Steve Parker – Part 2  

Mar 272023
 

 

Name: Steve Parker
Born: 25/05/56
Date Joined IAC: 5/06/07

Pam Jones suggested I join because it’s a welcoming & friendly running club. Pam was right.

Personal Bests:

Track :
5000m 20.25.4 Ilford 28/06/2011
Road:
5k 20.20 Barking Park 25/08/2008
5 Mile 33.29 Ingatestone 28/09/2008
10k 41.32 Southend 04/10/2009
10 Miles 70.10 Great Baddow 17/05/2009
Half Marathon 90.11 Docklands 02/04/2000 & Disney 09/01/2011
20 Miles 2 hours 29mins 29 secs Great Bromley 06/03/2011
Marathon 3 hours 10mins 49 secs London 13/04/08

 

First Club Race: No real idea. I think it must have been a cross country like Basildon, as it’s the first time I remember wearing our club vest. It was too big for me.

Notable Performances: Winning an Essex gold at the Halstead marathon, a silver at the Great Bromley 20 mile and a few bronze medals to make the set. An Ironman (2.4-mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a marathon to finish) The London Classic (100 mile bike ride, London marathon and the 2 mile Serpentine swim). Winning a Gold at the Vets Champs Battersea Park. A silver & bronze in the Kent Coastal Half Marathon, 2nd in age group in Steelman Triathlon 2012.

The London Classic, all done.
Thanks Alan

Representative Honours: G.B. Masters in Germany, Denmark & Finland.

Most Satisfying Performances: Completing the Ironman at the age of 58. The plan was to do the race before I was 60.  Racing 44 marathons. Getting through The Tough Guy Challenge in one piece, The Thanet 20M 01/03/09 in 2.29.22 A very hilly and tough course.

Tough Guy ???

Billy & Steve test the Stadium ready for the Olympics

The IronMan big finish

My Biggest Disappointment: Not taking up running earlier in life and not quite getting under 3 hours for the marathon.

My Most Embarrassing Moment: Whilst out running I started to trip but found a nice soft piece of muddy grass to fall on which was next to a bus at a bus stop and saw that the whole bus was wobbling with laughter.

Typical Weeks Training: Mon. Rest, Tues. Fartlek, Wed. Pool swim, Thurs. Club session or 10 mile run. Fri. Rest, Sat. Open water swim (Summer only, I’m not as brave as Mel). Sun. Bike ride.

Favourite Sessions: Rob’s or Billy’s club session and an open water swim

Who is your Greatest Rival: Any guy with a 65 pinned to his back

 

Favourite Race: Bournemouth 10K

We ran as a club and stayed for the weekend. Most of us won our age groups and Kevin Newell came third overall.

Such a great weekend away in Bournemouth.

How would you improve the sport of Athletics: Make Athletics a more important part of school life, so people grow up with it as part of their lives.

Favourite Athlete or Sportsperson: Chrissie Wellington

 

Favourite Race distance: Half Marathon.
In two races, The Docklands Half & The Disney Half, I ran the same time to the second at just over 1. Hr 30 min. A few seconds quicker & I would have beaten the 1. Hr 30 min barrier.

What other sports do you follow: Moto G.P. Speedway, Triathlon

Best Country Visited: New Zealand

Favourite Food and Drink: Skate and mash, rhubarb crumble and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc

Favourite TV Shows: C.S.I, sport programs, a good documentary

Last Film Seen: Elvis

Last Book Read: Dead Men Don’t Tell Tales by Guy Martin.

Favourite Singer/Band: Queen

Last Album Brought: Now Serving Royal Tea Live from The Ryman by Joe Bonamassa

Last Concert Attended: Queen and Adam Lambert June 2022

Do you have any Pets: A few fish in the pond.

With you going on the first leg, who else would be in your dream 4 x 400m team: Haile Gebrselasse, Paula Radcliffe & Billy Green

What are you aims for the next season?

To try and have a full year uninjured. I have had knee problems for the last few years. So, keeping injury free would be a step forward and maybe a last hurrah the following season. I would like to finish the big three. Two down, London Classic and Ironman, but I still have unfinished business with the World Marathon Majors.

