Running for how long: 4 Years

How did you get into running: I used a c25k app at the end of 2016, after a year of volunteering for MV parkrun and being on the receiving end of far too much peer pressure!

What’s your best experience of running so far: I think it has to be the Casterbridge half-marathon (my first) in May 2018 – I was very chuffed and a tad emotional at the end.

What type of music do you run too: I do quite like to run with my headphones on. I used to suffer from Asthma quite badly – Somewhat better these days, but the sound of my own heavy breathing can give me issues. Spotify is my friend – I love to run to cheesy hits.

What do you get up to on a typical weekend: parkrun Saturday. Then chores, sailing in the summer and possibly a long run on Sunday.

What’s the best thing about Verwood Runners: Definitely the social side – I’m not sure I actually like running that much, although I did somehow run 750 miles in 2018! My only complaint is that I now have very few non-running friends 🙂

Give one unusual fact about yourself: 

I am related to royalty (Spanish, 15 century).

What makes you laugh: Me trying to pretend to be an adult on a daily basis 🙂

Running for how long: About 7 years or so I would guess.

How did you get into running: I was completing low distance triathlons, however couldn’t keep up with the training schedule so decided to focus just on running.

What’s your best experience of running so far: Running up, across and down Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales in the snow. One of the best running days of my life. Even got to see a Brocken Spectre.  

What type of music do you run too: I used to run to a wide selection, though since joining Verwood Runners I prefer to run without music so I can chat to others.

What do you get up to on a typical weekend: Running / volunteering at Parkrun and general house & life admin. Nothing too exciting.

What’s the best thing about Verwood Runners: The social side. There are other running clubs in the area, which I thought about joining. However, they all seemed to take things a bit too seriously. It’s a great bunch of people.

Give one unusual fact about yourself: Can juggle with up to 4 juggling balls. I also collect ‘mountain mugs’ and take them up various mountains to take a photographs at the top (don’t ask).

What makes you laugh: Witty one liners and cheesy tv adverts.

Running for how long: For about 11 years, though I did dabble before that.

How did you get into running: Race for Life.  I did it a few times (first time in 2003) but each time I’d stop running until training started the following year.  After the 2010 RfL some work colleagues talked me into joining a team doing Great South Run (10 miles) for charity. I think that’s when I really caught the bug.

What’s your best experience of running so far:  So many to choose from!  I think the feeling when I get a PB (and there have been quite a few since joining VR) is something that just can’t be beaten.

What type of music do you run too:  I don’t normally listen to music these days when I run.  When I do, I like things that make me smile and lift my mood.  My favourite is probably Reasons to be Cheerful pt.3

What do you get up to on a typical weekend:  Running!  Either actually running, or organising running (I’m one of the Run Directors at MV parkrun), or recovering from running, or racing.  And sailing with Paul in the summer. Sometimes I find a bit of time for housework.

What’s the best thing about Verwood Runners:  How supportive they are!  Whether you are the fastest or the slowest, whether you run marathons or just the occasional 5k, you are embraced by the purple love!  

Give one unusual fact about yourself:  I once performed in a choir in the Royal Albert Hall.

What makes you laugh:  My friends, especially if there is gin involved!

 Running for how long: 13 years

 How did you get into running:

Back in school, I did some athletics and a bit of cross country, but since then I took an 18-year break until starting up again.

 Then some co-workers of mine invited me to join them for a casual 3-mile lunch run in 2010. As we jogged along, I realised just how unfit I was and hated every second of it. Surprisingly, I ended up running with them regularly and even trained for the Reading half marathon, which we successfully completed later that year.

What’s your best experience of running so far:

One of my most memorable running experiences was completing the Comrades Marathon, a 55-mile event held annually in South Africa. As a child, I used to watch the race on TV and would often say to myself that someday I’ll run it. Finally, I had the chance to run it last year and finished it within the allotted time.

What type of music do you run too:

When it comes to music, I enjoy a wide range of genres, so it really depends on my mood. However, I generally find myself gravitating towards rock music or indulging in some delightfully cheesy 80s tunes.

What do you get up to on a typical weekend:

On weekends, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family, socialising, flying aeroplanes and engaging in sporting activities, like running and paddleboarding.

