Tag:Run Leader

Ralph Taylor

  • Member of Essington Harriers since 2022
  • Run Leader

I started running at the age of about 48 just to keep fit and still be around as my son got older. I was beginning to find it harder to go out and run on my own,

I now run 4 times a week and can’t wait for run days to come along.

Still not keen on running alone.

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Q & AsMy Races

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

Lake Vyrwy half Marathon. Got a PB of 1hr 42min running as team so was helped all along the way.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Not to think you have to compete with those you run with just enjoy there company

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Keeping up with Holly Thomas

What running kit do you use?

Garmin watch

What one thing should people know about you?

Love baking cakes for our Sunday runday gang.

What are your pre-race rituals?

None

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Reeses

What future race ambitions do you have?

To try to finish ahead of Holly Thomas

To break 4hrs in one of next years Marathons and complete sunset to sunrise ultra marathon.

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?

My Races

No posts

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

Dave Poynton

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

As a way of losing weight I did a couch to 5k on a treadmill in my kitchen as I was very self conscious about my appearance. Once I’d started losing weight I gained enough confidence to venture outside and found parkrun which was an absolute game changer ! This lead to me joining another local running club before I tried Essington Harriers on the recommendation of friends.

Have to say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s a fantastic club with a broad range of abilities and everyone is welcomed and no one is ever left behind. Since joining Harriers I’ve achieved my ambition of running a marathon .. or two !

This was once again made possible by the unbelievable support shown by the club. I really wouldn’t want to anywhere else as I enjoy my running here so much.

Q & AsMy RacesMy 2021

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

London landmarks half marathon. An amazing event with unbelievable support and a lovely goodie bag !

What advice would you give a new runner?

Enjoy the journey!

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Completing a virtual marathon

What running kit do you use?

The right pair of socks!

What one thing should people know about you?

When I was very young i once auditioned for the Saturday morning kids tv show TISWAS ! Before my voice broke I used to do impressions. Never made it on to the show as they chose a ballerina girl.

What are your pre-race rituals?

None

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Energy bar

What future race ambitions do you have?

I’d love to compete in the London marathon one day

What are your favourite running shoes?

Mizuno

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

My Races

No posts

A year which saw me continue to enjoy my role as Run Director and running at parkrun upon its resumption culminating in a few pb’s along the way

Thankfully more ups than downs mainly down to friends on lockdown runs and club members when we were all back together.

Highlights :

  • Scarborough 10k
  • My award
  • Stafford Half
  • Alton Towers.
  • Running 1000 miles

Scarborough 10k: Although there’s nothing particularly standout about this race it allowed me to travel up and see my brother for the first time in nearly two years

Delighted to voted Runner of the year by members.

Stafford just because it’s a lovely run with a great turnout from the club.

Alton Towers was all about the rides ! The rides afterwards were just amazing and we all had just the best time with lots of laughter.

To reach 1000 miles gave me a focus with all that was going on around us. Absolutely thrilled to finally hit my target.

Looking forward : To continue being healthy enough to run with such a fantastic and supportive club with an amazing group of people ……. oh and maybe a Marathon x

Gary Jenkins

  • Member of Essington Harriers since 20021
  • Run Leader

Starting running in 1984. Joined Sneyd Striders as I went to school at Sneyd. First race was Walsall Half Marathon in 1985. Raining and finished on the cobbles under the Overstrand. Carnage!!

Left Striders early ’90 and went to Wolverhampton and Bilston.
Member of Aldridge RC for a few years mid / late 90’s, then a break until 2005.

Dave Poynton got me to join EHRC after much nagging and it is without doubt the best club I have been a part of. The whole ethos / values of the club are spot on

Q & AsMy Races

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

Getting back on the start line for the London Marathon after 17 years.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Don’t look at the watch, just enjoy it

What’s your proudest running achievement?

New York City Marathon. Unreal experience for so many reasons. First did it as a 20 year old (No Dave Poynton, there weren’t any dinosaurs!).

What running kit do you use?

Long short. Fat thighs!!

What one thing should people know about you?

One of the RD’s at Chasewater parkrun. Previously did the same at Walsall Arbo.

What are your pre-race rituals?

I tend to get there very early

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Weetabix and a banana

What future race ambitions do you have?

Manchester Marathon 2024. Very proud to help Phil Mew with this after his disappointment, but brave decision last year.
It will also be my daughter, Emily’s first marathon too.
Would like to do Loch Ness marathon at some stage

What are your favourite running shoes?

Hoka Gaviota

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

I have managed to get away with blowing my nose on Dave Poynton’s Wolves shirt without him knowing!

My Races

No posts

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

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

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!

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Q & AsMy RacesMy 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