Name: James Dwight

Joined Redway Runners: 12 January 2012

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 James Dwight – who we talked with and do not think once he mentioned his football team!

 

Thanks James

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CLUB

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

Started running around 2011 and joined the Green Army shortly after in 20012.

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

If you can count Sweatshop as a running club I occasionally run with them but mostly run with Redway Runners.

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

Meeting new people, plus the social side is pretty appealing, as someone once said, it’s a drinking club with a running problem 😉 Seriously though the trips abroad have been the best thing about joining the club, would never have even thought about going abroad to run a race, now I prefer to race abroad than pay the extortionate prices to race over here.

Tell us about your first time (with Redway Runners)

Can’t even remember my first club run but remember the first trip abroad with the club to Barcelona, had so much fun and the actual race was fantastic. It was only my second half marathon and the difference between that and my 1^st one was amazing, just wish my 1^st run was with the club. The difference when you run with other people and have the support at the end is something you can’t ever underestimate….not to mention the ice cold pint of Estrella already waiting for me at the bar near the finish.

When and who do you run with the club?

Mixture of Monday and Sunday socials, plus the club trips to Spain, not to be missed those trips.

YOU

Tell us your history of running?

Started running on my own around Tattenhoe to keep fit, then was recommended Parkrun where I noticed all these green t-shirts…..133 parkruns later and the rest is history as they say…

What has been you best running achievement?

Finally breaking the sub 20 mins at 5K, still not come close but will get there again!

What is your running ambition?

No ambitions as such other than to visit as many different parkrun courses around the country and spread the good word of the Green Army!

Why do you run?

To eat more pizza and drink more beer…..

What would you do if you were not running?

Take up knitting?

Who have you see while running?

Randomly saw Martin Keown at the Blenhiem Palace 10k

Favourite place to run

Spain, especially Barcelona, the crowd support was amazing and the freebies are always better than the UK.

What do you love to see while running?

The finish…..

Funniest running moment

Turning up to Cannon Hill parkrun in Birmingham one day to see Geoff New, Tony Daglish and Warwick randomly there. Had no idea they were planning on going and had to do a double take when I spotted another Redway Runner shirt in the distance!

What is your favourite running track and film?

I don’t listen to music while running, far too antisocial and seriously, it’s dangerous, don’t do it!

Tell us about your worst run

Silverstone Half, had to stop after 3 miles due to injury plus it was a horrible cold and windy day.

Best running phrase

“Don’t forget your barcode!”

Favourite running photo and why

Barcelona half 2013, first trip abroad with the club and first time running abroad. The bright yellow FC Barcelona socks certainly got us noticed…

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

Quite regularly, usually when my hip starts to get sore after a build-up of miles but nothing a couple days rest doesn’t fix.

Best route around MK

Willen Lake, just as it’s easy to get to from my house and it’s pretty flat.

Who would be on your wish list to run with?

Mo Farrah…if he could keep up with me…..

Do you always round up?

Always!

Worst/Best advice you’ve ever been given.

Time on your feet is more important than miles under your belt

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

Never run a marathon and don’t ever intend to!

What do you think about when you run?

Anything but the actual run!

What type of running do you prefer and why?

Nice smooth tarmac paths/roads

Loop backs, love them for the social?

As much as I can see their worth I can’t say I’m a fan, especially when I’m towards the front of the group and have to run that much further to catch everyone else, and then there’s the congestion when over taking….can you tell I’m not a fan??

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

Yes and was part of my motivation to get off working day/night shifts, since returning to Mon-Fri 9-5 I’ve loved having weekend back to run Parkrun and try and get to as many social runs as I can.

Run to time or distance?

Distance, always.

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
Garmin and Strava, if it didn’t record it didn’t happen!

RACE/EVENTS

Favourite race distance and why

5 mile races seem to be my best distance, always enjoy the Blisworth 5 mile race

Tell us about your pre-race rituals and food and drink
I never eat anything in the morning before a race, just plenty of fluids before the race and pasta the night before, try to avoid bread and cheese

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

A nice 10k around Manhattan would be perfect, taking in as many of the landmarks as possible

Favourite race/event and why
Barcelona half was amazing for the race support along the route. I love running along the seafront on the Torremolinos half as well.

Favourite parkrun and why
St Albans, mainly because each segment works out to be around a KM each so it’s great to judge how you are getting on, and it’s a pretty nice setting as well with the backdrop of the Cathedral

What’s your one race essential?
Garmin