Woodle - You are in the well!

--amadeus--

Another idea stolen shamelessly from another forum This one comes from Fitness and is a simple idea. One regular is nominated and gets quizzed by the rest of teh group (that person being "In the well"). After a day they then nominate teh next victim.

So as our resident "thinking up bright ideas to get us all out running" guru I hereby place Woodle in the well.

So - questions to start:

• Why did you start running?
• What keeps you running?
• Best running memory or achievemnt?
• Thing or things you wish you had known earlier?
• Runner or athlete you most admire and why?

Over to you lot

Peckham

Do you consider running to be your "day job"?

Woddle

--amadeus-- wrote: »

• Why did you start running?
• What keeps you running?
• Best running memory or achievemnt?
• Thing or things you wish you had known earlier?
• Runner or athlete you most admire and why?

Over to you lot

I followed gem and transformer very interesting stuff. Happy to answer any question and as honestly as I can

The real reason I started was because my wife and I seperated and I had a bit of a belly and confidence was at an all time low. I started thinking who else would want this, if not my wife.

This forum for one helps to keep me running but the main reason is the runners high I get from races and good training sessions. I have been known to dance and sing after I get home and shower from a good performance, a bouncing of the walls kind of feeling. I also want to see how good can I get. My mam was a top runner back in her youth and claims to have a 36 min 10K so I was hoping I had inherited some of that but I didn't so I'm just curious to see how far hard work can get me.

After the Berlin marathon last year, I was dead on my feet and after walking through crowds for about 10 mins I saw my wife and she had a big smmile and it was an emotional experience for both of us.

I wish when I was in secondary school that I stuck it out with the xcountry team and not soccer and golf. I also wish in 2002 when I had a second wind at running that I had someone to guide me, because when I look back, my training was really crap but I was young and just under 140 lbs.

In front of my treadmill I have a finishers picture of Haile Gebrselassie from last years Berlin marathon. I think the guy is a legend and a gentleman. He runs with a smile and also he trys to give back as much as he can to his country.

Woddle

Peckham wrote: »

Do you consider running to be your "day job"?

I completly do but at the moment its part time and as I said earlier I do want to see how far I can improve. It also drives my wife mad if I don't go during the day and instead wait till she comes home. I really need to just keep upping the training gradually and get to full time job status

--amadeus--

Nice one.

How far do you think you can improve?

Advice for a new runner?

MCOS

Any frogs in there ?

Krusty_Clown

• Do you ever worry that some day you will lose your motivation and stop running?
• What happens after you break the 3 hour mark? What's next?

<Very much introspective questions!>

Woddle

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Nice one.

How far do you think you can improve?

Advice for a new runner?

Well this might make me sound like a nob head to the more serious runners on this forum but I have no idea of how much improvment I can expect but I know what I want and preferably all within the next 5 years and that is firstly to try and complete Racing Flats big 8 (I'll try find them and put them up)
I want to specialise in the marathon and hopefully this September get a sub 3 and then continue to lower it and after this year I'll only pick 2 marathons a year with Berlin being one of them. I would love to break 2:45 which is my uncles pb( my mams brother) and well I'm getting way ahead but I think you get idea I'm a dreamer. I think I can keep improving as long as I keep putting in the hard work.

My advice for a new runner would be to join this forum, the knowledge gained is priceless and also just pick a race and do it, as you need a starting point to know where you want to go.

Woddle

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

• Do you ever worry that some day you will lose your motivation and stop running?
• What happens after you break the 3 hour mark? What's next?

<Very much introspective questions!>

No not at all, I'm really just enjoying my running so much that that thought wouldn't even enter my head.

The sub 3 hour is all apart of a bigger picture and I think we can all relate to targeting a paticular race for a paticular time and once you hit it, you've already moved on to the next race, next time

Sorry MCOS I didn't get the frog thing

MCOS

Woddle wrote: »

Sorry MCOS I didn't get the frog thing

Just keeping it light hearted, you are in a well after all

Ok, What are you scared of?

Woddle

MCOS wrote: »

Just keeping it light hearted, you are in a well after all

Ok, What are you scared of?

