The Beewells - The Running Couple

The Beewell's (Ian and Keely) have been friends for many years now, and Ian has joined me on many challenges such as the Manchester to Liverpool cycle (he broke 2 ribs), the Manchester Rat Race (he sustained injuries again) and the Color Run (only inflatable obstacles, so Ian was safe!) Now he has become addicted to running, so I am sure more fun lies ahead.

We completed a team Tri in Nantwich with myself as the swimmer, Soren as the cyclist and Ian finishing the triumvirate as the runner. Since that date, he has taken the streets with force and his times have been dropping weekly.

Keely recently picked up the running bug and has not looked back since.  With nobody holding her back, distances are being smashed left, right and centre. With 5k looking like a massive challenge only a few months ago, Keely ran the Aldridge 10k in style smashing 2 personal bests in one race.

Both are inspirational characters who make the most out of life.  If you need any push to get off the couch and motivate yourself, then look no further than this awesome run couple, The Beewells

1) Every story has a beginning, what first inspired you to start running?.

(IAN) I am not sure why I started to run.  It just seems to have evolved over time.  A few years ago I realised I was putting on a little weight so I started cycling, during the winter months I found I was putting weight on again because it was too dark or too cold to get out on the bike so my wife and I joined the gym.  Gym cycling is dull so I used to split my sessions between the bike and the treadmill.  After a while the bike was largely ignored while I followed the COUCH TO 5K plan. Almost as soon as I knew I could run 5K I was trying to make my 5K better and then before I realised it I was hooked.  I rarely go to the gym nowadays as I see little point in driving for 20 Minutes just to spend 30 Minutes on a machine when you can just step outside your front door and onto your track.  When I first started running I think I did benefit from the safety of the treadmill but after spending a little time in the open air I much prefer it.

(KEE) Ian started me running.  I watched him for a while and was quite adamant that I could never achieve his success.  But then one day I thought, why not and I asked if he’d run with me.  His face was a picture, he was so happy.

2) What do you find most rewarding about running?

(IAN) I have no idea, maybe it is just the endorphin buzz that you get from beating a previous PB or finishing a difficult route that makes it so addictive.

(KEE) Being alone, having time inside my own head and running the stresses out.  Plus the effect on my waistline must be acknowledged.

3) What tech/gear/apps do you use? Do you think it benefits you? 

(IAN) Strava is a must have App.  It really helps you to see your improvements I am looking forward to testing out a new bit of kit soon as I have issues with tracking my pace and this new device should be able to keep me on track.

(KEE) I use an interval app to help with greater distances.  I find these help me as my running pace seems to be quicker and I don’t notice the Strava man as much.  I also use Strava  to keep track of my times and distances.  Sometimes the Strava man is nice and other times he makes me want to cry (he’s so mean with my times).   I also have a vivofit 2 this helps when my interval trainer has stopped.  Hopefully getting an up grade soon though.

(Pondo - sounds like there is a serious upgrade for the Beewell's tech!)

4) What do you think about whilst you are out pounding the pavement?

(IAN) These times I allow my brain to go for a wander as well as my feet.  With my random thoughts this could take me anywhere.  There is a certain amount of calculating run times and the odd “I wonder if I went this way how much further I’d go” thought but generally it is work, music and daydreaming.

(KEE) What’s happened during the day, what I need to do next.  Whether its going to rain or how hot it is.  How my times are doing and can I get faster.  Also if I’m going to get abuse and how to combat that without looking a fool.

5) How do you balance family, work and training?

(IAN) As my wife is a runner as well we tend to have set days where we run. We get our evening meal prepared before we go out so there is less to do when we get back.

(KEE) Ian and I try to run at the same times.  Plus we try and get meals ready before we go out.

6) What is your training regime? How many times a week do you train?

(IAN) Three times a week, generally one long run and 2 short ones. 

(KEE) I try to run 3 times a week.  One short and as fast as I can go, one medium say 5 -6 k and then a long one which at the moment is 10k.

7) What are your fastest 5k, 10k, Half and Full Marathon times?

 (IAN) 26:16 and 56:02

(KEE) 5k is 36.43 and 10k is 1.16.53.  No times for half or full marathons, the body says no.

8) I am a big fan or run bling and race t-shirts, do any medals or memorabilia bring back great memories for you?  What do you do with the medals and t-shirts?

(IAN) I do like to wear the event tee shirt from the Survival of the fittest.  This was by far the hardest thing I have done so far. Do I keep my medals.....They are in the house somewhere.

(KEE) I have only competed in two events so far.  So can’t really comment.  I do love the camaraderie of the events though.  Yesterday I loved seeing my cousin at the finish line too.  I have so far kept the medals and t-shirts.

9) Any race or event which ones stand out above the rest and why?

(IAN) The latest one I did.  The Aldridge 10K is my longest run so far and the atmosphere was really friendly.  There were not many people in terms of support on the sides of the roads but people were chatting as they ran alongside each other.

(KEE) I think Aldridge 10k will probably stand out for being my first big event and getting a PB for both 5k and 10k.  I didn’t think it would be a successful race, I was so glad I proved myself wrong.  I even shed a tear on Ian's shoulder.

10) Where did you complete your first race? Do you remember how you felt when you crossed the finish line?

(IAN) First race was the running leg of a team Triathlon.  I had never done any running on grass so I was under prepared for the event.  To be honest, I was just happy to get across the line.

(KEE) I suppose the first race was the Colour Rush at Uttoxeter.  Elation, mixed with the real need for a shower.

11) If you could choose with anyone famous (including fictional), who would you run with and why?

(IAN) Is Danny Pondo famous?  I think someone like Bill Bryson could be a good companion.  I am a fan of his books and I think he could keep me entertained on a long jaunt.

(KEE)It’s not something I’ve ever really thought about.  When I was younger I was always compared to Zola Bud by my Dad and Grandma, so maybe her.

14) If you could offer any advice to yourself before you started running, what would it be?

(IAN) Warm up properly.  I have had a few spells of down time because of an inflamed tendon.

(KEE) What are you waiting for, stop doubting and give it a try.

Quick Fire Questions

1) Listen to music or alone with your thoughts?

(IAN) No Music, let the brain run free.

(KEE) I’m either at the moment

2) Hills on purpose or stick to flats?

(IAN) Mainly flats but it is almost impossible to avoid hills.

(KEE) I try to stick to flat, but I need to incorporate more hills after Aldridge.

3) If it is raining, do you brave it or wait till it stops? 

(IAN) I am a fair weather runner.

(KEE) As long as its not lashing it down then I brave it.

4) Energy Gel, Banana or other? 

(IAN) Nothing until I get back

(KEE) Jelly Sweet

5) Fill in the blank, "Running is........

(IAN)  a great way to clear the mind_____ "

(KEE) is freeing
6) What is next for you?

(IAN) Next step is the Lichfield 10K event then training begins for my first Half Marathon.   

(KEE) I’m contemplating another 10k in September and I would like to increase my distance.

(Pondo) Further to my comments about Ian and his injury prone events, he replied with the following comments....

I only bruised my ribs and had a bruise the size of a small melon on my thigh. If you recall I fell off twice but managed to avoid a Cocker Spaniel. You need to point out that I finished the ride with my injuries....

Oh, first time out I broke my bike!

On the Rat Race I slipped getting out of the Water on to the canal bank and punched the wall, the knuckles on my left hand and little finger were bleeding. I wrapped them in a leaf but there was mud everywhere so it didn’t do much!!