Dave Badger

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019
Committee Member: Club secretary

I was turning 40 and decided I needed to get fitter and join a club.

I saw an advert on FB saying a new club was going to be put together in Essington so I went on the very first EHRC run with a handful of people to see if I could do it.

The club was then officially set up and I’m still here lol.

Q & As My Races

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Stafford Half

What advice would you give a new runner?

Keep going you’ll get there

What’s your proudest running achievement?

PB Stafford Half 1:53

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

I’m awesome.
Love DIY and commercial aircraft.

What are your pre-race rituals?

No Beer

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Beer and scratchins

What future race ambitions do you have?

What are your favourite running shoes?

Brooks

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

My Races

No posts

Drew Allen

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019
Committee Member: Vice Woman’s Captain

I have always been into sport, doing hockey and GCSE sport at school. I started running, by just about, completing a few ParkRuns and then joining the Harriers in 2019.

My run journey really started in lockdown when there was nothing else to do! Tammy dragged me out for the ‘one outdoor activity a day’ and from there, when things started getting back to normal I signed up to many races! Going from 5k, to 10k, to half marathon, and now marathons (mind blown). I have now completed 2 out of the 6 majors. On to the next…

Drew Allen, Member 2019, Member 2020, Member 2021, Member 2022, Member 2023, Run Leader

Q & As My Races My 2022

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Its got to be the New York Marathon,
The people, the place, the crowd!

What advice would you give a new runner?

You can do it !!

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Running my first marathon

What running kit do you use?

Body glide

What one thing should people know about you?

I don’t like running on my own

What are your pre-race rituals?

Having a wee multiple times

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Everything I see

What future race ambitions do you have?

Complete The Abbott World Marathon Majors

What are your favourite running shoes?

Nike

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

I have been in a function band since I was 14, playing weddings and festivals. I play the bass, double bass (like a very big violin), and sing.

My Races

No posts

2022 Runner Review

Debbie Sherman

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019

Runner Intro

Q & As My Races

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

What advice would you give a new runner?

What’s your proudest running achievement?

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

What are your pre-race rituals?

What are you pre & post race snacks?

What future race ambitions do you have?

What are your favourite running shoes?

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

My Races

No posts

Adam Riddle

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019
Committee Member: Treasurer

When i started with the harriers i wanted to grow my friends in the local area, lose some weight and become healthier.

Adam Riddle, Member 2019, Member 2020, Member 2021, Member 2022, Member 2023

Q & As My Races

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Im not a racer but i take part in the odd one! Stafford relays was a great evening out!

What advice would you give a new runner?

What’s your proudest running achievement?

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

Im a big fan of football! Many of you see me down molineux most weekends – but if im not there, im on a plane somewhere!

What are your pre-race rituals?

What are you pre & post race snacks?

What future race ambitions do you have?

What are your favourite running shoes?

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

When i started with the harriers i wanted to grow my friends in the local area, lose some weight and become healthier.
Been aiming for 10K for a while!

My Races

No posts

Tammy Edwards

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019
Committee Member: Woman’s Captain

My running journey started with a few Parkruns, then my first 10k in October 2018. This was swiftly followed in the November by an email that I’d won a Strava Lucozade competition place for London Marathon 2019! (Be careful what competitions you click on Strava!)

The next 4 months consisted of 65 long and lonely training plan runs…I then saw the light and joined Essington Harriers with my niece Drew and good friend Jo and haven’t looked back since.

Nothing compares to the motivation and support Essington Harriers provide! You quickly realise that running isn’t just about you it’s about everyone around you. I wear my Essington Harriers shirt with pride and enjoy helping others to try achieve their goals 🦅

LiRF, Member 2019, Member 2020, Member 2021, Member 2022, Member 2023, Tammy Edwards

Q & As My Races My 2021

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

It’s a tough call.. different races for different reasons, but the New York Marathon was a 26.2 mile epic party!

What advice would you give a new runner?

You have good runs, you have bad runs…learn from both

What’s your proudest running achievement?

NYC marathon in crazy heat (hottest NYC marathon on record)

What running kit do you use?

Shorts whatever the weather

What one thing should people know about you?

I love a training plan!

What are your pre-race rituals?

100 loo trips

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Chocolate milkshake

What future race ambitions do you have?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ That six ⭐️ medal!