I can be fairly slow at times

Peckham

If you could only do one more race, which one would it be and why?

smcgui

What has been your best/worst race and why?

Woddle

Peckham wrote: »

If you could only do one more race, which one would it be and why?

It would have to be Berlin. I loved everything about this race and I'm slowly working towards sub 3 form, so the timing and the race would all work in my favour.

liamo

How often do you train? Every day?
How many hours per week would you total in your training?
Do you have a preferred time of day for training?

Woddle

smcgui wrote: »

What has been your best/worst race and why?

I'll start with my worst. Longford marathon 2002. I was badly prepared, didn't listen to my uncle, paced myself stupidly and by mile 18 ish I was done. I walked and crawled over the finish line. I was down on all fours nearly crying thinking what the fcuk. About 2 weeks after this race I raced once more before packing it in for the following 6 years.
My best performance according to a race calculator was in a 4 mile road race in Naas when I crossed the line in 25:56. I only started keeping records from 2001 so I don't have any times from when I was a teen when I know I was in good form. I won a mountain race once as a junior in Bray head but I don't think I had to big a field to contend with.

shels4ever

What is the biggest flaw you see in your own running.?

Woddle

liamo wrote: »

How often do you train? Every day?
How many hours per week would you total in your training?
Do you have a preferred time of day for training?

At the moment I'm now up to 6 days a week. My plan is 4 rest days for all of Feb.

Last week I did a total of 55.4 miles and that took approx 7 hours 45 mins, this week and next should see that go up slightly.

My preferred time to train is from 9am till 11:30 which I managed today but the cold weather has been putting me off over the last few months. If I don't go in the morning I like to go about 7 after the kids have gone to bed because I'll listen to off the ball on newstalk. My favourite time of all is a Friday in Marlay park at approx 3 and again I would listen to newstalk with their movies and beer slot.

Woddle

shels4ever wrote: »

What is the biggest flaw you see in your own running.?

Very good question, I might come back later with a different answer when I have more time to think but I would have to say my lack of patience. I want to do everything and I want to be hitting all my targets now not later. Also I'm very lazy on the speed sessions, I def need to be more consistant with these and also my diet, my diet sucks ass. I eat way too many sweets and don't seem to have any self control in stopping myself.

hunnymonster

If you weren't running, what would you be doing for sport?
why (oh why) the 1000 mile challenge
What is the best thing about being a runner?

Woddle

hunnymonster wrote: »

If you weren't running, what would you be doing for sport?
why (oh why) the 1000 mile challenge
What is the best thing about being a runner?

I would probably be trying to resurrect a dying football career. Always considered myself a skillful player and played from the age of 6 or 7 with Leicter Celtic but I still feel I have a few good seasons left in me and that I have something to prove but last summer I saw a horrific tackle that made me think twice.

The 1000 mile challenge
I have no idea really were it came from, I just wanted to try and get people running and give a bit more motivation to people making new years resolutions but it has really taken on a life of its own filled with little personal battles but we're all fighting together. Its a great success and its something that makes me feel very happy and it def seems to have added to a more solid running community

The best things for me about being a runner are getting to eat what the hell I like and not feel to guilty. I also love the race day experience and I get a great buzz from this and I like being apart of a small silent community were we are all respected, examples of this is when your out on a run and you see a stranger running towards you, but he's not a stranger, he or she is your equal and you find each other giving the other a nod of respect. Also running is making me look so much more attractive (not while runnin):D

rainbow kirby

Recommend me a good running route in the Dublin 16/24 area

eliwallach

Woddle wrote: »

my diet sucks ass. I eat way too many sweets and don't seem to have any self control in stopping myself.

I'm fond of the bikkies and chocolate too.:cool:
I often blame them (and the glass of wine) on a bad training day.

Q. Do you (when you finish a race and you are taking the free water on board) look at others finishing the race 5 or even 10 minutes after you and:
a. feel sympathy
b. snigger
c. nod sagely and say "I was that soldier"
d. ignore them and just marvel at another PB.

