Meet The Officials Officer

Next up in the DRC.com* hot seat for a 'getting to know you' is Officials Officer, Andy Lock.

*that's not our actual web address but having typed it, i'm thinking it should be?

When and why did you start running:

I was always destined to run, having been ‘least likely to pull on a pair of runners’ for many, many years. I didn’t get it….to my mind running wasn’t a sport unless there was a ball (or bus) involved. So a quick morning jog around The Avenue loop and back to Green Lane back in late 2016, I was hooked and have been ever since. This was to be the year of the marathon for me, so all being well Paris, Berlin and Snowdon will be ready and waiting in 2021!

PB's:

ParkRun (5km) – 20:49

10km - 45:17

HM - 1.36:57

What's your typical training week/mileage:

I run when I can and when I feel like it, so for me a schedule isn’t so important as to get out at least 3 to 4 times a week. As with most of the running population, a steady Saturday morning 5k in a park has been a routine fixture, along with a longer Sunday run. The rest of the running schedule fits around a hectic home life during the week.

Trail or road?:

It has to be trail definitely – there’s so much variety and the stunning local scenery we’re fortunate to have on the doorstep makes it especially enjoyable. That said, I’ve (somewhat unfairly) taken a reputation for not being blessed with the most accurate navigational compass, so anything of any distance and I’m probably safer sticking to the roads!

Favourite local race:

It’s become more of an event than a race but a firm favourite has to be the Round Sheffield Run. In terms of a race – sorry another big ticket event – the crowds and the local support associated with the Sheffield Half are always awesome.

Favourite local routes and running spots:

Like a lot of runners, the lack of organised events of late has really opened my eyes to all that the area has to offer in and around Dronfield – there’s so many great routes and options to tailor a run to go as long as you feel comfortable. That said, if I had to plump for an absolute favourite it would be ‘the Edges’ out in the Peaks - would love to do the nine in one run.

Favourite shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS

What piece of running kit can you not live without:

I bought a hydration vest a couple years back which wins the award for least worn piece of kit (zero!), however, it came with a couple of 150ml soft-flasks which have been perfect for stuffing in pockets and I’ll take out on most long runs, they really have been invaluable.

What do you do apart from run:

There are things other than running??! With three girls Darcie (7), Hermione (12) and Harriet (14), family time is really important to me. We’ve a Cockapoo (also a girl), so long weekend walks in the peaks – anywhere near a café – is always time well spent. We also enjoy travelling, and are fortunate enough to get to spend time in Portugal throughout the year.

Tell us something interesting about you (slightly running related):

I grew up in the Westcountry, so I’m quite comfortable running through a field of Cows, but as for hills and long climbs…that’s an entirely different matter