I started running 18 January 1995 as I was fast approaching my 30th birthday and putting on a little weight. The purchase of a cheap pair of jogging bottoms and trainers soon had me going.
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| Decades of running |
First race would have been a Rushden charity run in 1983, then again in 1984
January 19th 1995
Working away from home in Bristol, having put on a bit of weight (beer and fast food) I couldn't afford an expensive sport so I bought a pair of Hitec Silver Shadow ( only because that was my first pair of running shoes - the ones in the race above were a more expensive Hitec version). And went for a run. Half an hour, felt shattered but loved it - the rest.... is now history!
First race proper.
Sunday 23 April 1995
Wow! was it that long ago.
Excluding the two Rushden Charity races in 84 and 85 as I'm not sure they were measured routes
The inaugural Sixfield 6 road race. Organised by the then Northampton Phoenix; starting and finishing on the athletics track at the new Sixfield Stadium Northampton.
I can remember looking for a sub-40 time. Looks like I just got in there then.
Here's what Wikipedia has to say about the great Ron Hill. Click me.
Wellingborough Years
Joined Wellingborough and District AC around the time of the Blisworth 5 in August 1995. I saw a group of people in the green vest and approached one of them to join - he happened to be the tallest one there. Jon Kemp his name and we are still good friends today.
I ran with WDAC for a few years, drifting away from time to time as the girls were young before finally parting soon after the London Marathon 2004
The solo years
For the next 7 years I ran almost exclusively on my own, running the odd race, marathons and halves mainly until...one comes to the time of life when a change is needed.
Bedford Harriers. September 2011 -
That change was for a new challenge and quicker times. After considering Wellinborough again I decided that joining Bedford might be a good idea (it was). After saying hello to a couple of folk at the Swineshead 10 I joined the following day.
I continue to train and race with some great athletes and friends.
