Introducing Macclesfield Harrier, Dave Larkin.
Dave is a friendly and supportive club runner and an enthusiastic and committed run leader. Dave helps to keep the club moving forward. He always gets stuck in – road, cross country, fell or track running, Dave will join in and always encourages others to do so too. We caught up with the man himself to find out a bit more about what running means to him;
Q1: When did you start running?
DL: I’ve always run a bit but I started to do more after a naive and drink fuelled pact with a friend in 2002. The London Marathon was on TV and we thought we’d like to do it, not realising the challenge to get a place! But it did start me off on my running journey; I joined a club in Bristol and in 2008 my friend and I eventually did run London together.
Q2: How long have you been a Macclesfield Harrier?
DL: On a cold Monday night in January 2010 I plucked up courage and went down to the Leisure Centre to run with Dave Jackson and the C-group, I’ve not looked back!
I run with the club a couple of times a week, I especially love off-road runs from Teggs or the Leisure Centre on summer evenings; nothing better to clear your head. A few years ago, I started to do track sessions and take part in cross country and my running really improved.
Q3: What has been your favourite race and why?
DL: Macc Half for the way the club comes together; Manchester Marathon for the incredible support of clubmates Bolly 3 Peaks for the beer; Roaches for being brutal and I do like a track 1500! But my favourite is the National Cross Country in February. Runners come from all over the country which makes for a spine-tingling start line followed by thrills, spills, mud and moments to laugh, cry, swear and smile!
Q4: What does running mean to you?
DL: It’s about friendships, enjoyment, head space and the confidence that comes from working towards and occasionally achieving a goal. Oh, and the cake!
Q5: Do you have a top tip for other runners?
DL: For me, variety is important. Many of us have a preferred type of running (fells, roads, trails, track, XC) but you get different enjoyment and training benefits from each one and by doing different races and training you get to meet people from different parts of the club and be inspired by them.
I’d also recommend to anyone to get involved with the organisation of the club and its events. We don’t all have to be as amazing as Bob and Pauline in this, there are lots of smaller rolls that you can take on and that you will find rewarding.