A spotlight on recent recruit, Darren Wood!

How did you get into running and why?

I hit the 17stone in sep 2009 and decided I had to do something about it, started with a simple 2 week boot camp and loved the running, even though I could only manage 1/3 of a mile it was the start of something special.

What kept you going when you first started running?
The shear enjoyment of getting faster, fitter and further every time I ran

Tell us about some of the races that you've done in the past?
Manchester 10k was my first and will stay with me for a long time, when i arrived i had no idea about how the pre-race build up effects you, the nervous went and were replaced with excitement and determination to complete it.  

How much training do you typically do?
just club nights mostly unless prepping for a long one like the GNR, then id add a longer run on a weekend

Be honest, do you enjoy training?
love it, club nights are great as you get to swap tips and storeys with like minded people, the banter is great and Paul Keedy's jokes about my arse been better looking than Gemma's......to be honest that kind of worries me lol

What's your current running aim for 2012?
Iv entered my first marathon and would love to do it first time in under 4 hours, also have the thunder run in July so that should be fun. However my main aim is to defend my 10k title from Paul Keedy

What is your favourite race/distance/terrain?
Vic or mermaid 10k as they are so flat and all tarmac/pavement

Which race performance are you most proud of?
There's 2, this year's GNR where I succeeded in completing it in 1hr 55min 19secs which was well under my 2hr target and the other was in the GN 10K when I did my first sub 50, the hill right at the end nearly killed me along with throwing up as I ran the last 200m into the stadium still couldn't stop me from getting it - 48min 44secs

Which race would you have to be forced to do at gunpoint?
Richmond 10k - I hate hills

What is your proudest running achievement?

it has to be the GNR 2011 as when I started running 2 years earlier (the same weekend) I set myself the 2hour target, the same weekend I hit my ideal weight so I was very proud of what I had achieved.
 
What's your idea of running heaven?
have you seen the lynx's advert with all the women chasing the guy!

What's your idea of running hell?
What I went through at Raby castle has to be my worse experience, the hill to start with and then the wind forcing me backwards while trying to run down it lol

Any advice to newcomers?
set your goals, give it everything and reap the rewards. if you need a little bit of extra help with shedding the pounds then see www.facebook.com/KICKSTARTFITNESS1

What keeps you going when the going gets tough in a hard race?
Normally I hit my powersong which is Cambodia by scooter or if I aint got my headphones the thought of been beat by Paul Keedy and Gemma Marshall keeps me going lol

What do you think is the best route into racing for newcomers?
it has to be with the Quakers, the way the club is setup for all levels of abilities is great and the 10k leagues gives everyone a good chance of winning something and drives you on to do better

Best way to relax/reward yourself after a race?
It has to be a good meal, favourite so far was the fish and chips at Redcar

What is the best part of the club in your opinion?
how easy it was to feel like you're part of it, right from the first session where me and Keedy got lost we were known as Quakers

What is your favourite training session?
The long runs, love letting the roads roll forth beneath my feet lol (thanks Michael)

If you were given six months of professional training, nutrition and perfect health - how fast could you run 10k?
I'd love to think i could do it under 40 and join the Quaker elite but I think that's a long way off

Apple, Water, Banana or Mars bar in your ideal goodie bag?
Has to be a Mars bar along with a tec tee, tec socks, running gloves and fluorescent jacket......i wish