 

Tell us a joke

A man walks into an exotic pet shop, he says to the shop keeper, I would like a very unusual exotic pet please. The shop keeper says how about a rhino sir?  the man says, no thanks you sold me one a couple of weeks ago and I have trouble getting him through the front doorway.  The shop keeper then suggests a seal. The man says, I already have a seal that lives in the bathroom, which makes it very difficult to take a bath. The shop keeper then says I have the ideal pet, what about a lion?  the man says, no thanks, we had one of those and it went up the curtains and my wife was not at all pleased.  The man then asks, have you got a wasp?  the shop keeper seemed quite bemused and says sorry sir, we don’t stock wasps. The man says that’s funny; you had one in the window last week.

 

STEVE ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

 

1. What was the training schedule for the Ironman?

I.M. schedule was.

Monday 42 miles on bike & 30 min pool swim.

Tuesday Ilford track session.

Wednesday 60 min pool swim.

Thursday 60 min easy run.

Friday 70 miles on bike.

Saturday 70 min open water swim.

Sunday 14 mile run.

2. For Ironman which event did you enjoy the most and performed the best in? 

It had to be the run I enjoyed the most. The swim was busy with 2000 swimmers going around the buoys. The bike I was worried I was going to get a mechanical problem.

3. How old were you when you started running? 

37 but more seriously when I turned 40

4. Which of the marathon majors have your completed so far (in addition to London), and which was your favourite?

Berlin, Chicago, New York & Boston which was my favourite as there is so much enthusiasm from everybody you meet there.

5. What schools did you go to and did you do sports at them?

Langtons & Bush Elms. I did all the usual sports, but I wasn’t sporty in those days.

6. Has there ever been a runner either at Ilford AC or any other club, who you would consider you had a friendly rivalry with? Someone you aimed to either keep up with or beat in a race?

It would have to be Bree & Andy Caton. I very rarely got the better of Andy though.

7. Favourite place to run. Either in training or for a race?

That would be Hainault forest. So many runs with club mates & races.

8. What did you think of the recent Elvis film?

I enjoyed the Elvis film a lot. I think Tom Hanks played a great Colonel Tom Parker. (No relation)

9. Favourite Olympic moment?

Watching the 1964 Tokyo Olympic marathon. I couldn’t believe people could run that far.

10. Have you ever done parkrun? Do you have an opinion on parkrun?

As a first step into running I think it is great. I have only run one parkrun to celebrate Carol Muir’s 100th (I think) different race. Unfortunately I got lost & runners followed me. Sorry Jenni.

11. Five people you’d love to meet (dead or alive) and spend some time with?

Nigel Mansell, Steve Redgrave, Freddie Mercury, Brian Blessed & Diana Rigg.

12. You chose Billy Green in your dream 4x400m Relay team. Would you make him go last so that the whole stadium could cheer home the final runner?

Yes of course. Billy would be my anchor man. He is dependable, turns up & gives his all for the team, usually crossing the finishing line with a smile on his face.

13. Do you have a favourite running shoe, how many shoes do you have on the go at any given time and your opinion on cheaty shoes?

Including spikes & studs I have 4 pairs. Regarding the carbon cheaty shoes, the Genie is out of the bottle. They should have been banned straight away, but saying that if I was still a competitive runner I would probably buy a pair.

14. Can you remember what made you take up running in the first place?

I was working in engineering. After a wile I moved into an office job. I put weight on, so decided to take up running.

15. Any pets

Only fish in a pond now. We did have a big black cat a few years ago. He used to bring us presents. Birds, frogs & once a sausage.

16. Favourite Radio Station?

Planet Rock, but I am getting a bit fed up with all the betting & money draws they have.

17. Other than your own running, would you say that you follow athletics enthusiastically or casually?

I only seem to find time to follow athletics casually I’m afraid.

 

  Sheila Sinclair  

Aug 292022
 

Name:   Sheila Sinclair

Born: 10th July 1965

Date Joined:  September 2012  

Personal Bests:

5K 31:43   Olympic Park – June 2019

5K 31:15   Valentines (parkrun) – Sept 2019

5M 55:20   Dagenham,  May 2019

10K 66:57   Vitality London  May 2019

First Club Race:  I think it was the XC (2017).  I was a complete novice to XC, but it had always appealed to me.  I remember that I was at a track session one Tuesday evening and I believe that it was Neil Crisp that approached me and Launa Broadley.  He said that he had heard that we were going to be entering a forthcoming XC event.  He asked whether we had trail shoes as normal trainers would not be appropriate.  He then talked to us about XC – thank goodness he did.  Some wise advice.   Needless to say, both Launa and I had a conversation about purchasing some trail shoes.  That weekend, I was in my local sports shop purchasing some trail shoes!