What are your favourite running shoes?

Nike pegasus turbos

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

I love a challenge!

My Races

No posts

2021 Runner Review

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

London Marathon

What are your pre-race rituals?

Coffee, Porridge with banana and plenty of trips to the loo

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Chocolate milk

What advice would you give a new runner?

There will be always someone faster than you, there will be always someone slower than you. You are only ever in competition with yourself

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Finishing the London Marathon

What future race ambitions do you have?

To run the New York Marathon

What are your favourite running shoes?

Nike Pegasus Turbo’s

What running kit do you use?

Under Armour

What one thing should people know about you?

Highly competitive but fun with it

Jenni Wilkes

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019

Committee Member

Mental Health Champion

Why I’m a Mental Health Champion for Essington Harriers

I’m a Mental Health Champion as mental health is very close to my heart, on a personal level, through friends, family and work. Having first-hand experience will help to support others and to raise awareness that it really is good to talk! I believe that a problem shared is a problem halved.

I can be found at club runs (usually on a Monday), weekend runs and I’m always available if anyone wants a catch up and a run… after all

Jenni Wilkes, Member 2019, Member 2020, Member 2021, Member 2022, Member 2023, Mental Health Champion, Run Leader

Q & As My Races My 2019 My 2022

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

My first ever Half Marathon – Birmingham Great Run. There was the dreaded hill but me and my Step Daughter did it and were so proud!

What advice would you give a new runner?

What’s your proudest running achievement?

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

I cry very easily….over anything!!

What are your pre-race rituals?

What are you pre & post race snacks?

What future race ambitions do you have?

Cant wait for the Benidrom Half Marathon

What are your favourite running shoes?

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

My Races

No posts

2019 Runner Review

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Memory – The Great North Run because of all of the inspirational people who ran it. It was so emotional and humbling!!

What are your pre-race rituals?

The toilet…..at least 6 times 🤣🤣

What are you pre & post race snacks?

A shake before a race and a banana after (and wine or pint later)

What advice would you give a new runner?

Enjoy it. Some runs are easier than others but just keep going and take it all in. It’s about you and no one else.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Being able to support Mental Health Foundation at The Great North Run

What future race ambitions do you have?

I have entered the VMLM 5 times….I’m hoping next year will be 6th time lucky

What are your favourite running shoes?

Asics

What running kit do you use?

Shock absorber running bra and KT tape

What one thing should people know about you?

I love to talk!!

Any other information you want to share?

Thank you to all the club members!! It really is a wonderful club with fantastic people!!

2022 Runner Review

Sarah Blackshaw

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019
Committee Member: Chairperson

I was always a lone, fair weather runner and could always think of more excuses to not run than to run. So in 2019 when I saw an advert for a new running club starting in Essington I hoped that having an actual time and day to attend would encourage (force) me to get up and out – It did and who knew that that running club would change and benefit my life so much.

I have so much more than running to thank Essington Harriers for. I’ve made so many memories, had so many laughs, made the best running buddies and ran myself through some very dark days. I even got to achieve the unthinkable – I ran a marathon!!

It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of the club and committee, watch it grow and become the successful and fabulous club that it is today 🦅❤️

LiRF, Member 2019, Member 2020, Member 2021, Member 2022, Member 2023, Sarah Blackshaw

Q & As My Races My 2020 My 2021

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

GNR & LLHM for the atmosphere but Manchester Marathon for the experience and achievement

What advice would you give a new runner?

What’s your proudest running achievement?

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

When I was buying my 1st house in 2001 I somehow got involved in the TV programme ‘Trading Up’ with Colin, Justin & Craig from Big Brother. The show made out that they had carried out cosmetic renovations to a house I was looking at and made it more ‘sellable’ but I’d actually already brought it and told them how I wanted it decorated. There must have been a few crossed wires though as what I asked for and what I got were 2 completely different things!!

What are your pre-race rituals?

What are you pre & post race snacks?

What future race ambitions do you have?

4hr 30m London Marathon 2024

What are your favourite running shoes?

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

My Races

No posts

2020 Runner Review

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Stafford 1/2 2020

What are your pre-race rituals?

Going for a wee x100 !!

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Post race/run – cup of tea

What advice would you give a new runner?

