Our second person to take to the Striders Spotlight is our current chairman, Mike Martin. Mike joined striders in 2014 and has previously been road captain and deputy chair before becoming chair.
Mike Martin
Age
36
Occupation
Police officer, working in London for the last 17 years. I have been a Detective for much of this time and work in specialist crime. I haven't patrolled the streets or worn a uniform in a long time!!
Reason you started running?
I met my wife, Michelle in 2011. She was already a keen runner and was training for her first Great South. I hadn't run since leaving college but thought it was a good time to get back into it. I was totally unprepared for my first run, I went out at night and had no idea of my way around St Albans. I ended up getting lost and running through Verulamium park in the pitch black before walking up Holywell Hill. I eventually made it home an hour later with a bit of a limp.
Favourite race distance?
Although I have experimented with ultra marathons I think 5k is probably my favourite. The Hatfield 5k series are races I always look forward to.
Favourite running route and race?
In 2017 I took part in the City to Summit duathlon. The race started at Edinburgh castle at 4am with a half marathon run, then a 112 mile bike ride across the width of Scotland and then a marathon run including an ascent of Ben Nevis before finishing in Fort William. There were some amazing sights and views along the route.
Running goals?
Running wise, my main target is to get my marathon time down to around 2 hours 50 minutes, but I'm not in a rush to do this. However my main focus over the last couple of years has been building up to completing an Ironman. That was meant to be in Austria in July however I guess this will end up rolling over to next year.
How often do you train?
When i'm fit I try and train everyday. However I mix it up with cycling and swimming. I probably run at least 5 times a week.
What motivates you?
I always like to a have a race booked way ahead so that I can have a target to train towards. If I don't I tend to lose a bit of focus and end up just clocking up junk miles.
Most memorable run/race?
This has to be my most recent marathon in Valencia. It was an amazing event which I was able to share with several great friends and fellow striders. I would definitely recommend the race for anyone who is looking for a trip away and a fast/flat route to try and get a PB.
Injuries?
I have suffered from a few minor injuries over the years. Usually nothing that stops me for too long. In 2017 I managed to run the Bramley 20 and Berkhampsted Half in quite a bit of pain only to discover afterwards that I had a stress fracture in my leg. A few weeks in a boot with no training wasn't the ideal training for London that year.
Other hobbies?
As triathlon / duathlon are my main sports more recently, cycling and swimming. I enjoy doing my own bike maintenance and have put together three of my bikes from scratch. Also I do love the freedom of a nice open water swim.Guilty pleasure?
I do enjoy a good Eastenders catch up. The last couple of weeks have felt a bit empty with only two episodes. 😅
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