In the spotlight today is Chris Davies. Chris joined striders in 2012. Chris is one of the clubs run leaders and was involved in leading the initial "Get Started" courses for new runners to the club that is now know as Run with Striders.
Chris Davies
Age
53
Occupation
Founder and Director of Model Office a RegTech (Digital Compliance) business. I have worked within the Retail Investment and Wealth management industry for 30 years, with 13 based in Hong Kong, Australia and Singapore. I made the move to technology as I’ve always loved how good tech can enable effective and efficient business, plus is a huge enabler presently during remote working!
I’m also a District Councillor with St Albans District Council, so two jobs I guess but the latter is more social and civic duty in keeping my residents needs in Verulam Ward served and ensuring key issues such as Verulam Park, the Lake, River Ver, Local planning and Development, Council Audit processes and yes pot holes are kept in check.
Reason I started running
I tended to run with a ball from an early age mainly football at school but was also very active with other ball sports such as Tennis, Golf, Cricket and a little bit of Rugby. I ended up running mainly to help my head space when I was studying for O’levels (showing my age) and kept it up ever since. My big regret is until Striders I never joined a club despite being surrounded by good running clubs and facilities where I grew up (Formby in Merseyside) at University and in Asia/Australia.
Favourite race distance
Half marathons until I got into my 50’s now its 10Ks! But I still run 3-4x half marathon’s each year with my times getting a tad slower. I’ve run 6 marathons but tended to find the training too onerous with running a business, family commitments and being a District Councillor.
Favourite race and route
Very tough this one as I’ve probably run over 70 half marathons in my time, but really enjoyed our own flagship event St Albans half marathon with the 2015 event memorable when I was racing with some of my favourite Striders Rav Dighe, Howard Bull, Jen Conway, Stu Middleton, Clare Kremer and others they all beat me of course but got a course PB that yr. Also, the Grand Union canal run from Uxbridge to Watford is a stunner plus Berkhamsted half given its Chiltern views and 3-mile descent at the end 😃
Running goals
It’s just great to keep going to be honest. As you get older you really appreciate the ability to exercise and get out and about into nature in particular. In 2015 November I found through running that I had heart disease and required urgent heart surgery. If I wasn’t a runner and a Strider I don’t think I’d be here today as I had a 98% blockage of my left anterior descending artery (known as the widow maker) I found I was short of breath on long runs, went through 3x doctors before referred for a heart scan and then straight to surgery. So, running quite simply saved my life, I’m grateful every time I go for a trot…
How often do I train
Presently most days, during lockdown I charged myself with running a minimum of 20 miles per week which I’m doing which is great as it’s good or my head and waistline.
What motivates you
Keeping fit and healthy for my two daughters and feeling great post runs with the endorphin hit is always a kick. Keeping the heart strong and healthy is probably now a key goal. I also like to support others and qualified as a running coach in leadership in running fitness (LIRF) and was proud to reboot Striders Newbie introductory club Get Started which myself, Kim McClaren, Emma Halldearn and Paul Cremins renamed Run With Striders back in 2014, still going strong today!
Most memorable run/race
Got to be the 2015 Venice Marathon when I finally got under 4 hours! I was always just missing the magic number but trained properly with Mike Jubb giving me specific drills at Striders track night in particular. Plus, the fact that we had to run over 13 bridges at the end of the course! It was also 1 month prior to my heart op, so a very poignant run.
Injuries
None really apart from the usual ‘postman’s foot’ plantar fasciitis and muscle strains. I did break my little toe once kicking my computer bag in frustration but kept running regardless.
Other hobbies
I’ve just gained black belt in Karate at Tiska St Albans Karate Club. I started to get my daughters interested and going, they’re brown belts now and still beat me up despite my new grade. I am a keen golfer trying to get my handicap down and enjoy strumming my Rickenbacker electric guitar much to annoyance of my neighbours. I also took up skiing again recently as my daughter was learning for a ski trip to Italy which was cancelled thanks to Covid19. I also read plenty and write too currently deep into my second business book which I hope to publish later this year.
Guilty pleasures
Eating Chocolate, Lemon drizzle cake, salt and vinegar crisps whilst drinking Purple Moose Snowdonian Pale Ale and binge-watching Star Trek (original series)
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