Introducing Macclesfield Harrier & former Club Chairman, Keith Mulholland. Keith is a regular at the Macclesfield Harrier track sessions and at club champs road races.
Keith kindly took some time to tell us a bit about his running history and what running means to him.
Q1. When did you start running?
Keith: I started running regularly in 1995, going out 2 or 3 times a week in an effort to get fit. At the time we were living in Essex and I started to take part in a few local races that were on my doorstep, completing the Harlow 10 mile race three times. In 2002 we moved to Macclesfield and I started running at lunchtimes at AZ. This improved my pace, as everyone else was faster than me! I progressed to marathons and did Nottingham in 2004 and London in 2006.
Q2. How long have you been a Macclesfield Harrier?
Keith: I joined Macc Harriers in 2006, following a chance conversation with a Harrier on the way back from the London Marathon. I started with B group and went for about 6 years on Mondays and Thursdays. I started to notice that my race times were getting slower so I started going to Tuesday Track training in 2012.
Q3. What has been your favourite race and why?
Keith: My favourite race is the Buxton Half Marathon. The scenery is excellent, though it is a bit undulating to say the least! You can always park easily and the start and finish in Pavilion Gardens adds to the atmosphere. There are usually plenty of excellent food stalls to refuel before the trip home!
Q4. What does running mean to you?
Keith: To me it’s the best way to keep fit, see some fantastic scenery and de-stress. It has had a really positive effect on my life. I have enjoyed it so much that I have spent several years being involved with the club as Road Running Manager, Vice Chairman and Chairman until March this year.
Q5. Do you have a top tip for other runners?
Keith: If you want to get faster then run with others faster then you! Track training has been brilliant for reducing the rate of slowing down, as I get older!
Also, you can never have too many pairs of running shoes though it is possible to have too many race T-shirts!