Runner Profile: Garry MacDonald

So I’d just like to thank Christian for the nomination, it’s really appreciated honest!

I’m sure there are others more worthy of this accolade.

During my school years I wasn’t very athletic, I’d go so far to say not at all and would normally be one of the last to get picked for any sporting activities.

Fast forward a few, well a lot of years, and my main hobbies/activities are fishing and mountain biking but this was nothing serious, normally involving beer along the way. I did quite a bit of kick boxing but those days are well in the past. I also did the odd run which was probably no more than 2 miles.

I’d reached the ripe age of 40 when I saw some holiday pictures of myself and remember thinking if I carry on like this then I would struggle with life going forward.

I decided to take up mountain bike racing and it took a lot of determination and accident’s not to be somewhere near the back and progressed to somewhere near the top half of the standings.

I’m still mountain biking to this day although my racing has ceased and now I’m more into the enduro side of things which normally involves throwing yourself down things, off things and generally hoping and praying that I’d somehow get away with it.

I should have prayed or practiced harder as I’ve broken ribs, collar bone,fingers and toes!

2 years ago I took part in Ard rock in the Yorkshire moors which was the scariest yet most excited I’ve ever been on 2 wheels (push bike that is).

So now on to the running which is what this wonderful club is all about.

The first organised race I entered was Bury Friday 5. I rocked up on my own not knowing anything about this side of things which is where I first noticed a few FRR reds.  It felt like a scene from point break (favourite film) with the impenetrable group of surfers (not the case) and remember thinking one day when I’m good enough.

I then took part in the Great North run, again on my own, having done little training with a time of 2hrs 11mins thinking I’m never going to do that again, it took me a week to get over it.

Cross country National at Holbrook followed where I was well and truly out of my league once again noticing a few FRR reds and thinking yeah one day!!

Lots of parkruns later and still thinking yeah one day and why do I need to be part of a running club, running is simple right?

Wrong..

Having made a few friends through parkrun some of them being FRR members who kept telling me of this excellent club and to go and try, I’m now in to my second year as a member and really enjoy every session I attend and feel I’m missing out if I don’t go, this is also the case with parkrun. My PB is 22.04 and have just completed 177 to date of which I came 2nd in my age category.

So my first half marathon was 2hr 11mins and my best to date is 1hr 48mins and I still think and hope I can get quicker with the help of FRR and plenty of training.

I’ve just completed my 11th Half marathon (Southwold) with a time of 1hr 59min however I was injured before I started and with hindsight shouldn’t have run but I can be stubborn at times especially with myself.

I’ve got more races booked so will be aiming for a PB all being well. I’ve even been contemplating the SVP and Tarpley 20….

I find everyone involved with FRR kind, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and appreciate all those who give up their time to train the likes of me to those who turn up on the side of a road to cheer us on! Not forgetting those behind the scenes who don’t run who keep this club going.

At the time of writing this I’m still not running as I have a calf strain and hoping it will ease before Colchester half in 8 days time.

(Colchester half completed 1hr 54min).

I try to attend every FRR event from training to the AGM, but life and work gets in the way!

My Nomination for the Next runner Profile is… Richard Wold

Thanks 

Garry