Moana as it is a heroes week and all the kids dressed up. I chose this picture because it best represents what running means to me. I have written a lot on the C25K forum about how my daughters took up running after watching me at a park run and wanted to try it to. When I started running I didn't realise how much of a positive effect it would have on us all. My eldest daughter runs to, but is too fast to be in this picture.
Q: Tell us a little bit about you!
A: Real name is Dave not sure why I chose Whatsapp as my handle, probably because it's close to my surname Whatsapp/ Watson - it's certainly not a nickname. I am married with two wonderful daughters and turned 40 this year. My career has been varied, but can be summed up broadly as beginning in Construction, followed by a decade of teaching and now I am a HSEQ Manager - so I guess I deal with the moral and legal side of business. We live on the south coast.
Q: How long have you been a runner?
A: I started C25K at the beginning ofApril 2017. So a little over a year.
Q: Did you start running with a C25K programme? Why or why not?
A: Yep. Downloaded the app. I had been looking for a way of keeping fit that fitted around me. I didn't want to join a gym or go to classes. I needed the flexibility. I spent 3 months following the Joe Wicks HIIT plan and although it worked wonders I needed a change. I thought how great would it be to be able to just run 5k in 30 mins whenever I felt like it. I was right.
Q: But what made you want to start running races?
A: Quite a few people suggested park runs to me, which made me curious. I did it and realised how different it feels to run with others. It gave a new edge to my solo running and made it more like training. I decided that I didn't just want to log runs at park run but to enter events and experience new routes. I could plan, prepare and train accordingly. It gave me focus for my runs.
Q: What's it like to run in your area?
A: I live near Eastbourne so there is the opportunity to run along the coast. Also, Beachy Head and the South Downs are nearby so plenty of scenic seaside running available. Mostly though, I run around the streets near by my house. So pretty flat really.
Q: What is your favourite race event so far? And why?
A: I've not done many, but The Kings Head Canter 5k which takes place on August Bank holiday and you run from the village of Chiddingly around country lanes to the village of East Hoathly straight to the aforementioned Kings Head, where you get a drink of your choice. No medal though, but a nice carnival atmosphere with a BBQ.
Q: What are your favourite mid-race snack, and post-race meal?
A: I never eat and run. I run early so mostly it is breakfast after a run. Which is mostly museli or porridge depending , but a sausage and egg mc muffin is an occasional treat.
Q: Name a favourite running website (plus link, please!):
A: Runner's World is my go to when I have a running related question. it seems like whatever the query they have an article or two to help: runnersworld.co.uk/
Q: What's next for you, running-wise?
A: The plan this year is to keep up 10k runs to give me a stronger base from which to start training over winter for the Eastbourne HM. I did it this year but my training was broken through injury and I want to go again and finish stronger this time. After that who knows...
WEEKLY CHAT 4-10 JULY 
Weekly Chat July 19th to 26th
Weekly Chat 27th June to 3rd July: Random ramblings from France!
