They say they apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Well Chris Smith may well be the exception that proves the rule. Born and bred in Glasgow, Chris is also an international playboy frequenting the Middle East and Asia on flamboyant business trips whilst spending winters in the sunnier climes of Oz. As well as this Chris is a keen runner, he’s been single handily keeping knee strap suppliers in business since we’ve known him.
We chose Chris as Runbetweener of the Month for August as he’s spent most of the year out injured. There is nothing more frustrating for a runner than not being able to run. This has been a blow to Chris after getting the running bug and lowering his times. Despite this Chris continues to be a regular attender and back up coach (he perfected the shouts of ‘good effort’ and ‘well done guys’ in record time) at Monday night sessions and days away.
Chris is good fun and has a great sense of humour, often at his own expense. This adds to the fun and welcoming environment. As well as this Chris regularly volunteers at Rouken Glen Junior parkrun as well as 5k parkrun events ensuring he gets his little running fix.
We hope to see Chris running again, injury free, relatively soon.
| RUNBETWEENER OF THE MONTH
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| THE WARM UP WHEN THIS SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA
ABOUT YOU |
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| Name: | Chris Smith |
| Age: | Actual 51, mental 15 |
| Town of Birth: | Glasgow |
| Running Club(s): | The Runbetweeners |
| Something interesting we don’t know about you: | I was once a qualified lifeguard. |
| THE LONG HARD MILES WHEN YOU WONDER WHY YOU’RE DOING THIS
RUNNING (write as much as you want) |
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| How and when did you start running? | A few years ago. Fed up supporting Lorraine (my partner) at parkrun. |
| Why did you start running? | I needed to get fit and lose weight. |
| What is your favourite route to run? Why? | I enjoyed a loop: Start at the Giffnock Everest up Ayr Road then Lethington Road onto Mearns Road, Eastwood Mains Road and back towards the house. I enjoyed checking my times against previous runs. |
| What is your favourite race? Why? | I enjoyed last years Kilmaurs 5k and got a new PB. |
| Proudest running achievement? Why? | Completing the Glasgow Half in 2017 smashing the previous years’ time (and it was a longer route). |
| What are your current running goals / ambitions? | To get back out running (I’ve been injured for the last 7 months) with no knee pain afterwards. |
| One bit of advice you would give a new runner? | Take it easy and build up over time. |
| What does your better half / family think about your running? | I’m too competitive, hence why I’m injured. |
| THAT BIT WHEN THE SMILE RETURNS TO YOUR FACE
SPRINT FINISH (answer in less than 5 words) |
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| What is your favourite Runbetweeners session? | Time trial |
| If you could run anywhere in the world? | The Ancient Olympics in Olympia |
| Pollok parkrun personal best and seasons best? | 25:17 |
| Favourite parkrun? | Albert Park Melbourne |
| With 6 months injury free training how fast could you run Pollok parkrun in? | Sub 25 |
| Favourite distance? | 10K |
| Who is your running hero? | Has to the Bolt, mans a legend |
| Your best running habit? | No chatting |
| Your worst running habit? | Heavy breathing (Lorraine says dragging my feet through the leaves in autumn) |
| One for the guys – tights or shights? | Shights |
| Kenny or Jack? | I couldn’t choose so had to combine – Janny |
| COOL DOWN
WELL EARNED CAKES |
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| Describe The Runbetweeners in your own words. | The Runbetweeners is a great group of mixed ability runners that make everyone regardless of age or gender feel welcome. The motivation from the group is contagious and drives you to want to be a better runner: I have missed a few sessions due to injury lately and have always been made to feel part of the group when I have turned up. |
therunbetweeners 