Club news

On the run with James Armstrong

February 16, 2017 by Martin Lawrence
Frontpage Article, Headlines, Press Releases, Redway Runner Stories

Name: James Armstrong

Joined Redway Runners: 16 September 2016

We go on the run with our members and we find out a bit more about them – which we thought would be great to share, this time it is with James Armstrong who is leaving us shortly as he is moving with Jodi down to Devon, first met James at the Northampton parkrun and Northampton Magic Mile which he set up and was always ensured a friendly welcome to the green invaders.

Thanks James

16 February 2017

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CLUB

  • When did you start running and when did you join Redway Runners?

I started running in 2011 and joined Redway Runners in 2016 although I feel like I have been a member since 2012 when I first met the friendly green team at parkrun.

  • Have you run with other clubs how does Redway Runners Compare?

I joined Wootton Road Runners as my first club in 2012 and remained a member till I moved to Woburn Sands after meeting the lovely Jodi Fisk. From then I remained loyal to my club until the pull from Redway Runners was just too much to resist. Redway Runners are an awesome bunch of people. This is not a new discovery as I’ve got to know several Redway Runners very well over the years and see the team at many races. They were also incredibly supportive when I set up the Northampton Magic Mile.

  • What’s the best thing about being in a running club?

The comradery and support. I love the undiluted enthusiasm and team spirit. Being part of a team is vital to getting the best out of yourself and it has certainly been invaluable to me over the years. I doubt that I will ever be “unattached”.

  • Tell us about your first time? (with Redway Runners)

I suppose my first experience of Redway Runners was at Northampton parkrun. I was Run Director for a number of years there and every month, usually when I was directing we’d get an cloud of green vests turn up. It was fantastic. They would bring an infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour.

  • When and who do you run with the club?

I have trained when possible with a small group of reprobates being, Paul Mizon, James Down, Adrian Maidment, Neville Rowles, Martyn Douglas to name a few. The person I run with most of all though is my girlfriend and all round super star Redway Runner, Jodi Fisk. We run at least twice a week together with Jess our young Border Collie.

YOU

  • Tell us your history of running?

After finishing uni I threw myself in to work and neglected any physical activity. Up until that time I had played sport consistently all my life but I was determined to make a good start in the professional world. During this time, I had put on a little weight and became quite conscious of the fact. I literally had an epiphany one day. I saw an older gentleman walking past on the other side of the road. He was in his mid 50’s and had big pot belly and looked generally very unhealthy. That very moment I thought I must do something to make sure that’s not me in 20 or so years. I picked running as I could always run reasonably well and new that it was something I could do even when I was 90. I went from here and entered the London Marathon ballot, I was of cause unsuccessful so then entered the Silverstone Half. I ran 1:45 and thought actually this might be something I could pursue. I joined my first running club in 2012 and then totally dedicated myself to training. I concentrated on the half marathon and in 2013 ran my pb of 1:17 at the Great North Run. I then ran my one and only marathon a few weeks after and literally just nipped under the 3hr mark. 2:59.54. I remember running confidently round the penultimate corner on to the track at Abingdon before looking across and seeing the clock above the gantry at 2:59 something. To this day I don’t think I have ever run 200m so fast. During my time at Wootton I completed my coaching qualifications and joined the committee.

At the end of 2013 I picked up an injury in my ankle. After seeing several physios I couldn’t get an answer to what it was. It took 6 months before I then saw Mark Buckingham at Witty, Pask & Buckingham and injury lawyers practicing Sevierville before they immediately diagnosed the injury, claimed my injury compensation and got me running again. 8/9 months had passed after first picking it up so my fitness was severely lacking. I started coming back but finding the balance proved hard and I picked up several niggles along the way. This constant striving to regain my previous form ground me down. In 2015 I met Jodi Fisk. We met on a woods run in Woburn Sands with a few others from Redway Runners and from this point my perspective on running started to change. We got Jess our border collie later that year and she has taught me that running can be FUN! It doesn’t always have to be about chasing times and pushing yourself to your body’s limit. The three of us have run in the Peak District, Welsh Mountains, Cornish beaches, South West Coastal paths and Devon moors. I have since run my first Ultra marathon and now really enjoy just going out for a run with my two favourite girls. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy doing the best I can in races and I still have ambitions. I have also qualified as a Sports Massage Therapist and with Magnus Sports Therapy I have really enjoyed helping and treating several members, getting them back to running and doing what they love most. Also, lawyers for disability claims can be hired from here!