Don’t expect to love every run but love yourself for the fact that you got out there and ran!!

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Finishing my 1st 1/2 marathon after almost walking off at the 7 mile point

What future race ambitions do you have?

Finishing a 1/2 marathon sub 2hr and maybe one day completing the London Marathon?

What are your favourite running shoes?

Nike Vamero

What running kit do you use?

Water Bottle – it’s like my comfort blanket

What one thing should people know about you?

I talk – a lot !!

Any other information you want to share?

Enter details here

2021 Runner Review

Total of 973 running miles for the year – target of 1000 already set for 2022!!

Another year of highs, lows and plenty of adventures with our amazing running club .

My running highlight of the year has got to be doing the landmark challenges with Robin. We got lost several times (I know shock), unpicking Robin from barbed wire, ending up ankle deep in pig sh*t and having to break into the grounds of the fruit farm to escape are just some of the stories!! we’ll take you on these routes one day

Also in March, I did myself proud by running 200k with help from Robin & Tara for Breast Cancer Now charity, raising over £1k!!. It was in support of my BFF who had been diagnosed with breast cancer during lockdown and this was the only thing at the time that I felt I could do for her and to thank the fabulous team that treated her and took care of her

My low would have to be Stafford half – I was so looking forward to it as I’d really enjoyed the last time I’d done it, but it just wasn’t the day or month in fact for running for me and I didn’t enjoy it at all . I was struggling with my mental health and as much as running helped the majority of time it also didn’t help at times, and Stafford and in fact Alton Towers, were defo these times. HOWEVER after witnessing Dave bravery on the rides after and the fun we had made this day/race one to remember for ever . I’ll be returning to them both in 2022and feeling so much more positive these days

It’s been an honour to represent the club as Ladies Captain and the award from our Chair, Chris for his choice of ‘Runner of the Year’ was just amazing!!

The support and encouragement I’ve received from club members and the friends I’ve made along the way is just overwhelming. You are all amazing !! Thank you

Here’s to 2022 and plenty of miles, smiles and memories. Happy New Year Harriers

Robin Tinsley

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019
Committee Position: Marketing & Social Media Officer

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019
Committee Member: Vice Chairperson & Social Media Manager

I have run since I was at school, I’ve had the usual low mojo moments but I’ve never really got to the point where I ever hated running.

When I lived in South Shropshire on the Welsh boarders I used to do a lot of solo hill running. There was no local running club, it was well before Parkrun was a thing and the internet didn’t exist so exposure to running was watching the London Marathon on TV and very occasionally I would bump into another runner on the hills.

When I moved to Wednesfield I initially contacted a local running club, but was put off by their questions about my speed at different distances. Thinking that was how all running clubs would be I stuck to solo running, then I heard about a new weekly run about to start in Walsall called Parkrun. I went along to see what it was all about and felt a bit of an imposter as nearly everyone else there was dressed like a proper runner and were busy doing stretches and looking like they knew what they were doing! But they were all supportive, encouraging and eventually I joined a group of people who shared my running mindset and I became a SHABBA runner.

Skip forward to 2019 and I was struggling to juggle running and life, when I heard about a new running group about to start called Essington Harriers.

I came along on their first meeting and joined the Essington Harriers on the first day.

From the concept and the ethos laid down from day one, EHRC has evolved and I’m very proud to be a member of this great club. It’s a testament to the members that we are known around the West Midlands as a fun, friendly but still very competitive and successful running club.

LiRF, Member 2019, Member 2020, Member 2021, Member 2022, Member 2023, Robin Tinsley

Q & As My Races

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Running in the Wings For Life World Run races.
I love races that are a bit different, and the Wings For Life races are so unique in their reach, style and concept.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Don’t worry about your speed, don’t worry about stopping to walk and don’t compare yourself to others!
And buy some body glide.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Edinburgh Marathon – first marathon I ran under my own name and lots of emotions.

Also loved planning and posting the Run Walk Crawl events and later the Lockdown Landmarks running during the Covid years, it was great to keep that feeling of community in the running club even if we could not meet up in person.

What running kit do you use?

My watch to track my runs, I often have music with me (sometimes it’s seasonal)

If I’m on a longer run, I’ll take a hydration vest and snacks (Jelly babies, Haribo and compressed fruit bars)

What one thing should people know about you?

