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What does running mean to you, and how did you get into running?

Running has been an important part of my life since the age of 12 when I started running for my local athletics club. Throughout my teenage years it was something that gave me a focus (be it new PBs or trying to win races) as well as a close strong social network of friends, some of whom I still am friends with today. For a long time athletics was tied into my self worth and achieving goals within running would make everything feel great. Now that I run less and no longer compete, running for me is a little odd. During runs nowadays I have to hold myself back from trying to run at a pace I used to run at, and instead admit to myself I’m not as quick now.

 

I started running at 12 when my football coach said my stamina was great and had my dad ever thought about taking me to the local track. Maybe it was the coach’s subtle way of suggesting I stop football?

When did you start with RunThrough, what is your role? 

My first event was in 2016 as a marshal, over time the guys asked if i wanted to start working part time for the team until my degree was over. In 2018 I became a full time member of the team.

 

My official role is Head of Logistics and Events executive. During the week I help Jatila out with the staffing, ensure that our vans are packed with everything we need for the coming events. It’s my job to make sure that all of the materials needed to set up the courses are well stocked and available for all of our events.

 

On event days my role is to help set up the course and ensure that course marshals are in there potions and aware of their role requirements. We all muck in together really so this is a general role description and can vary a bit. I do get to ride a bike sometimes though which is pretty fun!

What do you love about RunThrough?

We get given a lot of freedom in our roles either to carry out tasks when we wish or explore any implement new systems to improve the running of our areas of the business. This is something that I haven’t experience at other jobs and is refreshing, being in control of your role is a pretty cool way to work.

 

The events are very fulfilling, especially new with venues or larger events which pose challenges. Seeing people enjoy the events and getting to know regular runners, their stories etc are also also things that working for RunThrough gives you.

What is your favourite RunThrough event, and why? 

I’d say my favourite event would be a large scale one, like Hampton court palace. Mainly for the reason that there is often a lot more work to do compared to a normal RunThrough event, and often logistical issues to overcome. So when the event is complete and (hopefully) all the runners have enjoyed themselves, theres a big sense of achievement. This feeling happens after every successful event no matter what the scale, but its most definitely stronger with large scale event.

What 3 top tips would you give runners, that you have learnt over the years…

1- Don’t worry about your pace when running. Slow for you is fast for someone else, so just run for your own reasons (the good feel, stress relief etc) rather than for pace.

 

2- Consistency is key when it comes to training. It’s not all about doing huge sessions, loads of miles or really quick runs, consistently chipping away will get you to where you need to go eventually. You can only build a house a brick at a time.

 

3- Don’t underestimate the importance of strength/gym work when it comes to running. Gym sessions can and do really help with injury prevention for all levels of running. That doesn’t mean you need to do loads of squats, but simple banded exercises or calf raises for example can really help prevent issues.

What would you say to anyone coming to an event for the first time?

It’s always a good idea to get to the venue in plenty of time. If you’re unsure of anything there are plenty of people happy to ask who are happy to help. Just enjoy your run and don’t forget to put your timing chip on. 

What is your proudest moment?

Running wise I’d say my first time breaking the 2 minute barrier for 800m. I had trained hard for it and winning the rest was an added bonus.

 

A general achievement would be eating a full bag of crisps in the RunThrough office without Matt having to leave due to his hate of the crunching sound.

What are your current running/sporting goals?

I currently have several running/ sport related goals. A shortish term running goal would be to comfortably run a sub 40 minute 10km and generally get back to regular running. A longer term goal would be to run a marathon at some point in the next 5 years or so. The marathon is such a unique running event, to not attempt one after so many years of racing and running would be a missed opportunity I think.

What is an interesting fact that no-one would know about you…

An interesting fact that not many people would know about me is that for most of my childhood. I wanted to be a fireman. During this obsession with becoming a firemen, as a toddler I called 999 and asked for ‘Fireman Sam” (luckily they were very understanding and not a lot of time was wasted).