Runners of the Month – October

Chris Brenchley and Janice Lee Miller

Our TWO runners of the month October have at least two things in common – their dedication to improving their running and their commitment and strong support for the club.

Chris Brenchley:

Firstly, we would like to recognize Chris Brenchley.  Chris was the mens’ captain for several years and remains an encouraging and supportive run leader who frequently leads runs despite work taking him all over the country.  Chris continually focuses on improving his running and pushing himself for both the club and personally.  Chris is placed 7th overall. In the recent Ashford 10K race, Chris was the 1st male V50, and in the Kent Champs short course race he was awarded the V50 Gold medal and was part of the V50 team receiving the silver medal.  Chris’s impressive performances have helped TRAC in the KCCA, the East Kent relays and each cross-country season.  Chris not only excels at running short distances, he has trained hard to achieve sub-3 hour marathons, including Berlin and New York in the last ~12 months.  Chris is very encouraging and supportive of others – offering advice and excellent pacing, although sometimes running backwards while doing so!  Chris isn’t one to blow his own trumpet, so it is our great pleasure to call him out for runner of the month – huge respect to you Chris.

Q. What attracted you to join TRAC?
A. It was many years ago now; I joined for entering competitions and was proud to run representing the district. Some of the founder members worked with my father and I knew Derek from the woodyard where he worked as a machinist. After training with the guys in St Peters, I entered the Canterbury 10mile in the early 00’s and the duathlon as I’d been a cyclist in my youth and after a few years I got stuck into the cross country after being encouraged by Nigel Cook a fellow youth football parent.

Q. What’s your best moment?
A. I came 17th overall and won my age group at the marathon of the midnight sun in Tromso on a TRAC adventure in 2018. We all went to the presentation at the town hall where I stood on top of the podium and was handed the trophy ‘a large glass cake stand that was bigger than my hand luggage’.  Team TRAC celebrated long into the early hours in the ironing room of the hotel. Teamwise. It’s been a pleasure to run as a team especially in my fifties where I’ve been part of many TRAC relay teams. TRAC are currently the undisputed V50 relay champions.

Q. What would you say to a new person who is considering joining?
A. You’re joining a club for many reasons. This can be to improve your running or take you into competition. Equally this could be to run with friends and train within a safe environment at any level.

Q. What does the club mean to you?
A. The club is my network of friends, this has taken me on a journey from a gym fitness fanatic to an age group winner including running all over the world representing our little island in blue.

Janice Lee Miller:

Equally, we are delighted to share that Janice Lee Miller has also been chosen for the Runner of the Month award.  Janice is a long standing member of the club who volunteered for several years as a club social secretary.  Janice suffered a huge setback to her running when dealing with the effects of long Covid.  This impacted her running for over two years as she struggled to regain her energies and rebuild her fitness.  However Janice was not going to give up and she has been steadily rejoining club runs and races.  In September, we achieved a pb in the London Vitality 10K and in October she was racing again at the Petts Wood 10K.  In November, Janice has been inspired to run her own Benidorm virtual half marathon (she describes it as Janice’s F*** Off Long Covid Half Marathon).  Janice will be running this on Sunday November 23, the same day as several of the club members are running in Spain and if anyone wants to join her for all or some of it she would be really grateful for any support.

Its been fantastic watching Janice’s patience, perseverance and hard work pay off.  Many congratulations!

Q. What attracted you to join TRAC?
A. I moved here 20 years ago and had only run on my own before. I thought it would be a good way to meet people….. and I was right!

Q. What’s your best moment?
A. Getting a ballot place for London marathon twice!!! It had been an ambition of mine since watching it in London with my mum and dad…. I loved it!

Q. What would you say to a new person who is considering joining?
A.  Come along and see if you like it – it’s completely different to running solo and you will learn a lot from others. They are a very friendly and knowledgeable bunch.

Q. What does the club mean to you?
A. It meant a lot before I was ill but now it means a whole lot more. I get encouragement and so much support whilst I try to return to my previous form. The social side is great and I’m so happy that I can now join in and embrace both the running and the friendships.