Stubbington Green Runners & AC

What's your full embarrassing name?

John Alan Blake

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

Married

Where do you live?

Lee on the Solent

Do you work or stay at home?

I am a nine to fiver.

How long have you been a member at Stubbington?

2 years

Can you remember your first race?

My first race outside of school was one when I was about 14 and involved running up a steep hill, running a bit along a road on Salisbury Plain, down another steep hill and then up and down some smaller hills until I finished. I think I came third or fourth (what went wrong between then and now?) After that I didn’t race until the Great South Run 2007.

How often do you bother to go training?

I try to get out three times a week, sometimes four and I try to cycle to work once a week. On a normal week I run between 20 and 30 miles.

What is your favourite training run?

Any run that involves going along the sea front between Gosport and Warsash. I really enjoy running by the sea.

What was your best ever race?

Depends upon what is meant by best. My quickest was the Victory 5 2009 but the one I most enjoyed was the Clarendon Way relay marathon even though I did the toughest leg (I love hills – am I mad!)

And what was your worst or most embarrassing race?

My worst race was the 2009 Great South, no space to run in, I ran out of energy after 5/6 miles and I didn’t stick to my race plan – incredibly I got a PB but my overall feeling was of disappointment. You have to enjoy it!

Do you have a pre-race ritual?

Porridge and a few steps from the Stubbington line dance – Glen’s Thursday nighters will know what I mean.

What is the best piece of gear you have bought?

A heart rate monitor – I have been following heart rate training for the last six months and it has helped me improve lots – Thanks Tom.

Worst piece of gear?

Ill fitting trainers – don’t just buy a pair of trainers you may get lucky but then again you could have very sore feet and blisters!

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

EastEnders – what’s that?

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

As a runner/hockey player she understands the need for practice/training. It’s just a shame we have to take it in turns to go out.

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

Enjoy it and don’t run every training session as if it is your last race.