This month our spotlght member is Shay Walker who has some great advice for fellow runners.
How long have you been a member of Burnden Road Runners?
for 5 years
When and why did you first start running?
In 2007, aged 37. Because my childhood friend died from bowel cancer at the age of 37.
Proudest running achievement to date?
Winning my first ever race, the Cancer Research 10k at Heaton Park, in September 2009, 18 months after taking up running
Favourite race and why?
I have a few. Radcliffe Half Marathon holds a special place in my heart. I won the inaugural race in 2016 aged 46, after promising my son Michael that I would try and win it for him. I also love Freckleton Half, the oldest half marathon in England. It used to be a 2pm race, historically so that church-goers who went to church in the morning could still attend. Freckleton also give great mementoes, instead of medals. Sometimes beer towels, water bottles, wristbands etc. I also love the Windmill half marathon at Blackpool. I have had a 6th place and a 3rd there, but fast runners target this race as it is so flat.
Have you set any short or long term goals?
Short- term I want to do a sub 6 minute mile as a v50. I'm currently on 6:17 as my fastest mile as a 53 year old. Long-term I think I will target a London Marathon good for age qualifying time by doing a gfa time at Chester.
What do you find most challenging?
Combining high quality training with work and family commitments.
Best tip or advice for others?
I think the best advice I can give is that you can probably achieve more than you think. Running is not difficult. Running fast is not difficult either. It just takes time, effort, committment and planning. I think most people can be as fit/fast as they want to be, within reason. The question you have to ask yourself is, how much are you prepared to give? How much time, how much effort.
Anything else you would like to share?
I think running is very personal. People run for different reasons. But, in my experience, I think that most people who take up running as adults, are making a considered decision to change/improve their life for the better. In a nutshell, I started running because I didn't want to die young like my friend.
I won the Heaton Park race to honour my friend Chris, and everything else since had just been a bonus. I joined Burnden because I wanted to be at a club that cared for, and valued, it's members.
It is the best club in Lancashire for veteran runners.
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