Runner Profile

Hi, and welcome to another Runner’s Profile, by Werrington Joggers. Today we are profiling our Club Chairman.

So, what’s your name, and how long have you been a member of Werrington Joggers? 

I'm Rod

When did you start running, and what was your motivation to start?

I started running in the 1970’s but didn’t really take it up regularly untiI I moved to Peterborough in 1985. I ran as an unattached runner until 1996 when I joined Werrington Joggers. My motivation to join was to get a place in the London Marathon, as in those days the club had a marshalling ‘contract’ with London Marathon and if you marshalled one year there was a good chance of getting a place the following year. So, I marshalled in 1997 and got a place in the 1998 London Marathon. I have been a member of the club ever since.

How many pairs of running shoes do you own, and which is your favourite?

I currently have 4 pairs on the go – 2 pairs of Brooks Ghost – my ‘’go to’’ shoes, 1 pair Brooks Divide (trail Shoes for Sunday Runs) and 1 pair of Nike Pegasus 41(bought with a gift card recently – look good but I find them not suitable for long distance).

What was your favourite ever run, or race?

I have run the London Marathon 4 times and that will always remain my favourite running experience – the atmosphere is incredible. My favourite local runs are Eye 10K and Fen10 mile – both well organised and it’s good to support local clubs.

What kind of distance is your ‘happy place’ when going for a run, and what speed to you tend to run it at?

These days I am happy just to keep moving! I guess my comfortable race pace is 8.5 /m, and training pace at around 9/m.   The club Sunday Runs are definitely my ’happy place’   - can’t beat running about in the countryside in all weathers with my club colleagues for 10 miles or so.

For new runners, what would be your advice on what to avoid?

Don’t run if you are injured – you’ll just make things worse -accept that you will get running related injuries now and again, so rest up and wait til you are injury free before starting out again.  Also - look after your feet – apply Vaseline or foot lotion before every run – I’ve never had a blister in almost  50 years of running.