Stuart, you’ve been recently bitten by the “running bug”. How did it happen? 

After many (many!) years of sitting comfortably on the couch, this particular potato decided that enough procrastinating was enough. On went a pair of bright new well cushioned shoes, along with the obligatory leggings and bright top! 

Was it after you read Lukasz’s Afterwork article on our website? 

I’d like to say that Lukasz’s example pushed me over the edge, but I think it was much more prosaic than that – I was overweight and feeling considerably unfit. My Doctor suggested very kindly, that I might like to consider the idea of a little exercise; I’m not sure she had my becoming a budding long-distance runner in mind! 

Tell us about your training. 

So, braving the cold and the snow(!), I started along my particular road to redemption. I should add, I was a keen walker before I started to jog (walking to work in preference to taking the train), and I found that actually, all things considered, jogging wasn’t that hard on me. 

At least, my body reacted well to the change in pace, and over the course of the recent months I’ve been able to step up my “training” week-by-week. So far, touch wood, and apart from the odd and acceptable ache and pain, the old body has stood up well to being pressed into action, and especially my knees thankfully have yet to complain. 

I am almost certain that I feel a lot more comfortable running than perhaps I look! As far as I’m concerned, I could almost be young again! :-) 

As you are a consultant I guess there might be some technology involved somewhere? 

Yes, you’re right. Technology was also a driver in this; I invested in a GPS enabled watch (Garmin Forerunner 110 if we want to endorse a product!), and I enjoy mapping my runs and marvelling at my progress. 

I’m now regularly running around 30-40K a week; something which I wouldn’t have imagined possible only a few months ago, and I’ve even begun to take part in “Fun Runs”. 

My wife is amused by that term; “people pay to go and do this?” – yes we do :-) 

How many races have you run? 

I’ve run two organised 10K events so far; one local to where I live just to see what would happen, and more recently the BUPA London 10K. Two races and two personal bests! 

The BUPA London 10K was a great event – running around the streets of the capital; past Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, into the City and back. There were over 10,000 competitors of all abilities ranging from those dressed for charity to World Class athletes. 

I was also running for charity, but decided that wearing a cumbersome costume wasn’t for me. [there’s a JustGiving page available for donations] I’m proud to say that I finished around 2,200th – 172nd in my age group in a new personal best time of 52 minutes and 30 seconds. 

What do those races bring you? 

For me, the events are good because they provide targets for my regular running, and give me that extra incentive that I sometimes need to go for a run after work. 

And I’m determined not to stop there; I have a packed schedule over the next few months; two more local events – a quarter marathon and another 10K, and then a half marathon in Brussels in October. 

Fearing that I might go to seed / return to my old habits over the Winter, I’ve also applied for the 2012 London Marathon next Spring. 

And last, the same question I had asked to Lukasz: any advice for the non-sporty people out there? 

So, to all those who’ve yet to give running a go – GIVE IT A GO! Get a good pair shoes, wear whatever takes your fancy and don’t worry about what others might think. Do some light walking/jogging to start with and if you’re lucky, you’ll be asking yourself “why didn’t I do this before?!”