Spotlight on... Anthony Mostran
Tell us a bit about your running history
That won't take long! I started running about 2 years ago in preparation for tough guy 2014. (Pre 40 crisis) I've always hated running and that feeling often returns but really thrive on the feeling of achievement after. When I started I couldn't run further than half a kilometre without getting out of breath but I was over 17 stone then.
What are your future running goals?
I have a few and I intend to achieve them! (With TRC help of course) I would want it to be by the end of April next year....
1. Sub 45 10K
2. Sub 22 5K
3. Sub 1h45 Half
4. Sub 4h Marathon
What is your running highlight so far?
It would be easy for me to say the London Marathon but that really isn't it. I think some of my long training runs (without the razzmatazz of VLM) were amazing achievements. 20 miles totally alone is not something I would recommend but that's what was required and it was those that gave me the mental strength to do the marathon.
Where do you like to run and have you anywhere particularly memorable?
I would really like to run around the IOW over a weekend which is about 69 miles I believe, I've ridden it a couple of times and I think about it a lot!! I did a half marathon in Barbados in March which I won't forget in a hurry, I had entered an organised race which got cancelled the day before it was due to start. I was pretty gutted so I went out and did it anyway on my own.
Do you have any running experiences you'd care to forget?
Apart from the VLM bloody nipples experience on a white vest! If you haven't heard me moan about the Solent Half you haven't run with me. It was 25 degrees and my first official half marathon! Don't try and do the first 4 miles in 7.15 min miles. When I finished I was broken and went home straight to bed. I got injured and really thought that maybe running wasn't for me. Did I mention “I Hate Hills”
When and how did you come to join Totton Running Club?
These things only happen to me but I first heard about TRC chatting to a dirty old man in the showers at Fleming park! (Let me explain) Mike Mills had just done a cross country run in eastleigh and was showering. I had just been swimming with my kids at Fleming Park at the time. He told me about the club but I have never thought of myself as a runner so didn't follow up! That was in January, in May I then did the Lymington 10k and was really disappointed with my time of 54.40 so went to a training session the very next day. Just my luck it was hill work at Boltons Bench !!!
How often do you train and what sessions do you do outside of the club?
I try and do every session I can with only work and my kids stopping me from from coming. Outside I love cycling both on the road and off road, love forest running (I'm sure peppa pig was based on my love for muddy puddles) and get sketchy if I go more than a day or two without training.
Which is more satisfying... going for a training run or running a race?
I would have said that a race was more satisfying but I have found that training has become more satisfying as I find it gives me a true reflection on how I am progressing because you're running with the same people on the same sessions so they give constant feedback!
Do you have any other passionate interests?
Mountain biking (mainly because it involves muddy puddles) and love my job.
What's the most valuable piece of running advice you've ever been given?
The same piece of advice I'm given at every training session “Pace Yourself” I get far too excited and often think I'm invincible....
What keeps you out of trouble Monday to Friday?
I run some children homes in the new forest area for children who have had pretty awful pasts and head up IT within the company. I am also a safeguarding officer so all in all I'm kept pretty busy but I love it.
Finally, which other Totton Running Club member do you most admire?
I have to pick 2 here but for different reasons
Sean Driscoll – He is so committed to running and is always so supportive whilst still pushing you hard. I also hope I can keep running like he has for many years to come. (Was careful how to word that without it sounding like I was saying he was old)
Neil Cameron – very positive and was the first to make me feel like I could run. A great asset to TRC.