It takes guts for a Newcastle United fan to pull 

red and white vertical stripes over their shoulders.

But he's years at it now and he has done it with distinction.

In the colours of Trim AC

ANDY LINSLEY


1.When did you start running
Joined Durham Harriers when l was around 12

2. When did you join Trim AC?
2008 l think, when the then relatively new MMSC members started training for triathlons swimming in the river by Wau’s (l missed the memo on needing a wetsuit) and running in the Porchies with Ciaran.

3.Why do you run?
The physical challenge, the mental stress relief, the like-minded friends you share running highs and lows with.  It is a very natural sport and getting outside and running, especially in the mountains with a few friends is incredible.

4.Favourite event, race or competition?
Seven Sisters mountain race in Donegal – a daunting challenge in a stunning location.

5. Have you any pre event routine apart from your warmup?
Just get there in plenty of time and body glide.

6. Favourite type of training?
Hard “hilly mile” laps at the hill of Tara on a Saturday morning.

7.Who is your athletics hero?
All those who run because they love it not because they will win.

8. What is your best memory from the sport?
Loads – fond memories of the midweek track league at Gateshead stadium and the North East XC league, pole vault training with garden canes taped together in my back garden, a battered sausage chase in Birmingham at the National boys clubs, cooling in the river after hours running in the Mournes, the first year of the 10 mile race coming down the Athboy road; but really the memories are all the people you meet along the way and there is a great bunch in our club and the sport generally.

9. What is the best race or athletics competition you ever watched but did not take part in?
Men’s 800m final at the London Olympics…seeing David Rudisha lead the race from the front and break the world record was an incredible performance, a class but humble talent who peaked perfectly for the event.  Nearly all behind him in the race got national records or pb’s.

10. What aspect of the sport gives you satisfaction?
It’s you against you.  Doesn’t matter what anyone else did if you gave it your all.

11. How important is group training to you?
The bond you have with those you train with is inspiring.  At whatever pace you run, when you finish a tough session with your group, and you all know how hard everyone has worked you can see the quiet satisfaction in people’s eyes. (…and l couldn’t run that many times past Lidl in a winter on my own!)

12. Has the sport influenced life in general?
Teaches resilience and shows how good habits and consistency make a difference.

13. Have you a favourite meal before or after events?
Pasta before, big feed from Khan spices after…

14. What motivates you to go training on a wet and windy day?
The worse the day the more you should be determined to get out.  Those are the days when your competitors might waver (always run Christmas morning for the same reason).

15. What advice would you give a new member?
Make use of all the different paced groups around you…move up when you feel good, move back when you need a break….and enjoy all those pb’s!!!