Woddle

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Recommend me a good running route in the Dublin 16/24 area

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/7605229
For an lsr, maybe, I have a feeling you live somewhere on this route. It's got some solid hills and it takes you through 2 parks were you can add as many or as little laps as needed, also I have a 6 mile route that brings me from Ballyboden over to Ballycullen road then over the blue haven bridge and down through Teplogue village, swing right heading towards Rathfarnham shooping centr but keep going staright, swing right up a big hill heading to the yellow house, swing right and staright back down to Ballyboden or in your case till you get back towards Ballycullen road.

Woddle

eliwallach wrote: »

I'm fond of the bikkies and chocolate too.:cool:
I often blame them (and the glass of wine) on a bad training day.

Q. Do you (when you finish a race and you are taking the free water on board) look at others finishing the race 5 or even 10 minutes after you and:
a. feel sympathy
b. snigger
c. nod sagely and say "I was that soldier"
d. ignore them and just marvel at another PB.

In the bhaa races where I've started to put names to faces I tend to hang around and encourage but on big day races like the adidas series its possibly more of a case of D, I tend to head staright for the car and am gone. But when on photographer duties such as Aware 10 K and this Saturdays 10 K I will be shouting encouragement.

TheRoadRunner

If you could be a world class footballer or runner, which would you choose ? (take the financial gains out of the equation)

Woddle

easy, a runner because its all about you and how hard you've worked to get there, whereas perhaps football has an element of being able to hide behind the collective, not so in running.

TheRoadRunner

ok maybe this might be a bit tougher. If you were a world class runner what event would you like to be a world beater at
a) Sprints
b) middle distance
c) long distance track
d) marathon
e) cross country

Woddle

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

ok maybe this might be a bit tougher. If you were a world class runner what event would you like to be a world beater at
a) Sprints
b) middle distance
c) long distance track
d) marathon
e) cross country

Interesting, I always liked the idea of middle distance 1500m or the mile were its just 3:30 to 4 mins of pure effort but I think I'm in love with the marathon and I think if I am to be anyway personally successful (just for me) I think this is my distance that suits me best

shels4ever

What race still sticks in your mind that you think you could have done better and if you could re-run it again you would.

Woddle

shels4ever wrote: »

What race still sticks in your mind that you think you could have done better and if you could re-run it again you would.

My most recent race in Dungarvan, I accidentally started at the back because everybody turned around at the last second to my surprise. It took me nearly the first mile to make up my mind whether I wanted to race it or not and I think there were times when I should have pushed the pace but was to afraid or something. The chip time didn't seem to work so I ended up with a gun time of 70:02 and I really do believe I could have broke 69 if I was in the right frame of mind. This race did however teach me how to dig deep in the last mile.
Also back in 2002 the last race I ran before I gave up, the cityswift 10 miler, I finished in a time of 69:17 ish but actually limped finished the last mile after putting my knee out jumping a small wall after getting on the wrong side. Always wonder what my true time would have been.

jlang

Did you plan where you go for your long runs or just go wherever you feel until you've run the distance?
Ever get lost?

TheRoadRunner

OK I'm running out of ideas here so this one is a bit ridiculous !

All runners are a little (maybe underestimating) vein. I've seen some of the photos you posted on the before and after thread and you are in great nick compared to your pre running days.

Hypothetically, if you were guaranteed breaking 3 hours in the marathon but forever having the body of your former self or running 3.05 with your new lean body which would you choose ?

Woddle

jlang wrote: »

Did you plan where you go for your long runs or just go wherever you feel until you've run the distance?
Ever get lost?

I always pretty much know where I'm going to run and I can tag on a few extra laps if needed when running through Marlay park but on the odd occasion I'll get to the end of the driveway and for some unknown reason will head in the complete opposite direction.

I got lost briefly up around the hellfire club, I couldn't remember how to get back down and my sense of direction was all over the place but it actually couldn't have been easier.

When I was in secondary school I raced in Ticknock with a friend. My friend fell and twisted his ankle. I continued on knowing that I was doing really well. Quite a few minutes later and a few wrong turns thanks to some little sh$ts who moved the flags I ended up finishing last and behind my mate who twisted his ankle and hopped to the finish line. He actually won a towel that day and I got nothing.

