Stubbington Green Runners

What's your full embarrassing name?

David Leslie Jeffery

Married, or are you young, free and single and like to mingle?

I’m married  to Lisa, and we’ve clocked up 11 years so far !

Where do you live?

Whiteley

Do you work or stay at home?

I work for IBM in Portsmouth

How long have you been a member at Stubbington?

Since the summer 2009.

Can you remember your first race?

I did many at school and used to run for Tonbridge AC in those days. I always preferred x country to track or road and I usually ended up finishing closely behind my Twin brother Steve. I gave up for 20 years, until the Clarendon Half Marathon in 2003 and finished it in 1:37 on the easier half, Broughton to Salisbury.

How often do you bother to go training?

I do something everyday. My black Labrador Midna makes sure I do at least a 3 mile jog every morning. I also do a couple of other runs as well and at least one Tuesday or Thursday club session a week.

What is your favourite training run?

I have a few.  One is down in Cornwall, Porthtowan to St Agnes and Back, out over the Beacon, back along the coast.   Another one in Sussex over Ashdown Forest and Pippingford Park, and finally anything on the Sussex Downs.

What was your best ever race?

Flora London Marathon 2005.  I broke 3 hours.

And what was your worst or most embarrassing race?

The sole fell off the bottom of one of my Mudrocs in the Meon Valley Plod a few years back and I had to run 3 miles with only one shoe, but the most embarrassing race was the Clarendon Half Marathon 2009.  When I got to the Race HQ I picked up a number and pinned the number on the wrong side in a rush.  Didn’t realise until I lined up at the start and had no time to change it.  So I ran the entire race with my vest back to front.    And I was daft enough to think that nobody would notice !!!. 

Do you have a pre-race ritual?

Yes, warm porridge, with sultanas and honey and a large strong coffee or two also with honey. 

What is the best piece of gear you have bought?

Bought a pair of super lightweight Addidas Adios Pro shoes for the Lordshill 10 Mile race and picked up PB.  Wore them again at Gosport Half and got another PB.  Great shoes !!

Worst piece of gear?

I picked up cheap handy winter headband from Aldi about 4 winters ago for about £2.  Lisa couldn’t stop laughing when I put it on at home so I’ve never worn it.  Free to a good home if anyone wants it.

Why do you run when you could be sat at home watching EastEnders?

There are so many places I’ve discovered that I would have never been to if I hadn’t been a runner.  Going to Snowdon next year, so I think I’ll try running up that !.

What does she/he who must be obeyed think about your running?

I’m not 100% sure Lisa has noticed yet, as far as she knows I’m just out taking the dog for a walk.     

What is the one piece of advice you would give to any new runner?

 It’s all about getting through the 1st 6 weeks. Forget about any sort of speed, just get into a regular routine and after that it will all start to fall into place.