Runner Profile

Hi, and welcome to another Runner’s Profile, by Werrington Joggers. Today we are profiling a longstanding club member.

Q. So, whats your name, and how long have you been a member of Werrington Joggers ?
A. Hi, my name’s Rob and I’ve been a paid up member of Werrington Joggers since 2018, although I took a running hiatus between 2019 and 2021! I’ve been back at the club properly since 2022 and on the committee since 2023. I also act as the Club’s Welfare Officer.

Q. When did you start running, and what was your motivation to start ?
A. I started running in 2015 as a way to get fit - I’d always been a little bit overweight and decided I wanted to aim to be able to run 5K round Werrington. Once I could do that, I signed up to WJ with the intention of running the Great Eastern Run in 2017.

Q. How many pairs of running shoes do you own, and which is your favourite ?
A. I currently have 4 - the most I’ve owned at one time. 3 pairs of road shoes (one of which I would use as a trail shoe too) and then a pair of ‘speedy’ shoes with a carbon plate - not that I’m currently quick enough for that to make a difference! I’ve always trusted Brooks for my trainers!

Q. What was your favourite ever run, or race ?
A. I am a sucker for the Great Eastern Run, it’s my home race, my first race and the race I will always enter if I’m not injured! I also loved the Wolverton 5 Mile in Milton Keynes - my first experience of running in a very quick field - it’s my 5 mile PB by some distance and yet I still finished in the back-half of the field!

Q. What kind of distance is your ‘happy place’ when going for a run, and what speed to you tend to run it at ?
A. I love a half-marathon! Had a wide range of times over the years - my PB is 1hr34, but comfortable around the 1hr40 mark!

Q. For new runners, what would be your advice on what to avoid ?
A. Just enjoy the thrill of running when you first start - your times will improve exponentially to begin with - avoid hitting that negative headspace when your pace inevitably plateaus - it will pick back up