Woddle

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

OK I'm running out of ideas here so this one is a bit ridiculous !

All runners are a little (maybe underestimating) vein. I've seen some of the photos you posted on the before and after thread and you are in great nick compared to your pre running days.

Hypothetically, if you were guaranteed breaking 3 hours in the marathon but forever having the body of your former self or running 3.05 with your new lean body which would you choose ?

Crap thats a good one, I think the vain me might win out here and I'll have to settle for 3:05. I'm going to have a good think about this one... Yep I'm sticking with my original answer. You got me, thats a toughy.

shels4ever

Who on Boards would you most like to beat in a race, and who would you never want to beat you ?

Peckham

Which of these would you prefer....:

a) A long run in howling wind and rain in February
b) A long run on a hot August day

Woddle

shels4ever wrote: »

Who on Boards would you most like to beat in a race, and who would you never want to beat you ?

Currently I'm gunning for Robinph, he needs to be put in his place
I feel he's purpoely mocking me, starting all the races beside me and then after a minute he's gone.

I don't think I would ever like to beat Racing flat as it would be a student over the mentor kind of situation.

Woddle

Peckham wrote: »

Which of these would you prefer....:

a) A long run in howling wind and rain in February
b) A long run on a hot August day

Easy, a hot August day, I love running in the heat and seem to be able for it and perform better. Back in 2001,2002 while away on holidays, a 10 mile run in high 30 degree celcius heat in Cyprus and Greece was lovely. I used to think I had a superpower and that power was being able to let my body go without fluids for long periods of time, now I just realise how stupid I was although the 10 mile race in Dungarvan I ignored every water station to the disbelief of Mr Wiloughby

shels4ever

Fancy a race over 800 or 1500m in May?

Woddle

MCOS wrote: »

Ok, What are you scared of?

I missed this, sorry.
Its a close call between dying (old age) or going bald but I finally think I'm safe with the bald thing. My dad went bald at 20 and I'm nearly 30 now and no signs, phew

Woddle

shels4ever wrote: »

Fancy a race over 800 or 1500m in May?

Is that a challenge
Either, maybe the 800m for now

Fast_Mover

Favourite carbohydrate:

a) Pasta
b) Bread
c) Potatoes
d) Rice
e) Other

shels4ever

Woddle wrote: »

Is that a challenge
Either, maybe the 800m for now

Yep its a Challenge 800m it is then . Bhaa event in Trinity track. I'll even move up to your grade to race

donothoponpop

You are the switch operator at a railway crossing. An out-of-control carriage with five people on board is hurtling along the track where it will collide with the platform and all will die. Their only chance of survival is if you switch their carriage over to another track, on which is a worker who has been shovelling snow off the line. Do you:

a) Allow the carriage to impact the platform, where the five will be killed?,

b) Switch the carriage to the other track, killing the innocent worker (better one dead than five)?, or

c) Notice that the worker has cleared a long path along the snow, lace up, and hit the path for a brisk five miler?

Woddle

Fast_Mover wrote: »

Favourite carbohydrate:

a) Pasta
b) Bread
c) Potatoes
d) Rice
e) Other

Potatoes, fried roasted, mash, mash with chees
Also pizza hut, I love it and can't get enough of it.
Deep pan margariha with chicken and black pepper.

Fast_Mover

Favourite running quote?

robinph

Woddle wrote: »

Currently I'm gunning for Robinph, he needs to be put in his place
I feel he's purpoely mocking me, starting all the races beside me and then after a minute he's gone.

Well I do need to make sure that I'm not starting from behind you without realising it, so the best way of doing that it keeping you within range at the beginning.

Krusty_Clown

Which name do you prefer, Woddle or Woodle, and do you think Amadeus knows that he types it incorrectly every time?

Woddle

Fast_Mover wrote: »

Favourite running quote?

Pain is temporary,quitting is forever

Woddle

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Which name do you prefer, Woddle or Woodle, and do you think Amadeus knows that he types it incorrectly every time?

I didn't even notice. What I did notice is that he types the teh but maybe thats intentional for coolness points :cool: