Runner Profile: David Brewster
First I’d like to say thank you to Richard for nominating me. How can I follow such an inspirational running profile.
Where do I start !?!
Having lived in Felixstowe all my life you could probably call me a true Felixstonian through & through! During my school years I enjoyed a range of sports including the school football team, cricket & badminton. I was never one for running unless it was sports day and I just did whatever was left to fill.
Once I left school I joined Felixstowe Harpers FC as it was a team I had followed all my life as my dad, uncle and grandad help to start them up 70 years ago. Sadly they stopped running last year, but every weekend was football/pub football/pub so doesn’t sound too bad. I continued to play badminton and cricket while also joining Felixstowe United FC on Saturdays. I played for Harper’s for 20 seasons until a persistent knee injury finished me off sadly. During this time me and Doranne had started a family and my first born would come along to watch me and had started to take an interest in footy so when I finished playing I started to help run his team with my mate flash. That team has just finished their junior footy journey after 12 long years. Roll on a couple of years and my daughter wanted to play so started a team up for her which is still going on a Sunday. Now the youngest has started so I’m involved in his team as well as helping with the carnival float each year so always busy.
Running
How did I get into running? Well having put up with my knee for over a year giving way, locking up I thought I needed to try something different to help so I started running (against what the doctors advise). I got myself a pair of Lidl’s best trainers and off I went with Kian on a scooter around gulpher to help me along saying “why are you walking already” after 100 meters. Slowing building up the distance and diet I lost just over 2 stone in 2 months and in the process my knee improved and I felt good. I then started to join virtual runs to give me something to aim for and running out and about with my mates swampy and Adam.
First Race
My first race was my local one: Kirton Friday 5 which was very wet with lightning thrown in as well. This I enjoyed as my cousin Sophie (who was an FRR ) was running it as well. All the family watching as well.
There’s also been some mud runs thrown in too. By thrown in I mean I literally throw myself into these runs. What’s the point in entering if you don’t get covered head to toe in mud right? Always taking part with swampy.
Over the years I’ve entered many races continuing to get fitter and faster as time went on, making new friends along the way. 7th April 2018 was my first ever parkrun in Felixstowe and has definitely become one of my favourite things to do. I’ve now completed 175 runs at 15 different locations. I quickly realised that these events only happen due to all the volunteers so I gave that a go after talking with the RDs at the time, Sarah/Matt and others. I have now volunteered 157 times on a Saturday (297 times including the junior parkruns) trying out all the different roles and most recently they have (finally) persuaded me to give Run Director a go, thanks Sara/Jane. This does include junior parkruns which Liz got me involved in and Riley running them as well. More recently Tom/Katherine have got me to become a RD there as well.
I’ve also enjoyed running with Doranne to help and encourage her. I am happy to run a range of speeds often taking the foot off the pedal and helping people to achieve their own PBs over pushing for my own. 2018 wasn’t great as I collapsed with chest pains unable to breathe and was rushed to hospital, thankfully sorted now. I was told to rest up and take it easy from running. This was hard for me as I can’t sit still and I had a trail marathon lined up (Orwell challenge) and I had raised money for Little Jack’s charity so there was no way I wasn’t going to run this with 2 of my mates that had signed up (Swampy/Matt). Swampy ran it with me to make sure I made it back ok. Thankfully I did and I felt ok and the money was raised.
I’ve completed 2 virtual London marathons but have been injured both times, but I was happy to make it into the Guinness book of records for the first one for the biggest virtual marathon.
During this time and meeting a few runners I was convinced to come along and give FRR a go, I did try this before but it wasn’t for me then so after speaking with Dave Church, Ozzy and a few more I gave it another go in 2021. Unfortunately covid hit and we went into lockdown so it wasn’t the best start to club nights! Covid got me in 2022 I felt awful and have struggled ever since with my running, I have no stamina, pace or fitness. The doctors have said it’s just long covid and in time it will go, I’ve been prescribed an inhaler to help with my breathing. This has also caused my knee to be a pain again and messed my running right up. I found comfort in watching my boy run junior races, seeing his little face when he gets his medal or trophy is priceless. Running with other people to achieve their PBs and cheering people in over the finish line has also become a firm favourite of mine after I have run or not.
Favourite races
Not sure if I have a favourite race but I’ve enjoyed York’s 10k with Doranne and Sandringham 5k as it is the only trophy I’ve won at running, winning my age group. Stowmarket golden mile was good as it is short!
Worst race
Don’t think there has been one as it is always good to get over the line in what ever time and the event has raised money for a good cause.
What’s next
I’m not too sure apart from getting fit and plodding along for now hoping 2024 will be better for me.
Next month’s nominee
Next month I’d like to hear from Adrian Goode – I don’t know how he’s escaped doing a profile for so long!