I have a condition that makes it very difficult for me to recognise people (especially if I am not expecting to see you, you have changed your hair style or colour, or are wearing things I don’t normally associate with you) so if I ignore you or don’t know who you are, please don’t think I’m being rude!

What are your pre-race rituals?

Stretching, and usually eat something an hour before.

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Nuts, protein, oats, chocolate, beer, chips…

What future race ambitions do you have?

I’ve stopped chasing PB’s a long time ago, I run for the enjoyment, the challenge and the chance to switch off from the world for an hour or two, so my only ambition is to keep enjoying my runs.

What are your favourite running shoes?

Size 12-13, padded, less than £80. Must dry out quickly after splashing in puddles.

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

I spend my work day sat at my desk, and always find the hardest part of running is getting out the door. I’ve been running for about 30 years and still that initial step is the biggest hurdle.

I take full credit for launching Kelly Brook’s career when I took modeling photos of her at a car show before she was famous.

I wake up every morning with a random song playing in my head, have done for as long as I can remember, the song is often something old that I have not heard for many years.

My Races

No posts

Geoff Green

Member of Essington Harriers since 2020
Committee Member: Men’s Captain

I’ve been running on and off since I was a kid, mainly running with my dad who was in the fire service.

Really got back into it properly in 2017 when I randomly got offered a place in the GNR. I Was running on my own regularly until the pandemic hit and I decided to try joining a running club as my job had gone from being quite social to essentially sitting behind a desk all day at home on my own.

I did a trial run at Essington and It’s fair to say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made and it really helped me through a low period as I’m quite a sociable person.

Geoff Green, LiRF, Member 2019, Member 2020, Member 2021, Member 2022, Member 2023

Q & As My Races My 2022

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Manchester Marathon 2023 – just great seeing so many Harriers involved with many completing their first ever marathon distance!

What advice would you give a new runner?

What’s your proudest running achievement?

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

What are your pre-race rituals?

What are you pre & post race snacks?

What future race ambitions do you have?

I’d like to do a sub 4 hour marathon – maybe Berlin in 2024!

What are your favourite running shoes?

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

I once finished second in a national Dungeons and Dragons tournament with my friends from school (proper geek), we narrowly missed out on top spot and a trip to America!

My Races

No posts

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Finishing a full marathon in 2019

What advice would you give a new runner?

Keep persevering- it gets easier

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Completing my first half marathon after getting back into running in 2017

What running kit do you use?

Airshokz bone conduction headphones

What one thing should people know about you?

I’m competitive!

What are your pre-race rituals?

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Banana Pre race, anything I can get my hands on post race!

What future race ambitions do you have?

I’d like to try and beat my best half marathon time

What are your favourite running shoes?

Currently adidas SL20’s

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

Matt Dodd

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019
Committee Member
Mental Health Champion

I joined the club at its inception to keep fit after completing couch to 5k on my own and doing my 1st parkrun at the Arbo. Had some time away after my 1st 10k in 2019 due to injury but returned to running the following year and started building my distance and pace back up.

I re-joined the club later that year after mental health issues, as I find the release of getting out with others really helps. I then started run leading in 2022 and later that year joining the committee as a welfare officer and completing my LiRF qualification.

I have just completed my 1st 1/2 marathon at the GNR and booked another for next year!

LiRF, Matt Dodd, Member 2019, Member 2021, Member 2022, Member 2023, Mental Health Champion, Run Leader

Q & As My Races My 2019

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Great North Run 2023

What advice would you give a new runner?

What’s your proudest running achievement?

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

I’m originally from Rugby and have no interest or knowledge of the sport!🏉

What are your pre-race rituals?

What are you pre & post race snacks?

What future race ambitions do you have?

1/2 Marathon under 2:30:00 next year

What are your favourite running shoes?

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

My Races

No posts

2019 Runner Review

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

1st 10k Spitfire September 2019

What are your pre-race rituals?

Headphones Watch, Water

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Don’t usually eat before, whatever I like after!

What advice would you give a new runner?

Keep going and don’t get hung up on time/distance just go for it!

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Longest Distance Solo Run 7 miles Jan 2021

What future race ambitions do you have?

Get 5k Under 30 mins

What are your favourite running shoes?

Asics

What running kit do you use?

Belt, Headphones, Head Gear