In the first of our 'Be Inspired' series, we put our questions to pacer and all-round running enthusiast, Paul Addicott, to understand what motivates him to keep running.
1 - How long have you been running for?
As long as I can remember. I was always sporty as a kid and ran a lot, but never really on its own. I ran as part of training for others sports. I really started running for the sake of just running in 2009.
2 - What got you in to running?
In 2009 I took part in a half marathon and realised how unfit I had become. I found it much harder than I thought I should, so I decided to improve and began running.
3 - What’s been your greatest achievement to date?
This is an easy one, my family. But if we are talking about running then it's got to be pacing in the London Marathon. #worldmajor
4 - Do you have any rituals before or after a race that must be stuck to?
People will be surprised but I'm very lazy and relaxed when it comes to pre race. Only thing really is to ensure I get to the start early to go to the toilet before the queues get long. Post race I like to find myself a pint and a burger 👍
As above - a pint and a burger. Ok to be more specific a double burger with everything on it and a pint of ale.
Again so many. I would have to say Marathon Des Sables. I know these days there are harder challenges, but this is the first and one that people look to when thinking of multi day events. I have wanted to do this event for about 15 years, long before I considered myself a runner I have always had a competitive nature and would look at something like this and say, I could do that, which actually means "I want to do that".
5 - What’s your favourite post run meal?
6 - What’s the best fancy dress you’ve ever see someone running in?
It has to be Save The Rhino - but I'm biased after doing this for my first marathon .
7 - Of the races you’ve taken part in, what’s been your favourite and why?
There are so many, it's hard to pick just one. There are many for different reasons, but recently I would say Limassol Marathon. It was a lovely little marathon, but what makes this special is the finish with my wife and kids there (as always). An awesome massage by two lovely ladies, a meet with lots of ukrunchat people, drinks and wonderful atmosphere.
8 - When you’re not running, what’s your favourite past time?
You know what, I can't remember. I would have said years ago it was travelling, or going to the gym, but now I try to combine my traveling with running and can't remember the last time I stepped foot in a gym.
Outside of running and work I don't have any time for anything else other than being a dad and husband, but I wouldn't change this for the world. The thing I spend most time doing outside of work and running would be softplay, watching kids dvds and the occasional look on social media 😂
9 - If you could run in a race anywhere in the world, where and why?
Oh man, this is a hard one. I want a big table with everyone from twitter haha!10 - If you could host a dinner party with 4 other runners (famous or otherwise) who would they be and why? And most importantly, what would be on the menu?
Here's my choices:
- Dean Karnazes - legend and inspiration to run ultra marathons. (Check out Paul's interview with Dean here)
- Ben Smith - lovely guy and amazing inspiration. (an interview with Ben)
- Kirsty Addicott- my wife, if I get the opportunity for a meal without the kids then she has to be there.
- Caithy Walker and Amy Hughes. Sorry but would invite both of these lovely ladies. Both an inspiration, need to balance the table and wouldn't want an odd number now would we 😜
For the menu - obviously we would have pizza, surely we would be carb loading for a race right???
Thanks to Paul for his insight into why he runs and the enjoyment that gets out of it.
You can follow Paul on:
Twitter: @paul_addicott
Instagram: pauladdicott
Paul's Blog: https://pickupthepacepaul.wordpress.com/
Keep an eye out for the next in our Be Inspired series coming soon!
Happy running!
Team runr.
