Runner of the Month for September

The choice of Runner of the Month for September involved a lot of strong support, and some crafty covert messages to keep the nomination secret, as it is none other than our lovely Chair – Julie Neaves.

Julie started running several years ago after travelling to Tromso to support Ade and many other TRAC runners. Julie spectated with Tim Greenaway and both were inspired to give running a go. Julie wanted to run the Great North Run as her dad had run this and she was very proud of his achievement. She ran the race with his medal in her pocket and wore it with her own medal at the finish. Julie was concerned about the race as her training had been hindered by various problem, but with her usual dogged determination, and despite a horrible cold brewing, she ran the race without walking or stopping and she beat her dad’s time.

Not only has Julie embraced running, but she is a very supportive run leader, she has served many years as club welfare officer and she iscurrently in her second year as Chair of the Club.

Members say “both as a runner and run leader, Julie is always welcoming, cheerful and supportive of those around her. Recently, she has encouraged several runners from the Monday 45 minute group to join her at Sunday long runs,which can be daunting but a great confidence boost when achieved”.

Please join us in saying a well deserved congratulations to Julie and thanks for everything that she does for the club.

Q. What attracted you to join TRAC?

Tim and I went for a very expensive drink in Tromso while everyone was running the midnight sun marathon/ half marathon. Tim said shall we give this running lark a go, see what all the fuss is about? I said ok, next thing you know I’m doing C25K, parkrun and Monday night club run. Then run leader, welfare officer and Chair!!! It’s been a bit of a journey.

Mainly I thought, they seem like a friendly bunch. If you can’t beat them join them.

Q. What’s your best moment?

Oh that’s a tricky one.

Obviously running the Great North Run has been amazing, but to be honest for me it’s not races that bring me most joy.Supporting others on club runs, seeing people progress are my favourite moments. I started the now known ‘Hills Not Hills’ session on a Wednesday about 3 and a half years ago when I became a run leader. Seeing this session become so popular and support the clubs ethos of club for all does make me very proud.

Q. What would you say to a new person who is considering joining?

Come along, there’s something for everyone. It can be daunting joining an established group but we are a friendly bunch. We all started somewhere and we were all new once.

Q. What does the club mean to you?

It’s hard to imagine our lives without the club. Ade and I have made so many great friends through running. The positive impact being a member of Trac has made to our lives I can’t put into words. My dad was my inspiration to run the Great North Run, but really Ade is my inspiration to run. He has a heart condition but he doesn’t let it stop him pushing himself to be the best runner he can be. I don’t have such an excuse so I keep trying.