This month's member spotlight is on one of our improving runners; regular park runner; winner of the 2010 most improved male award and, in case you haven't heard, up and coming marathon man: Mark Robinson.

How did you get into running and why?
I have always liked running in a way. At school I ran x-country and in town sports but didn't take much more interest on leaving school. In 2006 I was a regular gym member but running on a treadmill just got too boring and when weather started to get better during 2009 its then when I started to think about joining a running club as I also wanted to take part in the Great North Run.

What kept you going when you first started running?
Defiantly the running club. I took to Quakers straight away and felt very welcome. Also at this point I had a confirmed entry into the Great North Run and I had an aim for focus on and keep me going.

Tell us about some of the races that you've done in the past?
I have ran just about all terrains and distances in races. I started on some 10K road races. My first race was the 3M Newton Aycliffe 10K road race in June 2009. I had not planned on entering this race but had heard about it on a club night a few days before. I remember Jeff saying it was a good flat race for beginners so turned up on the day and went for it. Months later I ran my first half marathon at the Bupa Great North Run. I felt a great sense of achievement from this and like many other runners I wanted more. I had ran and raised money for "Rainbow Trust Children's Charity". A year later I ran my first marathon at Edinburgh. I said after it the famous "not again" words and here I am training for it again this year :-) I have ran other styles of races such as x-country, trail and more recently fell and enjoy them all.

How much training do you typically do?
Typically 3-4 times a week. But at the moment I am training for Edinburgh Marathon again and this years training is more intense so i am out 6 days most weeks. A lot I know!

Be honest, do you enjoy training?
Not in winter. I prefer the summer training. More variation and lighter nights makes it more enjoyable.

What's your current running aim?
I usually ask for a lot when it comes to aims as I like a challenge. I am wanting a sub 3:30 at this years Edinburgh Marathon 2011. This will knock around half an hour off last years time which is a good chunk! Also to get around this years Thunder Run in one piece, I plan to run this in a pair with Darren Stockdale (Team Dark) so some strong endurance is going to be needed.

What is your favourite race/distance/terrain?
As much as I enjoy most terrain and distances, I have to admit I have fallen in love with the fells lately. I ran my first fell race in November at the "Guisborough Three Tops" race. Although I ran this in road trainers and was on my back side a lot, there has been no turning back!
My favourite race distance I think would have to be the half marathon. All half marathons that I have ran to date have been great races to run and its a good distance for me to pace. My favourite race has got to be our hometown race Darlington 10K. Many reasons but mainly because its a chance for me to get my 2 children involved with running with me, on the "fun run" which is before the race itself. Plus a great opportunity for a massive Quakers turnout and drink afterwards.

Which race performance are you most proud of?
Completing my first marathon at Edinburgh last year and Trimpell 20 which I have just ran recently. A race I had entered purely for marathon training. I had ran the 20 mile race in 2 hours 27 minutes and knocked off 28 minutes from last year. Although I was really chuffed about this, I am proud of this performance because of the way I paced the race and remained strong through out running the second half of the race faster with a strong finish.

Which race would you you have to be forced to do at gunpoint?
I love running that much I don't think I would have to be forced to do any race. But if you are wanting me to be particular then it would have to be a 10K race that involves running around an industrial estate.

What's your idea of running heaven?
Running through woodland trails on a clear blue sky spring morning.

What's your idea of running hell?
Flat races with multiple laps

Any advice to newcomers?
Get yourself an aim and focus towards it. Weather its your first 10K, a marathon, or to simply run a race without stopping. Stick in with club sessions and try to get out on a weekend with a longer run no matter how slow you do it.

What do you think is the best route into racing for newcomers?
Enter a good but flat 10K. Darlington, or Middlesbrough Tees pride are good ones. Very well supported to push you round and mass participated with runners running for fun or charity, to serious competitors.

As a runner whose made massive improvements in their race times, how does it feel looking back at where you've come from?
It feels great to see what I have achieved. Looking back to when I first started running, there is no way I would of thought I would be running a marathon, a 24 hour relay race, or even running on the fells. Looking back at last years times it makes me think I can achieve anything when I focus on it.

Best way to relax/reward yourself after a race?
Without a doubt, a takeaway! Sometimes even an alcoholic refreshment as well.

What is the best part of the club in your opinion?
The members! I have made quite a lot of friends at Quakers and look forward to making many more.

Apple, Water, Banana or Mars bar in your ideal goodie bag?
Mars bar