Member Spotlight: Xavier Ibbs
Welcome to the July edition of our Member Spotlight! This month, we are catching up with Xavier Ibbs. Over the last four years, Xavier has gone from sprinting down the wing for the local rugby club to finding his stride on the trails.
The Rapid Fire 5
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How long have you been an Alton Runner? I joined about 4 years ago.
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Favourite race or route? The Chawton House fixture in the Southern Cross-Country League
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Road or Trail? Trail.
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Ultimate post-run snack? Chocolate milk and a Wispa!
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Running in one word? Freeing.
The Deep Dive
What first got you into running? I used to play as a winger at Alton Rugby Club, but I realised I actually preferred the running aspect of the game more than the rest of it! Because of that, I decided to take the plunge and give running a go.
What is your favourite thing about being a member of Alton Runners? The friendly and welcoming community it has, where the coaches always encourage you to try your best.
If someone was "on the fence" about joining, what would you tell them? I’d say just do it and give it a go!
Tell us about a running moment or achievement you’re particularly proud of. I’m actually split between two major milestones: running a sub-20-minute 5k and smashing a sub-40-minute 10k!
Xavier’s journey shows that running really is for everyone, at any age. Whether you are aiming to transition from another sport or looking to chase down your own speedy PBs, you’ll find a supportive team behind you every step of the way.