Favourite Race:  I enjoy XC season – I love being out in the open (even when it is cold and muddy!).  I love being out in the forest or park environment and running across open or rough terrain.   For me, XC is about setting myself a challenge to compete in the event and the feeling of what I have achieved once I have crossed the finishing line.     

My other favourite race is the Vitality 10k – I just love the atmosphere, the support of the crowds and again being out in the open.  Although I do not get to take in the scenery and sights very much as I am so focused on the race!

Notable Performances:   My 1st XC October 2017 at Horseheath (so glad I got my new trail shoes in time for this!  

8K  XC  61:06 Parliament Hill, 2018 – English National Championships

Typical weeks Training:   Monday nights – long run (aim for 10K) with my running buddy Launa

Wed:  Harriers Night

Saturdays:  parkrun

I would love to train more during the week, but I have other commitments (I am involved in voluntary work with my church – so time is limited).  If I am training for a race, then I tend to move things around so that I can train more during the week.

Favourite sessions:  Wednesday nights training with the Harriers

Who is the most famous athlete you have seen?   I met Steve Cram, at a university graduation!  

Mo Farrar – at a water station at the London Marathon – our club was privileged to see him as he ran past.

Usain Bolt – 2012 Olympics

How would you improve the sport?    More funding/grants available to athletic and sports clubs to build up and encourage the general public in developing and maintaining good health, good food choices, lifestyle and well- being – with activities such as running.   One of the notable things about the pandemic was that we saw more people going out walking and taking up jogging as well as participating in online exercise classes.     We need to maintain this interest.

Favourite Athlete or Sportsman:  Usain Bolt

What other sports do you follow?  Gymnastics, Show jumping 

Best Country visited:  Jamaica is my first choice (as that is where my parents originate from).  I have traveled quite a bit in the past and really enjoy Morocco.

Favourite food and drink:  West Indian food – Ackee and saltfish (Jamaica’s national dish). Other than that,  I eat a lot of fish – my favourite would be sea bass with a mixture of vegetables (not celery though!).

Favourite TV shows:  Sports (Athletics);  The Great British Bake Off and cookery programmes.

Last Film seen:  Have not been to the cinema for a while, but recently watched the film “Instant Family”

Last Book Read:  The Beekeeper of Aleppo ; next book I am planning to read “28 Pounds 10 Shillings – The Windrush Story”

Favourite Band Singer: Difficult to choose – music choice is quite varied, but I will say Damien Marley.

Last Theatre attended:  Queens Theatre, Hornchurch

Any Pets:  None currently  – have always had cats and in the future would like to get a cat again.

What are your aims for next season?  Focus on building up my running again (as have had a break for various reasons); stay healthy and eat sensibly.

Tell us a joke:  Q:  Why did the cat enroll into Police school?  A:  He always wanted to get into claw enforcement.

  Pramila Monro  

Aug 242022
 

Name: Pramila Monro 

Born: 24-June-1973 

Date Joined: I think I joined the Wednesday Harriers in Aug 2011 

Personal Bests: 

5K: 28:17 

l0K: 41:26 

Half marathon: 2:11:06 

Marathon : 4:58 

First Club Race: 

ESSEX CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE 

Gloucester Park, Basildon 

7 Km Basildon Race 

38.53 min 

Favourite Race: Don’t think I have a favourite race. I enjoyed the southend half marathon race as it was a flat course and most of the run was by the sea which was lovely. 

Notable Performances: 

Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon. It was freeeezing cold…brrr. Can still feel it. It had snowed heavily the night before and there was still lots of snow around. All other races around that date were cancelled. I got my half marathon PB. 

Typical Weeks Training: When I am running, my typical training in a week would be 

Tuesday -Track session 

Wed -5-6 mile run 

Sunday -8-9 mile Forest Run 

Favourite Sessions: Sunday Forest Runs 

How would you improve the sport: 

I would actively encourage people of all ages to join running or any other sports clubs -it’s good for everyone all round and also get more involved with schools to encourage/generate interest in sports including running amongst children. 

