October’s Member of the Month: Jacob Turner!
Jacob continues to support the club in so many ways! Not only is he a consistent and enthusiastic leader, he keeps all of the leaders organised, week in and week out! Jacob is also our resident quiz master, hosting superb (albeit rather competitive) quizzes that are a great way for club members to socialise. We need people like Jacob to ensure the club runs as it does every week!
What is your ideal pre-race snack/breakfast?
A Greggs baguette and a coffee – that’s what I call PB food!
Are you a hot or cold weather runner?
Cold – I overheat so easily when I run.
Flat course or hills?
You know what, I’m going to say hills! I like the variety, and I do enjoy a good downhill.
Long or short distance?
I’m beginning to prefer long steadier runs. I’ve always done 5kms and 10kms, but definitely starting to enjoy the steadier chattier runs more now.
Do you do any exercise other than running?
I tend to exercise five to six times per week, with Wednesday as a rest day between club sessions. I go to the gym and do spin classes too. I used to play squash, but the knees aren’t so keen on this one anymore…
What is your favourite song to listen to whilst running?
Anything with an energetic beat – a lot of rock and metal, and occasional dance and pop songs. My go-to song is Shadow Moses, by Bring Me The Horizon. When it comes on, I think ‘oh no, time to run faster’!
What is the main piece of kit you couldn’t do without?
I recently discovered Altra shoes. Being blessed/cursed with small and wide feet, Altras fit well and help me stay balanced.
What is the most surprising thing you have found since you started running?
The community of friends I’ve made off the back of it. I started at Parkrun, and met the person who is now my closest friend. When I moved up here two years ago, TBH was the first thing I joined, and I’ve made a good strong network of friends since then. None of this would have been possible without running.
Who do you go to for running inspiration?
Phily Bowden. For one of the best marathon runners in the country, she is incredibly relatable and down-to-earth.
I also like The Running Channel; it is the perfect combination of informative and entertaining. Their videos and podcasts are aimed at all levels, and I got the inspiration to run a regular handicap race from them.
What is your proudest running achievement?
Brampton to Carlisle 2024 was the best race I’ve ever done. I knocked 5 mins off my PB, and it’s the best I’ve felt running since injuring my hamstring in July 2022. It was a great combination of enjoying the run and getting a PB!
What is your biggest challenge when training, and how do you overcome this?
Sometime getting out of the door can be a challenge, particularly if I’m having a bad day. But I know the end outcome is worth it, I always feel better after a run. And even if the run isn’t great, the socialising normally is!
What is your favourite thing about being a member of Tyne Bridge Harriers?
The community of people. The club made me feel so welcome, and I feel genuinely valued and appreciated each week.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting running?
You’ve got to throw yourself in and try it! Make it manageable for yourself, don’t go head first into a super fast 5km. When you start, do everything by feel, and if it feels good, do a bit more! Next thing you know, you’re a runner!
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