Member spotlight.
This week we highlight the encyclopaedia of footpaths and trails, Peter Tree.
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1. Please Briefly introduce yourself.
I've been running regularly with the club since January 1989, taking a group on a Wednesday for several years and currently serving my second stint as Treasurer ( though this is due more to the Chairman's skills of persuasion than any great altruistic intent on my part ). I've completed 9 London Marathons - I've run at least one in my 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
2. What events if any do you have coming up?
I'm looking forward to the resumption of parkrun and the opportunity to wear my 100 parkruns T-shirt for the first time!
I completed 100 parkruns just before parkrun closed down last year. Curiously my last parkrun was in New Zealand.
3. What does running mean to you?
I think for me it's had a very positive effect on both my physical and emotional wellbeing. Fortunately apart from a few niggles ,I've been relatively injury free and so able to run on a regular basis for over 30 years.
It's great to run in a group but I'm content to do long runs on my own as well. I particularly enjoy the off road routes we used to do from the Brentwood Centre during the summer months and the opportunity to run in different surroundings if I'm away anywhere, either in the UK or abroad.
Running has wide appeal and I'm always impressed by those who maybe aren't ' natural' runners in the conventional sense but put in a fantastic effort to take part.
4. What is your best BRC memory?
The camaraderie on the coach to the start of the London Marathon is unique, it's like heading to your own personal cup final.
Warm Wednesday evenings running through the local countryside from the Brentwood Centre are also a pleasure.
5. Proudest running moment?
At risk of being repetitive, completing my first marathon in 1990 would be up there and also my last in 2015, which went remarkably according to plan. It always feels special when my daughter and granddaughters join parkrun and I have a niece and nephew who are also regular runners.
6. Best bit of running advice you could give or have been given.
Enjoy it as much as you can and don't worry too much about times, distance etc, especially as you get older! ( though individual targets can be a great motivator and I do remember my pbs!)
Also, if you can, it's well worth using a physio to sort minor niggles and be cautious about trying to ' run it off ' - advice from the legendary Alan Shirley many years ago
