Westies Profile- Chris

How and when did you get into hill running?

In about 2010 a friend of mine suggested I try Ben Venue Hill Race. I did the race and found it a real struggle but persevered with hill running and eventually began to really enjoy it.

When and why did you join the Westies?

In 2017. I had begun to do more hill races and kept noticing all the yellow vests so decided I should join Westies and get a bit more into Hill running.

What do you love about being in the club?

Pretty much everything! Racing, training, being on the Committee, curry night’s etc.

What activities do you take part in (hill reps, club runs, socials, races, marshaling, committee, weekends away) and what do you enjoy about them?

Hill reps, club runs, races (lots of them!) the Committee and sometimes weekends away linked to races.

Do you have a favourite route or race? If so, what is it?

Probably the Kilpatricks for training as they are only 15 minutes away and the short sharp but steep enough races like Beinn Dubh and Tinto.

What are you doing when you’re not running?

Working, listening to a wide variety of music ( big radio.6 fan) going to gigs involving ageing but still good post punk bands. A bit of creative writing.

Please share a fun fact (running or non-running related)?

I once won a 10k obstacle course race at the Prestwich (near Manchester) gala day in 2001 or 02. Mainly because the 7 folk in front of me went the wrong way (made a change from me going the wrong way!) At the end we got a hosed down by the Fire Brigade (it was muddy even by Westie standards) and I won umpteen prizes including a bottle of Whisky and a meal out.

What is your favourite hill running snack?

Nuts and Raisins.

Is there anything else you want to share?

I ran on the roads, track and X Country for years in my 20’s and 30’s and was briefly about the year 2000 a 16:45 ish 5k runner. With hindsight though I wish I had taken up hill running at a younger age as it’s such fun ( sometimes in a type 2 way) being out on the hills.