Runner Profile: Ryan Davidson
Thanks, Chris Green, for the nomination. I enjoy reading all your Runner Profiles each month.
Early years
Born in Germany and raised in a military family, my childhood was shaped by the unique experiences that come with Army life. As an Army child, I moved between several military postings, including Catterick, Tidworth and Bordon, which gave me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and adapt to new environments from an early age. Much of my childhood was spent outdoors on military bases, where there was always plenty of space for adventure and exploration. I have fond memories of spending hours playing with the other children on the bases, making the most of the freedom and close-knit community that military life provided. One of my favourite pastimes was playing hide-and-seek in and around the tanks with my brothers – I also enjoyed Capture the flag, Manhunt, Garden Gnomes and the occasional knock and door run (not the best idea on a Military estate).
Sport and physical activity have always played a significant role in my life. My dad was an Army Physical Training Instructor (PTI), and through him I was exposed to the importance of fitness, discipline and maintaining an active lifestyle from a young age. Watching him train and participate in sport, such as running and squash, inspired me and helped to shape my own positive attitude towards health and fitness. I would join in the children’s fun runs alongside my Mum and Nan. As a result, being active has always been a natural part of who I am and continues to be an important aspect of my lifestyle today.
Slight pause with the physical activities around the age of 10 when I fell out of a tree and fractured both my legs, getting air lifted to hospital. I was well-known on the bases for climbing before this. Safe to say I stopped climbing trees after that.
When I was 12 years old, my dad having completed 27 years in the army, retired from the forces. We moved back to Ipswich, where my wider family have strong roots. Returning to Suffolk allowed me to reconnect with relatives and establish a more permanent home base after years of moving around. The experiences of growing up in a military family, combined with the values of resilience, adaptability and teamwork that came with it, have had a lasting influence on the person I am today.
High school 2001 – 2006
During high school, I participated in a variety of sports, but basketball was always my greatest passion. I was proud to captain the school basketball team from Year 9 through to Year 11, an experience that helped me develop leadership skills and confidence. While I took part in Sports Day every year, I was more focused on enjoying the event than competing seriously.
Academically, I wasn’t the most dedicated student and was often easily distracted, which led to me spending hours outside the headteacher’s office.
Outside of school, most of my free time was spent either on the basketball court with friends or at home playing Halo on my Xbox.
As I was finishing school, I started dating my partner Claire who I went to school with, and took a job at the local bed factory, where I learned many valuable skills. I also joined local football teams and regularly played matches on both Saturdays and Sundays.
Work
I started working as soon as I left school at a local bed manufacturing company. While working there I developed a wide range of upholstery skills and progressed into team leadership roles across several departments. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for upholstery and established the career path I continue to follow today.
Since the bedding factory, I have advanced to working for a high-end furniture company that collaborates with interior designers to create bespoke upholstered furniture for clients around the world, including celebrities such as Lewis Hamilton and Lee Evans. One of my proudest achievements was helping my boss to create the iconic round bed featured in the James Bond film Casino Royale.
Football
I have played for many teams over the years including Ipswich Wanderers, Ransomes, Wickham Market and Achilles. I have mainly played as a defender across the backline. Surprisingly to some, I was not quick enough to play right back. I was committed to my football until I decided to hang my boots for my running shoes!
Home life
After six years together, in 2012, at just 21 years old, Claire and I took a huge step and bought our first home. We loved making it our own and creating memories there before our lives changed forever with the arrival of tiny feet.
In June 2014, our daughter Erin was born and instantly became the centre of our world. At the time, I was still playing football, but now I had my own little mascot cheering me on from the sidelines.
Then, in October 2016, our family grew again when Demi was born. Throughout it all, Claire has always been my biggest supporter. No matter the weather or where I was playing, she would bring the girls along to watch me play, standing on the touchline cheering me on.
Started Running
I had done a little bit of running over the years, including taking part in a local bootcamp run by a friend of a friend, Andy, who was ex-Army. I really enjoyed the structure and challenge of his sessions. This I did for about a year before Erin was born.
In 2019, Claire started taking part in the Kesgrave parkrun while waiting for Erin to finish her dance classes at the Millennium Hall. Each week, she would tell me about her time and how she had found the run. Surprisingly it took quite a bit of convincing to get me to come along and give it a try, which I eventually did in 2022.
I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed it, both for myself and seeing Claire complete it each week. Inspired by Parkrun, I got back in contact with Andy and arranged to start running again with the bootcamp group. Together, we decided to train for the 2023 Ipswich Half Marathon, with my preparation also including the Coastal 10 race in 2023.
Joining FRR
While attending races in 2023, I got chatting to Stuart Wright while running alongside him, and I also saw him regularly at my local parkrun, Chantry Park (RIP).
The day before the Coastal 10, I was discussing my race plan and target time with Stuart. He advised me to stick with Solly, as he expected him to be running at a similar pace. At the time, I had never spoken to Solly.
On race day, I looked out for Solly and decided to sit on his shoulder, hoping he would help pull me to the finish within my target time. With around two miles to go, I felt strong enough to kick on and overtake him, which I did. I thought I’d beaten him – boy, was I wrong! He came flying past me in the final 200 metres. We had a cuddle at the end. A week later, Stuart had convinced me to join FRR and took me to my first training session on a Tuesday night (don’t think I’ve seen him at a training session since haha!)
After a few Tuesday night sessions, I found myself being taken under the wings of Dave Solly, Robin Harper, Neil the Vic and Kerry Buckley, who I enjoy a TTT and Sunday long runs with them, followed by an appearance at the clubhouse – aka Cricketers – for a pint and a jacket potato. I wouldn’t be where I am today without these guys!
Achievements
My biggest achievement so far is my first marathon at Boston, UK where I was aiming for a sub 3-hour marathon and finished in 2 hours 56 minutes. I have also achieved the following which I am proud of:
- P2 in Kesgrave 10k which was a new PB 34:35 and 1st in my age category.
- P1 at Colchester 15 miler
- P3 at Brantham Friday 5 miler, new PB 27:42
- Taking part in club events such as Ekiden relay and Run Bike Run and the FRR Christmas pub run quiz
My Goals
My fitness goals are focused on improving my endurance and performance across a range of disciplines. I am aiming to qualify for the London Marathon through my age category and to achieve a sub-60-minute time in a 10-mile race. I would like to expand into multi-sport events by completing a triathlon, challenging myself in swimming, cycling, and running while broadening my overall fitness and endurance capabilities. Going forward I would like to continue to be a strong club member, competing at a good level for the club.
Next Month
I would like to nominate Dom Miaoulis for next month’s profile