What’s the best thing about Verwood Runners:

The greatest aspect of Verwood Runners is undoubtedly the people involved – a community of sociable, supportive, and wonderfully generous individuals who constantly strive to improve themselves.

Give one unusual fact about yourself:

I have diplomatic immunity😊

What makes you laugh:

They say laughter is like medicine for the heart, and I wholeheartedly embrace that philosophy. It doesn’t take much to get me laughing about anything.

 

Name: Sarah Turnbull

Running for how long: 13 years

How did you get into running: I entered the Great South Run to raise Money for the British Liver Trust 2010 and decided if I was going to do it I wanted to run the entire way. Along, with raising as money as I could.

What’s your best experience of running so far:.I have run the GSR 5 times and 2022 I beat my 2010 time.

What type of music do you run too: mostly dance music, but I like lots of different types of music.

What do you get up to on a typical weekend: My weekends are mostly running/volunteering, Horse riding/coaching and fun things with friends.

What’s the best thing about Verwood Runners: All the incredible people I have met and friends I have made. Along, with all the support and encouragement.

Give one unusual fact about yourself: I wouldn’t say it is unusual, but I am a Horse riding coach.

What makes you laugh: Lots of things make me laugh – too many to list

Name: Sarah Martin

Running for how long: Approximately 5 years

How did you get into running: Lost 3.5 stone and thought I’d be brave and give running a go under the cover of darkness one night, and the rest is History.

What’s your best experience of running so far: So many to choose from – probably the Dorset Invader Half, running around the depths of Dorset in the pouring rain dressed in a Toga, or The Ox Half last year, again in Fancy dress (I’m spotting a VR theme here!!)

What type of music do you run too: Only listen to music now if running on my own – listen to pretty much anything with a good beat depending on my mood; 90s Dance Anthems to Two Steps From Hell and anything in-between.

What do you get up to on a typical weekend: Parkrun, long family dog walks in the Forest, catching up with friends/family (and gin!)

What’s the best thing about Verwood Runners: The social side and the support we give each other, shown at numerous events.

Give one unusual fact about yourself: I can write in mirror image using a pen in each hand at the same time.

What makes you laugh: Lots of different things; especially my dog and my children…

Running for how long: On and off for 14 years

How did you get into running: My son was training for the Army and I wanted to encourage him by getting fit and training with him. 

What's your best experience of running so far: It has to be my first ever New Forest Half Marathon in 2008 

What type of music do you run too: It will always be heavy metal, mainly Metallica, in my opinion the best metal band in the world. The faster the music the better

What do you get up to on a typical weekend: Parkrun and helping out at running events, watching rugby and spending  time with friends

What's the best thing about Verwood Runners: The people, they always give you the support and encouragement no matter how slow you are

Give one unusual fact about yourself:  I have a red belt in karate

What makes you laugh: Various things but mainly silly jokes

Name: Mark Young

Running for how long: I would estimate on and off roughly 28 years.

How did you get into running: Started running when I joined the army at 16, but stopped after serving my time, then returned to running in 2000.

What’s your best experience of running so far: That’s difficult!! I recall leading a group across the Brecon Beacons during a day and night run, weather was horrendous and it was a real personal challenge. I also remember my first parkrun and how much everyone supported each other, despite age or level of ability.

What type of music do you run to: As a rule I don’t listen to music when running. Most of my runs tend to be trail runs, so I like to be out there taking in the sights and sounds of the surroundings.

What do you get up to on a typical weekend:  I like to try and fit in a Parkrun and a longer run during the weekend. I also recently started open water swimming which I’m finding great for my mental wellbeing. I also own a VW camper which is great way to combine these activities, whilst getting away for a weekend. Trying to fit it all in around other domestic duties is always a challenge!!

What’s the best thing about Verwood Runners: I joined Verwood Runners as I had started to lose my running mojo during lockdown. I was told by a good friend that VR was the club to join. They were not wrong!! Everything about the club is good, how they accept and support all runners no matter what level you are at.

Give one unusual fact about yourself: It sounds crazy but I passed my tracked-vehicle driving test first time and could drive them before I could drive a car at 17 years old!! I didn’t pass my car test till I was 20 after the third attempt!!

What makes you laugh: I love quick one line comedy, also Michael McIntyre and Mickey Flanagan…but only if I’m going out..out