Tag:Member 2020

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 & AsMy 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…

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Q & AsMy RacesMy 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 & AsMy 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.

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Adam Riddle
Q & AsMy 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

Lisa Hickman

  • Member of Essington Harriers since 2020
  • Committee Member
  • Lear Welfare Officer

I started running C25K just before lockdown. I had been trying to motivate myself for ages. I then met an old friend who had been diagnosed with a very serious illness & yet were so motivated to stay well & live each day to the full. It made me realise good health is a blessing & I should count myself lucky that I get to choose to keep fit & active. It gave me the kick up the backside I needed.

Running kept me sane through lockdown. I was so glad to have made that effort. I ran regularly but always on my own.

I then saw a post about EHRC & joined when I could. I have had the best time over the last 3 years with them. I have never met such a great bunch of people.

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Lisa Hickman
Q & AsMy RacesMy 2020My 2021My 2022

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

My 1st 1/2 marathon in Stafford 2022. I never thought I would ever run that far & it was a brilliant feeling on the day.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Run for you. Commit & do what feels right to you.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Stafford 1/2

What running kit do you use?

Jelly babies

What one thing should people know about you?

I never back down from a challenge.

What are your pre-race rituals?

Try to sleep well & have everything ready for an early start.

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Porridge & coffee (or Peroni if I’m not driving)

What future race ambitions do you have?

I’m looking forward to Benidorm 1/2 marathon

What are your favourite running shoes?

Now trying Brooks

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

This club is fantastic. It welcomes you & offers you real friendship.

My Races

No posts

2020 Runner Review

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

Yet to attempt a race. Managed a Park Run pre lockdown.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Enjoy your running. Do it your way.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

10k with the Harriers. These guys got me there without me even noticing. I had never thought I would run so far.

What future race ambitions do you have?

Just to try one. Lockdown has not let me even attempt one.

What are your favourite running shoes?

Asics

What running kit do you use?

Strava so I know what I have achieved.

What one thing should people know about you?

I enjoy good chats.

2021 Runner Review

2022 Runner Review

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

The Santa Run 2021 West Park. You can find the photos on the facebook page. Funniest time with such lovely people.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Give it a shot. What’s the worst that can happen? Everyone had bad runs. But the coffee & company at the end is worth it.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Chester 10k 2021 1st race ever

What running kit do you use?

Hybrid Sainsburys to Adidas

What one thing should people know about you?

If you come on one of my runs, we will probably get lost.

What are your pre-race rituals?

Just learning them now. Tell you next year 🙂

What are you pre & post race snacks?

See above. But Jelly Babies & Haribos are becoming my new favourite snack.

What future race ambitions do you have?

1/2 marathon I said I would never do. Attempt at sub 60 min 10k

What are your favourite running shoes?

Asics

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

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 🦅

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Q & AsMy RacesMy 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

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Q & AsMy RacesMy 2019My 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 🦅❤️

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Q & AsMy RacesMy 2020My 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 2022🤞and 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 🥳

Glyn Rowley

Member of Essington Harriers since 2020

  • Member of Essington Harriers since 2020
  • Group Leader

I got into running August 2017 when Rachel came home with an airbrained idea of doing a Couch to 5k.

With her idea in mind and the expectation of it being a fad, I said “great idea, I’ll come and support you”. So I suppose I started running purely by accident.

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Q & AsMy RacesMy 2020

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

It has to be the London Marathon again another accidental entry resulting in doing something I never thought possible.
The opportunity to experience the event with my bestie and represent this fantastic running club.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Do you and don’t compare to others

What’s your proudest running achievement?

I did a 5k dressed as a Turkey- I won best in show

What running kit do you use?

Other than shoes, gloves

What one thing should people know about you?

Not much to tell- I do however identify as Geoff.

When I’ve finished the marathon, I’m pressing the reset button and starting over again- that’ll mean new shoes 😃

What are your pre-race rituals?

Poo

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Porridge pre and everything afterwards

What future race ambitions do you have?

Just to get through the next race before booking another

What are your favourite running shoes?

Subjective really- this week I prefer OnCloud

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

In 2019 I quit my job and started my own business all based on reading the book my former boss recommended- Who Moved My Cheese by Dr Spencer Johnson

My Races

No posts

2020 Runner Review

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

F1

What are your pre-race rituals?

Usual a poo or two

What are you pre & post race snacks?

I love a pint and all the food

What’s your proudest running achievement?

10k and half marathon in the same day

What future race ambitions do you have?

Marathon + distance

What are your favourite running shoes?

Garmin watch
Vibram Fivefingers

What one thing should people know about you?

There’s nothing specific- what you see is what you get

Any other information you want to share?

No, but my wife is pretty cool

Rachel Rowley

  • Member of Essington Harriers since 2019

I saw an email at work for Couch to 5k, I decided to sign up with the intention of completing it, ticking it off and forgetting all about it being as though I hated running at school and expected to still hate it but it was life changing.

I decided to join Essington Harriers as I knew a few members and was assured they were an inclusive, friendly and supportive club. 5k turned to 5 mile, 10k, 1/2 Marathon and a Marathon!!

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Q & AsMy RacesMy 2021My 2022

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

Has to be The London Marathon- the whole day from the start was epic! Sharing it with my husband & best friend Glyn was an absolute dream come true. Just thinking of crossing that line together still makes me emotional.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Believe in yourself, and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Run your own race at your own pace.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Birmingham and Black Country Half & Warwick Triathlon

What running kit do you use?

Compression leggings

What one thing should people know about you?

I sing in a Community Choir which has given me very random opportunities including singing with Tony Christie (Is this the way to Amarillo) and proving backing vocals to Duran Duran (Ordinary World) and more recently a FlashMob during a 50th Anniversary Gala Event

What are your pre-race rituals?

Just go before I have chance to change my mind!

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Anything edible & easy accessible

What future race ambitions do you have?

To stay sober enough to complete the Benidorm Half
Sub 30 minute 5k as it still eludes me.

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

2021 Runner Review

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

The 10k Spitfire Run and Run Fest 2019

What are your pre-race rituals?

Get out the door quick before I change my mind

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Jelly Babies

What advice would you give a new runner?

Invest in some decent running shoes, listen to your body and be prepared to battle the inner voice that tells you that you can’t do it because you can!!

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon

What future race ambitions do you have?

To complete a few more half marathons and maybe a full marathon at some point.

What are your favourite running shoes?

Brookes

What running kit do you use?

Knee supports and chewing gum! I feel like I can’t run without either.

What one thing should people know about you?

I started running in 2017.
I joined CT5K and my aim was to be able to run 5k without stopping and once I’d done it I would tick it off my list and never think about it again. I dragged along my husband and in-laws and the addiction was born! 5k became 10k, 10k became 10 mile and 10 mile became a half marathon.

Any other information you want to share?

I’m a mother of 5, 3 boys and 2 girls. I’m a Nana of 1 (and another 1 on the way) I’m a Registered Midwife I’m a newly qualified volunteer Covid Vaccinator

2022 Runner Review

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

Warwick Triathlon

What advice would you give a new runner?

Believe in yourself, and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Run your own race at your own pace.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Birmingham and Black Country Half & Warwick Triathlon

What running kit do you use?

Compression leggings

What one thing should people know about you?

I’ve sang in front of The King, I’ve shared the stage with Tony Christie & I’ve performed on a backing track for Duran Duran with Anthem Voices Choir (my other favourite hobby)

What are your pre-race rituals?

Just go before I have chance to change my mind!

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Anything edible & easy accessible

What future race ambitions do you have?

To finish London Marathon 2023

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?