Favourite Athlete or Sportsman: Jessica Ennis, Steffi Graf, 

What other sports do you follow: some Tennis, some football 

Best Country Visited: Croatia 

Favourite Food & Drink: Aubergine Schezuan with Veg fried rice, Favourite drink is Masala Chai (Spicy Tea) 

Favourite TV Shows: The fall, David Attenborough programs, 

Last Film Seen : Knives Out 

Last Book Read: Can’t stand up for sitting down -Jo Brand 

Favourite Band Singer: Adele, Alicia Keys, Ed sheeran, rock bands like guns and roses, scorpions, 

Last Theatre Attended:   I watched the Cinderella panto at Kenneth More Theatre 

Any Pets: None 

What are your aims for next season: To get back into running half marathons 

Tell us a Joke: Can’t think of one 

  Paul Grange  

Aug 142022
 

Name: Paul Grange

Born: 17/5/79

Date Joined: June 2019 

Personal Bests:

800 – 1:53.01

1500 – 3:57.41

 5k – 15:25

Mile 4:17:18

 

First Club Race: 800m at the Southern Counties Veterans league in Stevenage

Favourite Race: Westminster Mile on the road, and Hadleigh for XC.

Notable Performances: 

– Essex Champs 2021: Double Gold in the 800/1500.

– Lea Valley Dream Mile: Indoor ALL TIME British V40 record.

– Multiple time wave 1 Westminster Mile winner.

– Pulling the kids along in a 1500 at Mayesbrook, where we all ran PBs.

– Winning the Essex Road Relays for Ilford in my first year with the club.

Biggest Disappointment: Double silver in the 2018 Essex Champs 800 and 1500.

Typical Weeks Training:

Credit to Gary Floate for the most ideal track sessions for an 800m runner’s fitness zones.

– Monday: 5 miles AM easy(7min/mi)/ 5mi PM easy

– Tuesday: 5mi AM easy / Track session (eg. 800:  1:58, 600: 1:40, 400: 1:04, 200: 27, 25)

– Wednesday: 5mi AM 8min/mi / 5mi PM 6:30min/mi

– Thursday: 5mi AM 7:30min/mi / 2×(4×400) AVG 61, last lap burn-up in 55s

– Friday: 6mi AM 7:30min/mi / 4mi PM 6:30min/mi

– Saturday: AM track session or race, eg. 4×400 (54, 55, 55, 57)  /  5k tempo PM

– Sunday: Long Run 10miles with my boys.

Favourite Sessions:  3×(3×300m) very fast with lots of rest. If, at the start of the last set, it’s difficult to raise your hands above your waist … you’re doing it right! 

Who is the most Famous Athlete you Trained with or would like to train with: Trained with Steve Collins and Kevin Mitchell

How would you improve the sport:

Nationally: – free race entry for u20s into road races once 80% of a races quota has been filled 

 – I don’t agree that athletics is not encouraged enough at school level, this happens automatically if the interest is there. in order to create the interest, children that are involved with athletics clubs must be featured and showcased, making the sport look attractive to youngsters. You can take a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.

 – Locally, remove all age-group scoring for elVis races to make young people more valued by their clubs, this would also increase the standard of competition.

 – On a global scale, follow the Ingebritsen method to make athletics exciting! We need superstars and rivalries – stars like Beckham, Messi and Ronaldo have made football exciting. Athletics superstars will make running attractive. Like the coe and Ovett days when athletics made the back pages. 

Favourite Athlete or Sportsman: Roger Federer, but in athletics it’s Pierre-Ambroise Bosse

What other sports do you follow: Boxing and my sons football teams.

Best Country Visited: Thailand

Favourite Food & Drink: All spicy asian food, coconut water

Favourite TV Shows: Better Call Saul

Last Film Seen: The rise of the foot soldier

Last Book Read: Black Box Thinking (highly recommended by 800m Olympian Matt Yates)

Favourite Band/Singer: Keane

Last Album Bought or Downloaded: Keane Radio on Spotify (get with the times, ask me what my favourite podcast is!) (it’s “The Model Health Show”) don’t we listen to more podcasts nowadays?

