Meet the Club Member: David

Meet David who has two Serpie doppelgängers and swears by cross country for his winter training

Picture from Meet the Club Member: David

You are...

David Evans (one of three at Serpentine!), member since 2012 

What brought you to the club

When I moved to London I switched from cycling to running. Joining Serpentine was a great way to meet people and train in a more structured way.

When you aren't running, you are...

The combination of running and work usually takes up quite a lot of my time. I go cycling when I'm out of London and I like to play squash despite my hand eye coordination being better suited to distance running.

The most challenging thing you have ever done

I've cycled from John O'Groats to Land's End which was a good challenge. The route covered around 1,000 miles over 10 days, taking in some great scenery and pretty tough climbs.

Your favourite book or film

Favourite book - Catch 22. I like the dark humour in the character descriptions and in some of the turns of phrase. Favourite running book - From Last to First by Charlie Spedding. A really engaging read including a lot of good advice applicable to all runners.

If you could be an animal, you would want to be...

Something quick, a cheetah, preferably narrated by David Attenborough.

What you like best about the club

Training in a group environment and the social side that goes with it. Getting involved in team events such as the Welsh Castles Relay has also been great.

Most unusual race you have ever done

I raced a half marathon organised by a friend where there was a prize for the first runner to the one mile mark (conditional upon finishing the half). That race start was pretty unusual! He also organised it so that the finish was outside his house and invited all runners (30 or so) around afterwards.

Your top training tip

Find a training group with similar goals to challenge you and provide strong motivation. And racing cross country during the winter, of course.

Your next big goal

The Frankfurt marathon in October (editor's note: Nick Torry ran his club record time of 2:15:04 there in 2013). In the meantime I'm focusing on getting back to fitness, racing frequently and improving my times over 5km and 10km.

Something you have never told anyone else or that would surprise others

As a small child I kicked one of the Chuckle Brothers.

Thank you for answering our questions David and best of luck with your training and build-up for Frankfurt!

Coralie Frost & Eda Korkmaz
communications@serpentine.org.uk

Submitted: 9 March 2018

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