Lliswerry Runners | Newport's Friendly Running Club

Below are some profiles of some of our many, many members. Click on an image or the name to view more information about the member!

Andy James

When did you join?:

01/2014

How long have you been running?:

3 years

What's your favourite running surface?:

Trail or road or mountain or anywhere.

How did you start running?:

I needed to get fitter to complete the National 3 Peaks Challenge. Absolutely hated it when I started....went on to complete Cardiff Half and started parkrun which naturally led to joining the club. This led to marathons and beyond.

Any message to newcomers?:

Don't use the phrase "I'm not fast enough to join a club" If you want an addiction, this is one of the good ones.

Ceri Donovan

When did you join?:

01/2012

How long have you been running?:

7 or 8 years I think!

What's your favourite running surface?:

Forest, coast or mountain trails with sunshine and no mud!

How did you start running?:

Started with a programme from a book - had to write the runs on a post it note so I could remember what to do! Built up to 10ks and half marathons, then ran the NYC marathon in 2011 - crossed the line thinking "I'm never doing that again!" - that thought didn't last very long! Soon after that I moved back to Risca, went to parkrun, saw the Lliswerry banners and rest is history!

Any message to newcomers?:

Everyone dreads walking through that door for their first training session, but once they've done it, everyone wonders why they didn't do it sooner!

Nettie

When did you join?:

08/2012

How long have you been running?:

On and off 8years

What's your favourite running surface?:

Cross Country and trail.

How did you start running?:

Ran cross country in school, subject to injury and several years on and off crutches. Then following watching London 2012, I just had to get back into it and searched for local friendly clubs, and following a recommendation I found myself with Lliswerry and haven't looked back since.

Any message to newcomers?:

Fantastic club with so much support for newcomers and very welcoming for runners of all abilities. The group structure to training means no one gets left behind and you can always develop and move up groups. Whether you're looking for competition or just social runs Lliswerry has it.

Andrew Barry

When did you join?:

04/2015

How long have you been running?:

About 5 years

What's your favourite running surface?:

Road

How did you start running?:

I started running basically just to get fit but enjoyed it so much i just kept it going. I have ran a few half marathons but never a full one. That is my goal so maybe one day.I'm 53 now so maybe now i have joined Lliswerry they can help me get there.

Any message to newcomers?:

I have just joined April 2015. They are such a friendly bunch of people, the training is first class. It is suitable for all levels, no one ever gets left behind. I wish i had joined years ago.

James Kershaw-Naylor

When did you join?:

10/2015

How long have you been running?:

1 year 10 Months

What's your favourite running surface?:

Road

How did you start running?:

Initially i was looking for a way to keep fit and active without having to go to the gym or play rugby. I signed up for the 2014 Bristol Half Marathon, downloaded a training plan from Runkeeper and was quickly hooked.

Any message to newcomers?:

I have only been a member for 6 months and I cannot believe how many positive experiences Lliswerry Runners has already provided for me. From support at races to the opportunity to take part in national events like The Castles its a fantastic club.

David Phillips

When did you join?:

08/2016

How long have you been running?:

2 years

What's your favourite running surface?:

Road

How did you start running?:

I decided that sitting behind a desk all day may actually have saved my joints albeit made me unfit but I thought the latter can be reversed but lack of the former cannot! I ran to a lamppost and back then got in my car and drove home, then decided to run to the next lamppost get in my car and drive home etc., etc.

Any message to newcomers?:

Running is a big an addiction as anything out there, I have so many in-depth hobbies that some of which I have had all my life nearly but running took over all of my hobby/spare time the instant I started achieving much more than my targets.

Gareth Beck

When did you join?:

03/2012

How long have you been running?:

7 years

What's your favourite running surface?:

Love running off road

How did you start running?:

Started with the Cardiff 10k to raise some money for Kidney Research and its gone on from there. Went on to half marathons, marathons and triathlons. Its all good fun and a terrific reason to get off the sofa!!

Any message to newcomers?:

Be inspired by the fast girls and boys but never feel pressured. This is the friendliest most inclusive club and the coaches and your new running friends will help you to achieve your goals and dreams. Come on in and bring your trainers!!

Matt Hennah

When did you join?:

09/2015

How long have you been running?:

3 years

What's your favourite running surface?:

Road or trail

How did you start running?:

I needed to lose some weight for my upcoming wedding in 2013 so started running. 3 stone later and here I am running for Lliswerry!

Any message to newcomers?:

I hesitated for 12 months over joining a club and can honestly say I regret not joining sooner. From my 1st training session I was made to feel like part of the Lliswerry family. Don't hesitate, join!

Paul Day

When did you join?:

01/2002

How long have you been running?:

23 years

What's your favourite running surface?:

Any

How did you start running?:

My son joined Newport Harriers in 1994 and I started running while he trained. Within weeks I was training seriously and a member of Newport too.

Any message to newcomers?:

Probably the hardest thing you'll do is coming to a club session first time. After that you'll find all the company, inspiration and support you need to achieve whatever you aim for.

Simon Gill (Gilly)

When did you join?:

11/2012

How long have you been running?:

9 years

What's your favourite running surface?:

Road

How did you start running?:

I have always run, as I played football since I was a school boy, so I was always running as part of training. I started taking it seriously when I entered my first marathon in 2010, My times were OK, but when I started to train with Lliswerry, with their structured sessions and training plans, I became quicker and got more out of my running and haven't looked back since.

Any message to newcomers?:

Lliswerry Runners didn't get the nickname 'The friendliest running club' by chance! Whether you're running 12 min/m or 5 min/m,the help, advice and encouragement you will get from both the coaches and other runners is second to none.

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