Last Concert Attended: Never attended a concert, I’m not great around large crowds. 

Any Pets: Luna the Greyhound

What are your aims for next season: 

 – To improve on as many PBs as the opportunities arise. (it’s not about capability, it’s about availability nowadays!) This season I have improved my 200m and mile times so logically the ones in between should also be achievable. 

Tell us a Joke: Why are Scandinavians considered to be the best runners across the globe? Because they start near the Finnish line.

  Gaye Young  

Jul 312022
 

Name: Gaye Young

Born:  21.03.1969

Date Joined: October 2017

Personal Bests: 1500m track race: 6:25.74

                              5K: 22:26

                              5 miles: 37:57

                              10k: 47:23

                              10 miles: 79:23

                              HM: 1:44.01

                              20 miles: 3:03.23

                              Marathon: 3:56.19

 

First Club Race: 28th October 2017 – Horseheath, Essex League. Time achieved was 32:26. It was freezing cold and it was a shock to the system doing my first cross country race.  But somehow I enjoyed it, hence me waving and smiling as reflected in the photo. 

Favourite Race: I do like the Elvis Olympic park 5k not so much for the race but feeling a sense of gratitude for being proud to be a part of this country and that I am running in the Olympic park where other great athletes took part in the Olympic games. I also felt the same sense of awe being part of the London Marathon and enjoyed the atmosphere so much. It brought tears to my eyes when I was crossing over London bridge.

Notable Performances: The Elvis Barking 5k race in August 2021. I arrived literally with 2 minutes to spare, after cycling to the park, dropping my bike and running to the start line and desperately needing the toilet and started running still trying to pin my number onto my top. I did my fastest 5k and once I reached the finish line I continued running, heading straight to the toilet. 
The Essex 20 was the race which proved I could run a lengthy distance. Then of course running the London Marathon which was a goal I set to achieve when I started running. 

Typical Weeks Training:  I train 5 days a week with 1 or 2 strength and core workouts. 

Favourite Sessions:  I do like doing the summer time hill sessions. They are tough but spending time in the forest is always lovely especially as you can see the London skyline. 

Who is the most Famous Athlete you’ve seen:  I saw Mo Farrah at the Vitality 10K one year. It was also great watching him fly past when I was volunteering at the London marathon water station.

How would you improve the sport:  To combine strength and core workouts as part of the training plan for runners. To gain more understanding around the science of running and the power of the mind and how it influences your performance. 

Favourite Athlete or Sportsman: On the South African side for me is Bruce Fordyce who won 9 Commardes ultra marathons and was everyone’s hero during his prime. Commardes is the ultimate race in South Africa and it is an event that most South Africans will tune into to watch. 

Francios Pienaar the captain of the South African rugby team who won the 1995 world cup. His performance on and off the ground was inspirational during a time where South Africa as a nation came together to celebrate. A time of great unity across the rainbow nation. 

Who do you admire as a runner:

I think everyone in Ilford AC is great and each of us achieve amazing results. It is always great watching the fast runners racing around the track but equally those who just keep going and finish a race or a rep giving their best is amazing.

Pam is a legend and someone I admire so much.

Julia is the first person I ran with at track and she helped me gain confidence when I first started.

Carlie helps me realize that you can improve your speed and stamina.

Hannah impresses me with how speedy she has become at track sessions.

Frieda is just fantastic with her ability to just keep going always with a smile

Alison is so strong with cross country and a good partner to run with.

I am humbled by Billy who supports other runners to help them meet their running goals

Dennis is inspirational with how he just powers up those hills and am in awe when I see him running.Dennis has helped me much to build my belief in myself. 

Anna helped me achieve my first 7:52  pace for a 5 miles virtual race and Sameena helped me overcome the challenge of running longer distances again when coming out of the first lockdown by running alongside me for 14 miles at my achievable pace. 

What other sports do you follow:  

I do like watching tennis and sailing.

Best Country Visited

Canada. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. The Rocky mountains are spectacular and the vastness of the country is astounding.

I am biased but South Africa, particularly Cape Town and the Garden Route is exceptionally exquisite. 

Favourite Food & Drink:  

My comfort food is marmite on toast.

I always enjoy tea and hot chocolate.

Favourite TV Shows: 

No idea. I don’t watch T.V.

