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Jerry Lockspeiser

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THE PERFECT GIFT FOR RUNNERS THIS CHRISTMAS

written by Hugh

Only six weeks before Santa slides down the chimney, we hope he will have his sack filled with copies of our book “Running Stories by people of all ages, speeds and backgrounds.” With all our profits being donated to The Running Charity and their work with young homeless people, this is the perfect gift for runners and non-runners alike. 

Each of the 88 short stories tells a tale of personal fulfilment, positivity, motivation and inspiration. The stories are about running, but also about the person.

Could you help publicise the book through your networks and help us raise money for the Running Charity at the same time as enabling someone to receive an uplifting gift?

The book is available for £8.99 from Amazon, Waterstones, Hive, Blackwell’s and to order from independent bookshops. At launch we became number 1 in the Amazon Athletics category and are both delighted and thankful for the many 5-star reviews.

Our youngest contributor is six years old. The oldest ninety-two. There really is a story to lift every one of us. Here are just a few.

Go well (and have a very Happy Christmas)

17th November 2021 0 comment
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Athletics

The Silver Lining – Anne Dockery

written by Hugh

It is not often a person is grateful for rather unpleasant news from the doctor but, having been a heavy smoker when younger, at the age of 55 I was diagnosed with the lung condition bronchiectasis. This started me on an amazing adventure that continues to this day and included becoming the World Duathlon Champion in my 70th year (2018). Talk about a runner’s high!

Very reluctantly I started running to strengthen my lungs and prevent my condition getting worse. Running grows on you slowly. After several months I grew to appreciate the meditative quality and the energy it generated. I was entered in a hill-ridden cross-country race and, oddly enough, found the ordeal enjoyable, particularly as I won a medal for coming third in my age group. I was hooked.

A whole new world opened up. I was introduced to the amazing camaraderie of the running community and, since moving to Bristol two years ago, I have been quite overwhelmed by the generous support and encouragement of local runners of all ages as I attempted my first track events.

I was a part of the GB gold medal 4 x 400 metre team for the 70-74 year age group at the Malaga World Masters Athletics Championships in 2018. In the same competition, much to my amazement and delight, I won three individual bronze medals in the 800m, 1500m and 5000m. But the best bit was wearing the British vest and being part of that amazing group of athletes of all ages. Such an honour. If I can do this it shows others can too!

As you get older you need to find new dreams and goals. With running there is always another little challenge, whether you are trying to complete your first parkrun, knock a couple of seconds off your 800 metres, or simply enjoy a morning run with friends. You can turn anything into a challenge – and that is what I love. It is not about racing; it is about being the best you can be on a specific day. It is about keeping fit enough to enjoy your grandchildren and being able to live independently for as long as possible.

We must stop age being an artificial barrier that inhibits the desire to be become fitter, stronger, more adventurous. I am probably more willing to have a go at things now than I was in my 40s, and I have never been happier.

Photo courtesy Alex Rotas.

29th March 2021 0 comment
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AthleticsTSF News

‘RUNNING STORIES’ tells Extraordinary Stories from Ordinary Runners

written by Hugh

Jerry Lockspeiser and Andrew Roberts, with the help of 88 amateur runners got together to tell their story of how running has helped to support them. Running has provided them all with an opportunity to enrich their lives.

The stories are from people who run to win, whilst others are running to help their mental illness and many more run to keep healthy.

The contributions are from people of all ages, children, men and women, from 6 to 92.

If you want to start running or return to the old hobby this book will be an inspiration.

It is also a book you can dip in to when you feel like you need a boost to encourage your continued participation in this great pastime.

The stories are arranged into six broad themes:

* IT MAKES ME FEEL SO GOOD – Stories of wellbeing and joy.

* RUNNING JOURNEYS – Personal running histories, from getting going to achieving a goal.

* RACING TALES – From parkrun to ultra-marathon, these are all about races.

* RUNNING GOT ME THROUGH – Extra-ordinary, powerful accounts of overcoming adversity.

* THE COMPETITIVE SPIRIT- Winning medals or achieving records motivate this group.

* IT’S ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE TOO – Making new friends, finding love, raising funds for charity, guiding a blind runner, coaching and more all show that running is far from a solitary experience.

‘Questions new runners ask’ – answers ten things new runners, or those thinking about running want to know:

CAN I RUN? ME? 

DOES IT MATTER WHAT I WEAR?

DO I NEED TO STRETCH AND WARM UP BEFORE I RUN?

HOW FAST, FAR AND OFTENSHOULD I RUN? 

DO I NEED TO EAT OR DRINK?

WILL I LOSE WEIGHT?

HOW CAN I FIND OTHER PEOPLE TO RUN WITH?

AM I TOO OLD TO RUN?

WILL I FEEL PAIN?

SHOULD I SET A GOAL?

The authors are delighted to donate 100% of their revenue from sales of this book to The Running Charity who use running to improve the lives of homeless young people in the UK.

This small but wonderful organisation transforms lives – you can read about some of them in the book.

Reviews have been glowing.

“A wonderful array of accounts depicting what exactly it is that makes people run”

Rosie Millard OBE, marathon runner and Chair BBC Children in Need.

“This book gives you a piece of inspiration no matter the journey you are on.”

Manni Ovola, Nike Running Coach & Physiotherapist

“A joyful account of running and runners of all ages.”

Eddie Brocklesby, Silverfit Founder and Britain’s oldest female Ironman triathlete.

Please order your copy here: Amazon

“A wonderful array of accounts depicting what exactly it is that makes people run”

Rosie Millard OBE, marathon runner and Chair BBC Children in Need.

About the Authors:

Jerry Lockspeiser is an entrepreneur, writer, and business consultant. He took up running in his mid-50s after increasingly frequent injuries put an end to his football days. He has run 23 marathons, including the six Abbott Marathon Majors. Pleased to have set a marathon PB age 65, he remains in awe of Andrew’s superior speed and age grading. Jerry is a Director of Positive News, fellow of the RSA, and qualified RAC motorcycle instructor. This is his third book.

Andrew Roberts is a freelance graphic designer who also shoots short videos. Occasionally he dresses up as an extra on movies. Most days after sedentary work he runs around London. His race range is from one mile to half marathon, but he prefers a local 5k to big events that combine running with queuing. He holds the UK mile record for his age group in 2015. Andrew admits to enjoying running past fit looking younger folk like Jerry.

Jerry and Andrew are members of the Serpentine Running Club in London.

20th March 2021 0 comment
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