Ross Weston, probably better known to most of you as Miserable Bleeder is the latest member who has kindly agreed to answer my probing questions and feature in the member profile section.
How long have you been running and what got you started?
I entered the Great South Run, as motivation to lose weight for a holiday, thinking it was a 10K. Only to find out later, and to my utter horror, that it was 10miles. Fortunately I managed to complete it, and was hooked. Since then (2006) I went a bit mad, entered and completed over 100 events (all very slowly).
What is your job?
I’m a Buyer for an Aerospace Company. It’s quite varied, involved, and fast paced, but no two days are the same.
What is your motivation for doing so many marathons?
A certain Mr. Aston’s obsession with the 100 Marathon Club. This has made me realise that I, too, could hit that magical milestone. Hopefully before my back packs up for good. Also it was a lifelong ambition to run London, something that took me 28 years to achieve.
What is your favourite piece of running kit?
Bodyglide (Nuff Said) !!
How long have you been a member of Wrekin Road Runners?
Since early 2008.
Tell us about your 2012 marathon challenge, what was the goal and how is it going?
After getting a place in the 2012 London Marathon, I wanted to do something special to celebrate. At one point I was aiming for 42 Marathons to celebrate my upcoming birthday. However, losing one of my dogs to cancer in June put paid to that, so now I’m aiming for anything over 25 (to qualify for ‘Wannabe’ status in the 100 Marathon Club. The hardest thing is maintaining motivation. After a hard week at work, the last thing anyone wants to do is drive up to 200miles, and then run (or walk) 26miles.
So what are you going to do in 2013?
Hopefully a couple of 50mile events (The Woldsman & Wenlock Olympic Walk) in order to qualify for the 2014 LDWA 100mile walk (however, I have my doubts about my ability to complete it). I also want to complete a solo walk of the Shropshire Way (approx. 160miles), over the course of the year, to see some of the sights of my home county.
You do a mix of big road marathons and more low key Long Distance Walking Association challenge events? What is the difference? Which do you prefer?
The price (LDWA events can be as little as £5), the route (LDWA events are usually across fields, hills, coastal paths, former railway tracks etc etc). The LDWA events also require that you follow a route description and sometimes use a map and compass. Usually I like to do these as a walker, simply to enjoy the views and also to protect my dodgy back, that and the food on offer. I prefer anything with scenery, and not too many crowds.
Which is your favourite race / event to date?
The Haughmond Hill Handicap (Close to where I grew up). The White Peak Walk (The Peak District is beautiful in the Summer). Loch Ness Marathon (For its Iconic stunning scenery, and for being my first Marathon). The Clun Valley Challenge (Hot Dogs at 13miles ?? Don’t mind if I do)
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on one of your events?
To be honest, I can’t think of anything. I’m generally too busy trying not to pass out.
I know that you raise money for a charity in doing many of your events, tell us about the charity and how you got involved?
I raise money for the Retired Greyhound Trust. We re-homed a Greyhound from Monmore in 2003, but sadly lost her to Cancer in 2008. They are beautiful gentle dogs, who sadly are ‘disposed’ of, after their racing careers. The lucky ones find a home, the unlucky ones are killed, maimed (ears cut off) or dumped. We re-homed a Lurcher from RGT Shropshire in December 2008, and got to know Sue who runs the kennels quite well. So, upon getting the place in London I wanted to raise money to help her re-home more dogs.
If anyone wants to sponsor me, then:-
http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/2012-Challenge
Or know more about Greyhounds:-
http://shropshire.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk
What is your favourite post race food?
Guinness
Are there any events that you have not yet done that you would really like to do?
Marathon Medoc (Wine & Food). Cape Wrath Marathon (The location). Prague Marathon (or any European City Marathon)
I first encountered you via a blog that you used to write on realbuzz.com, I know that you still write a blog. Where can we find your blog, and why do you call yourself Miserable Bleeder?
http://the-glassback-chronicles.blogspot.co.uk/
Although, this will probably only run to the end of 2012 (it’s bloody tough to update it all the time, and my Mum has found it) It reflects my true personality, and aversion to socialising. It also means I can be rude to people on Facebook without fear of recrimination J
And finally what is your problem with people who like to look after their lawns?
Not a problem with the looking after lawns, rather the obsessive OCD set routine that requires they are done just when I am sitting down to my tea (when the said person has had all day to do the bloody thing !!).