Last Film Seen

Maverick, the latest Top Gun movie which was then followed by watching Top Gun  on dvd.

Last Book Read: 

Non fiction:

Time to Think: Listening to ignite the human mind

By: Nancy Kline

A fascinating read.

Ficton:

The book of two ways

By: Jodie Picoult

Favourite Band/Singer:  

This is difficult to decide:

I always find myself singing along to Queen when I hear it being played.

I like Shaina Twain and always feel energized when her music is playing

My go to c.d. when I need a pick me up would be Ed Sheeran

I generally like music and listen to all types (no particular artist or band). 

The c.d. I am playing at the moment is ‘Top Gun!’ Guess wha – t I am a Top Gun fan!

Last Theatre Attended:

Cinders – it was a bit naughty but funny.

Any Pets

I have a finch. Did have a pair of finches but one of them died.

What are your aims for next season:  

To achieve a PB at the London Marathon.

To be able to continue running as it helps me not only physically but for my emotional well being as well. 

Joke:

I really am no good with jokes and don’t really know any.

Billy is good at jokes.

Three men are waiting in a hospital because their wives are pregnant. The nurse comes out and says ‘congratulations you are the father of twins’.

The man says ‘what a coincidence as I am an executive at Twix’. 

A bit later the nurse comes to the second man ‘ congratulations you are the father of quadruplets’. The man says ‘ what a coincidence I am a manager of a 4 star hotel’. 

The final man then starts panicking and says ‘ I work for 7up’.  

Do you get this joke? I don’t  (Editor – I do !!!)

 

1st Olympic park 5k 2022. 

2nd photo is me receiving my Warrior of the year trophy. I was so surprised to receive this amazing trophy. 

3rd photo is my running the London marathon 

4th photo is my first track race where I was entered for the 1500, running with Carlie.

5th photo: seeing Mo at the Vitality10 

6th photo: my first race for Ilford AC. 

7th photo: Achieving Mud Warrior of the year. I was so stunned and humbled by this award. 

8th photo: my first half marathon ever run in May 2018. The Hackney half marathon. Ran it in honour of my dad in a time of 1:44.01

9th photo: the Redhill half marathon in July 2018. Ilford ladies team won the silver medals. A great achievement ad it was a tough race on a very hot day. 

 

 

FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS 

 

When and Why did you start running ?
I started running in April 2017. I was in a very low emotional space at the time. A friend who was in South Africa had completed the Two Oceans ultra marathon and I thought if she can run so can I and she inspired me to start running.

What influenced you to join Ilford AC ?
Attending the Wednesday Harrier’s sessions was so uplifting and I was encouraged to go along to the track sessions and from there I joined Ilford AC.

What is your occupation and how do you fit your training around this ?
I am a qualified teacher but currently am Assistant Headteacher, Inclusion Lead of an ARP for Autism and an Educational coach and mentor at a primary school. I have to balance work, being a mother and fit running into my week. There are days I honestly have not got an ounce of energy to run but every time I do run I feel so much better.

Favourite Running Shoe and Why ?
I have not tried many running shoes but my faithful ones are Asics shoes. I don’t know why I like them, they suit me and have just stuck with them.

Favourite and Least Favourite race and why ?
The Tonbridge XC British Masters race was not at all pleasant  and it was such a tough course. My favourite race is the Olympic Park Elvis race as I feel a sense of pride that I am running at the place where the Olympic games were held. The Essex league track race where I ran 5k was a new experience. Rob was amazing with supporting me over each lap, guiding me as to what to do next. I would not have succeeded without his guidance which I greatly appreciated. I achieved a gold Essex medal which I had been striving to get but missed out on at other Essex races.

Any ambitions to run Comrades or Two Oceans ultra-marathons back in South Africa ?
I would love to run the Two Oceans as I  have that on my bucket list.

Worst Injury ?
Being bitten by a dog which put me out for many weeks, was a severe injury.  Actually it happened the Friday of the London Marathon weekend which I was supposed to run but it had got canceled due to Lockdown.

What is included in your strength and core training ?
I focus mostly on core and resistance training using bands and sometimes weights. I am conscious the affects on the body changing during menopause and the importance to keep muscle and bone strength.

Do you follow any specific diet/Nutrition ?
Nope not really. I have recently ensured that I am eating more protein after training to help with recovery.

