MEMBER PROFILE Ewan Welsh Age 43, running for 25 years, joined Ilkley Harriers in January 2000.


Occupation: Started off life as an apprentice fitter, then opted for a change in lifestyle and went to Scottish College of Textiles in Galashiels, ended up working in IT as a Systems Analyst.


Running background: Joined my local club when I was 18, the now defunct Dalry Thistle. When I left to go to college in Galashiels I joined Gala Harriers and ran with them for 5 years. Over that time I ran in both road and hill races but never raced more than Half Marathon. My main running memories are fine summer nights running over the Southern Uplandway and hard track sessions. On leaving college I moved to New Zealand and joined Christchurch Avon AC, often training twice a day as I ran to and back from work enjoying crispy clear winter days, hot dry summers and an abundance of training routes. I started to do longer distance races and a few mountain marathons. In 1998 we lived in Melbourne and I joined a club called Diamond Valley, running road races in the lovely autumn which was a joy after training all summer in searing heat. By 2000 we were in sunny Yorkshire and I joined Ilkley.


First Race as a club runner: Note sure if it was Kaim Hill race in Fairly (Ayrshire), I think it was 1986, or one of many X-country races.


First race for Ilkley Harriers: Dentdale 14 mile in 2000.


PBs: 1 mile 5.04 (1991); 5k 17.21 (1997); 10k 36.04 (1991); 10m 60.21(1997); ½ m 1.22.23 (1998); 20m 2.07 (1995); Full Marathon 3.04.58 (1997)


PW (personal worst): During the Burnsall 10 mile race a few years ago I felt pretty


12


rough from the onset, the feeling continued throughout the race, I was doubled up with cramps at one point, later that day I found myself in A&E passing some kidney stones! It wasn’t a pleasant weekend.


Favourite type of racing: Happy to run in all types, as much as I enjoy fell running I get a more tangible result from road racing as I’ve always been rubbish at running downhill, irrespective of fitness on any given day.


Favourite Race: Goat Fell in Arran (it has sentimental value).


Most satisfying race: Whilst in New Zealand I ran a long distance trail race (Southern Bays Challenge) over 3 consecutive years, first two attempts were a disaster, mainly due to heat, on the third attempt I got everything right and chopped 50 minutes of my previous times, that was very satisfying mainly as it was 3 years in the making.


Favourite training route or place to run: To this day I love running over the Southern Uplandway in the Scottish Borders, from Moffat to Melrose taking in St Mary’s Loch, there’s a wee cafe across from St Mary’s Loch, just sitting there is enjoyable.


Average week’s training routine: These days I get out when I can, ideally the basis of the week would consist of a shorter session of reps, either repeats or hill efforts, a steady state run and a longish run.


Best of running times: 1994 to about 2003. No serious illness or injuries, consistent training and racing. These days I’m happy just to be getting out, in a way it’s more enjoyable.


ILKLEY HARRIERS NEWSLETTER • JULY–AUGUST 2010


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28