Name: Paul Woodward

Joined Redway Runners: 1 January 2011

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 Paul Woodward who is one of the very original club members he joined on the very first day the club started

 

Thanks Paul

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CLUB

When did start running and when did you join Redway Runners

I started 6 years ago and I joined RR about a year afterwards I think.

 

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

Meeting loads of other people of various abilities but we are all runners regardless of pace or the distance we do. It is just about being out there in your trainers and enjoying it.

 

How much does running with RR mean to you?

Running with the club has opened up so many different routes that I would never have found running by myself. I have also made some fantastic friends.

 

When and who do you run with the club?

I only really do the Sunday runs with the club and the occasional Thursday night run. Am quite shy underneath the shouting so haven’t attended any of the social events. I do however run with a small group before parkrun – the parkrun early lap group. They are heavily into their selfies and can be quite smutty! I try to tune them out.

 

YOU

Tell us your history of running?

Started when youngest Daughter was born 6 years ago as was terribly overweight, unfit, a heavy smoker and a bad drinker. I wanted to be alive to watch her grow up so started running. I am now much lighter, a non-smoker and teetotal and my life sucks ha ha. Never going to win any races and very injury prone. I do love running though.

 

What has been you best running achievement?

I went sub 20 minutes at parkrun a couple of years ago. Was a great feeling! No where near it at the moment though.

 

What is your running ambition?

I have set myself a target of 3000 miles for 2016 and so far so good. Just coming up to 2000 so should achieve it mid December providing I can stay injury free.

 

Why do you run?

Two reasons. Number one is cake. I eat like an actual horse. I won’t share number 2 on here.

 

What would you do if you were not running?

When not running I love to go for trips to the park with Emily.

 

What do you love to see while running?

Rain clouds coming. I love running in a rain shower. I sweat like a sweaty thing so a nice rain shower cools me off.

 

Funniest running moment

We had some great fun doing the parkrun early laps early this year dressing up as superheros etc.

 

Best running phrase?

I have two quite frequently used phrases whilst out running. One is “Hills are friends” and the other is “Less talking, more running”. Both normally get quite a rude response.

 

Favourite running photo and why?

Favourite photo was from the Firle half marathon in 2013. Was such a fantastic cross-country event on a beautiful day.

 

Do you always round up?

Yes. Check out my Strava feed. Sad is not the word for it.

 

Worst/Best advice you’ve ever been given.

The worst advice I ever hear is something along the lines of “run it off” when someone complains of an injury. No, your body is telling you to stop!! Rest!! Runners are so stubborn!

 

What type of running do you prefer and why?

I prefer doing about 10 miles. Not long enough to have to carry water and food etc but long enough to earn a little treat afterwards.

 

Loop backs, love them for the social?

Love them as they keep everyone moving together

 

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?

I log everything on Strava quite religiously. I do stalk a couple of people that I secretly compete against but they don’t know that so not telling you who they are.

 

RACE/EVENTS

What was your favourite race and why?

I did the MK half marathon with Lucinda Parish in 2015 and we had just the most amazing fun ever. She nailed a pb too. Plus we ran in Tutu’s. It was a great day.

 

Favourite race distance and why?

Half marathon every time. Just long enough to be tough and worth a medal but not long enough to require months of training. I am a lazy runner so hate thinking of it as “training”. I just like to run at whatever pace suits how I feel at the time.

 

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

Coffee and toast before then just water and Jelly Babies during. Afterwards – anything that tastes like Chicken or Cake.

 

What’s your one race essential?

Vaseline.

 

Thanks Paul