Ultimate Running Ambition ?
To be able to keep running into my senior years.

What do you miss most about South Africa and what do you like most about the UK ?
I do miss the view of Table mountain and walking on the beach. I also did some sailing and owned a little catamaran but have not done this for over 20 years now so probably very rusty. I love London, when I go to Covent Garden and listen to the musicians playing or when I visit the great museums I get a sense of wonderment and feel privileged to be here. I love the history of the UK, and there are so many beautiful places to visit in the UK. I am still discovering the UK and its greatness.

During the days of sanctions against Sth Africa, did it ever feel like the country was suffering economically?
I am not the best person to ask as my ethnic group had a better lifestyle and more opportunities during that time. Due to apartheid and it’s laws everyone had different experiences. There was such poverty and huge discrimination and restrictions for so many other ethnic groups. There was a minority group who used force and indoctrination to keep power. It was not right and there were a vast many South Africans who constantly worked to drive the changes that eventually took place. It was so incredible when Nelson Mandela was released and when the first general election took place where everyone could vote and this was such an emotional and jubilant time. There were many who walked for days to get to a polling station. There was unity and we as a country came together as one United South Africa.  

What is your favourite landmark that you have visited in the UK?
I have to make a confession, I mis-represented Tower Bridge in my Who’s Who. I think it is such an impressive structure and felt so special running over it in the marathon last year. I think architecturally the Natural History museum is phenomenal. I love the V&A entrance, the new section, and if you ever get a chance to visit the gardens in the Ismaili Centre, it is absolutely peaceful and beautiful. There are so many great landmarks. 

Do you have a favourite route to run?
I like to run in Wanstead Park.

I was there the first time you attended panto. Panto isn’t done in any other country, it is a very British thing. Did you find the experience funny or strange….or even both ???
I thoroughly enjoyed my  first Panto. It is not something that is presented in South Africa so I had to learn how to join in and to  pick up on the humour. 

If you won a competition to spend a week being trained by any runner on earth. Who would you choose?
Not 100% sure. Recently I have been listening to podcasts by coach Lindsay Parry who is geared towards helping runners over 50,  but especially ladies runners, who are experiencing menopause,  to improve their running. So I think right now for me I feel I would like that opportunity to get training incorporating this approach. 

If you could go back and attend and witness any event in history what would it be?
Honestly, I am not sure. The beginning of creation. 

6 guests at a dinner party – Alive or dead. Who would they be, why and what are you cooking?

Nelson Mandela – would love to have a conversation about his ability to be so compassionate  and his outlook on life. 

Tom Cruise – he is so dedicated to his profession and would like to hear about his work. Not so much about his scientology though (no interest in that).  

Dr Joe Dispenzer – the topic of Nero-science is of interest to me and would  like to do a walking medication with him after dinner

David Attenborough – I can imagine it is fascinating listening to his stories about his adventures. 

My best friend, Tracey. She knows me better than I know myself. I miss that physical connection, virtual calls are great but being physically present is when there is a real tangible connection. 

My dad – a million times I wish to have one more conversation and meal together. He is a great storyteller. 

What I would cook. Well truly the only really good dish I know I can make which is always a winner for Warren is a tuna pasta bake. So I will go with that. 

Looking at your Strava I am very impressed with your running but does your watch run out of battery at the end of the week or do you never run on a Friday? 😉

This made me laugh. Rest days from running are vital  for recovery and I have rest days on a Friday and a Monday. If you follow my Strava you will mostly see strength and core workout, stretching. yoga or Qi Gong on these days which are great to maintain your strength for your body and your mind. 

Tell us all about your father. A few of us have heard the story, but it’s a story worth sharing with others. Also how did he feel when you told him you had taken up running.

My dad was completely taken aback that I was running and didn’t quite believe me when I told him I had actually run in a race as well. So when Billy did the press report of my first race and it appeared in the local paper I sent the clipping to my dad. He kept that clipping as I found it in his bible when I was sorting his things out after he passed away. 

Who would win a basketball penalty shoot out between you and Carlie?

That is a little unfair. I reckon we would agree to decide on a draw instead of going head to head for a penalty shoot out and go off and have a nice cake and hot drink instead. What would you say, Carlie!