I first started running in the 70s cannot remember why; just thought I’d give it a go!! Didn’t last long. However, got interested in the running boom of the early 80s and was inspired through reading a book by Jim Fixx.

My more recent inspiration has been my health. I love swimming but cannot get to the pool everyday, so running is the ideal thing for days when I cannot swim. However, over the last few months I have been running more than swimming and, even on days I can go swimming I still run!!!!!!!!

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swim, cycle, run, sit down and have a cuppa

I'm a newbie.
The people who inspire me are the members of this forum!

I have never been into running and have no idea who all these people are. I did however stumble across this forum whilst looking for information about trainers to walk in on our new treadmill as I planned to support Mrs Hrun whilst she lost some weight.

That was easterish and now my entry is in for my first race. Thanks.

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0 - 14 Miles in 6 months, 2 hours, 13 minutes and 58 seconds.
Start weight: 18 st 4.. Current weight: 14 st 8.. Current Goal: Duchy Marathon, 8th March 2009

Ran at Pencoed road races when Dave bedford was at his zenith quite awesome.
I remember he was leading the race with another runner called John Theophilus John was a good quality runner. These two were neck and neck for a few laps. Then DB decided to kick just left John in the dust , unreal.

Something i'll never forget.

Signed my first autographs there as well, i was only about 15

You lot on here inspire me, as you're all so great

Snap

Nothing like setting your sights low eh.

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0 - 14 Miles in 6 months, 2 hours, 13 minutes and 58 seconds.
Start weight: 18 st 4.. Current weight: 14 st 8.. Current Goal: Duchy Marathon, 8th March 2009

There's also the famous account of Bedford winning the Southern Counties Junior Cross-Country Championship, and half an hour later starting the senior race, winning that also. That's unreal.

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GONE RUNNING

Not replied to this thread before now because I was still pondering on it.

I would like to say that as a newbie runner that Hrun's efforts in both losing weight, taking up running to support his wife and getting all serious about it himself and has done so fab in such a short space of time is an inspiration to me.

*shall I stop gushing*

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'If I want my dreams to come true, I mustn't oversleep'.

I would if I were you...........

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My old man said be an Arsenal fan........

What a kind thing to say. There are people on here who have attempted 1/2 marathons in the time I have been running. I just don't shut up about it.

<my work here is done>

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0 - 14 Miles in 6 months, 2 hours, 13 minutes and 58 seconds.
Start weight: 18 st 4.. Current weight: 14 st 8.. Current Goal: Duchy Marathon, 8th March 2009

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'If I want my dreams to come true, I mustn't oversleep'.

Hrun/Smiler,

I've nothing but admiration for your efforts Hrun ....... and Smiler you " gushing" provided an image of you draining away.

No offence meant....apologies in any event.

Friends?

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My old man said be an Arsenal fan........

Hrun inspires me too, as do a lot of people on here.

I'm never inspired by great athletes, as I know that they are way out of my league. I'm built wrong to be any kind of great athlete (well, maybe a shot-putter ). I find other normal people in a similar situation to me, who have the determination to keep running and improving, are the ones who inspire me.

As for who/what first got me into running, that was the Race for Life. My uncle was diagnosed with a brain tumour just under 2 years ago and I felt so helpless watching him gradually get worse that I badly wanted to do some small thing to help. If I couldn't help him, at least I could possibly make a tiny contribution to the efforts to discover treatments and cures to help people in future. Sadly my uncle died just 4 weeks before I did the Race for Life, so I ran/walked it in his memory.

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I feel good... da da da da da da

I was inspired to run by the pot-bellied, scrawny-legged old git staring back at me in the mirror. Perhaps "inspired" isn't the right word, but you know what I mean.

For real inspiration, several of the Forumites have really helped and as for famous athletes - Paula Radcliffe - just for her determination not to be beaten.

I'm still undecided on my opinion Paula She's without doubt a fantastically talented athlete, and very much inspiring - which I praise her for. But, dare I say it, I recently had to think long and hard when someone suggested that it seems if she's not going to win, she won't bother

To the best of my knowledge ach time she's pulled out of a race, (either before or during) it's been due to an injury concern - but then she's never finished a marathon in anything but first place... can she really be that good?

Food for thought!?

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Runners Forum Winter Social @ Castle Combe - Been, Gone, a complete success
www.richardsimkiss.co.uk - 'Lady Godiva Half Marathon' Race Report Added 27/10/08

Mr Simkiss, are you suggesting that Saint Paula might be a closet quitter???

Did you watch the last New York marathon? She really is that good. If not better. And quite sexy - or is that just me??