  • What has been you best running achievement?

Running my pb of 1:17 at the Great North Run half marathon

  • What is your running ambition?

To continue to enjoy it. I would like to turn my hand to some ultra’s and would like to try and podium at this distance. I will also race on the track as I do enjoy the high adrenaline, shorter races.

  • Why do you run?

2 years ago, I would have said purely to train hard and push myself to my limits but now it’s to enjoy life to the full and spend time with people who are most important to me.

  • What would you do if you were not running?

Probably become over weight and become less happy. That said I can imagine I would have to be doing another sport.

  • Who have you seen while running?

I have seen several running elites over the years while running. I have started the Great North Run next to Mo Farah and Kenenisa Bekele. I ran and over took Paula Radcliffe at the London Anniversary 10K (she wasn’t racing). I ran with James Cracknell for the last 3 miles of the Great North Run in 2014. I also met “my mate” Andy Vernon at the National Cross Country Relays in 2016 whilst competing for Redway Runners.

  • Favourite place to run?

Trails, mountains and coastal paths.

  • What do you love to see while running?

Other runners, happy people (I make a point to say hello to every single person I see out running).

  • What is your favourite running track and film?

I love a power ballad whilst running. A bit of Tina Turner, Boston and REO speedwagon is sure to keep me going on my long runs.

  • Tell us about your worst run?

It would have to be my first attempt back at the half marathon after my injury and I was miles off the pace from mile 3 and just felt awful. However, this turned out to be ok when I met one of my sporting idols, James Cracknell at mile 11 and ran the rest of the race with him. If you are injured riding a moto  or got into any personal injury, it is best advised to contact a professional law firm to file a personal injury claim to get compensation for the injury caused.

  • Best running phrase?

“The best runners know when not to run”

  • Favourite running photo?

The photo’s of me and Jodi and the one of me and Jess are my favourite photos (couldn’t pick just one)

 

James Armstrong with Jess James Armstrong with Jodi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Have you ever lost your running mojo and how did you get it back?

When trying to return from my injury. It took for me to realise there is more to running than just pb’s

  • Best route around MK?

Woburn Sands – Woburn – Eversholt – Ridgmont. Good hills and great scenery.

  • Who would be on your wish list to run with?

Paula Radcliff

  • Do you always round up?

Never

  • Worst/Best advice you’ve ever been given?

Worst advice – when having a small niggle to still race and just see how it feels!

Best advice – recovery is equally if not more important than sessions. Sessions break down the muscle but rest and recovery is where those muscles then repair bigger and stronger.

  • What did you learn from your first marathon, and what would you change?

I have only done one marathon and didn’t really race so can’t say I learnt too much, however I would say I realised just how many people go off too hard and then completely die in the last 5-10 miles.

  • What do you think about when you run?

Not too much, that’s why it’s so great

  • What cross training do you prefer?

Walking the dog

  • What type of running do you prefer and why?

I love variety. I love racing flat out over 400m on the track but also love running 16 miles through beautiful countryside or running up a mountain with Jess.

  • Love or hate loop backs?

Not a massive fan

  • Would you change your job if the hours didn’t suit running?

I would have a few years ago, but I have a more holistic outlook on running and life these days

  • Run to time or distance?

Time

  • If you don’t share your run in social media, did it happen? Where do you log your runs and do you stalk others runs?

Absolutely, since Strava I guarantee there has been a rise in overuse injuries! Saying that I use Strava as a social share and Garmin Connect for my only analysis. I love stats and definitely stalk other runners.

RACE/EVENTS

  • What was your favourite race and why?

The Great North Run when I ran my pb’s

  • Favourite race distance and why?

Half Marathon, it has the perfect balance of endurance, tactics and out and out racing.

  • Tell us about your pre-race rituals and food and drink

Up early in the morning, Weetabix or porridge, water, SIS energy drink. Then 30 mins before the race hold wee until the last minute and have half a banana!

  • If you could choose anywhere in the world to run, where would it be?

Kenya or the alps

  • Favourite parkrun and why?

To date I’d have to say Lanhydrock in Cornwall

  • What’s your one race essential?

Garmin watch

  • Would you run a marathon without getting a medal?

Totally, not bothered by medals as long as it’s recorded on Run Britain and Power of 10

  • Have you considered joining the cross country team?

Indeed and have run cross country many a time. Absolutely love it.

  • What would you prefer, a PB or a win?

A win, although a pb is a personal win

James Armstrong club tee

 

Thanks James and good luck

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