Member Spotlight: James
Welcome to the second edition of our Member Spotlight!
This month, we’re catching up with James—from a self-confessed "unprepared" student runner to a 105-mile ultra-marathoner.
The Rapid Fire 5
How long have you been an Alton Runner? 6 years this month! It was a bit of a whirlwind start—I moved to Alton on Sunday, started a new job on Monday, and attended my first Alton Runners session on Tuesday, just before the first lockdown.
Favourite race or route? The Hangars Way 50k. It runs from Alice Holt to Alton, then on to Queen Elizabeth Country Park. It follows some of my absolute favorite local trails.
Road or Trail? Trail.
Ultimate post-run snack? The flapjack I was given at the end of the Wokingham Half Marathon. It might have just been the "finish line buzz" of my first half, but I’ve never tasted anything better since!
Running in one word? Focus.
The Deep Dive
What first got you into running? I was convinced to run a half marathon in my first year of University, despite never having done any long-distance running before. I left all my "training" until the month before and promptly gave myself plantar fasciitis! I ran it anyway and it was the hardest thing I’d ever done; I could barely walk for weeks, but I’d officially caught the bug.
I actually gave up for several years because parkruns were too painful, but I started again in 2018 to stay fit. My first goal was simply to complete a parkrun pain-free, and I went from there.
What is your favourite thing about being a member of Alton Runners? Probably the sense of purpose it gives. I had goals before joining, but I didn’t really have any idea how to achieve them. The training sessions gave me the structure and tools to improve, while the group aspect provides the accountability I need to get out the door on a cold, rainy evening!
If someone was "on the fence" about joining, what would you tell them? Just try it! You can attend a couple of sessions before signing up to decide if it’s for you. I promise you’ll quickly notice an improvement in your running—I certainly did.
Tell us about a moment you’re particularly proud of. Last July, I completed the Lakeland 100 ultra-marathon—a 105-mile lap of the Lake District. It was a huge departure from the short-distance road racing I was used to, but I wanted a challenge that scared me.
It took me nearly 31 hours. My body was completely broken, but I had the biggest smile on my face because I’d achieved something I wasn't sure was possible. Talking to other Alton Runners who had completed similar events was invaluable in my preparation.
It’s stories like James’ that make Alton Runners what it is—a place where experience is shared and goals are reached together. Thanks for being our second Spotlight, James!
We’re already looking for our next Member Spotlight! If you’d like to be featured or want to nominate a fellow runner whose story deserves a shout-out, please get in touch.