Roy Perrott
How did your running journey start?
I didn’t take up running until I was 40. My life insurer was offering 50% off running shoes. I went along to Sweatshop to buy a pair, thinking to use them for a 5 minute jog on the treadmill after my gym session. “Why don’t you come along to our running group on Sunday mornings?”, the store manager said. So I did, and within a year I was running my first Half and in the second year I did the London Marathon.
Looking back, I did enjoy running on the rare occasion we did it in PE at school. It was the only sport at which I didn’t humiliate myself. However, I was given no encouragement to take it any further, which is a great source of regret.
What were/are your main/favourite distances?
At the moment, definitely half marathon. Long enough to be demanding but short enough to enjoy. I try to keep myself half marathon fit throughout the year, as it is a good basis for improvement in the shorter distances as well.
What would you consider your greatest personal athletic achievement, and what did it mean to you?
My first, and to date only marathon at London in 2015. I just missed 4 hours, which was a massive disappointment at the time. However, I did every single training session over 16 weeks on my own, in all weathers and at times when I wanted to do anything but run. I am proud of that. Now that I have the friendship and support at Orion, I will never have to do that again.
How did/has your approach to running change throughout your career?
It was just a bit of fun when I started but now I am very focussed on improving. Almost every race I do at the moment is a PB and that is a wonderful feeling. I started late and still haven’t fulfilled my true potential. The aim is to keep on getting faster and faster!
Favourite race you’ve seen and why
I was a Games Maker at London 2012 and was lucky enough to be in the Olympic Stadium when Mo Farah won gold in the 10,000m.
I will never forget the atmosphere that night and the roar all around the stadium on the last lap.
What injuries have you had, how did you treat them, and how did it affect you mentally?
Plantar fasciitis put me out for 4 months in 2015 and I needed a hip operation in 2016. Both were setbacks but I have recovered and become a more aware and sensible runner.
What was/has been your number one challenge throughout your career, and how did you overcome it?
Being told (wrongly) by an orthopedic surgeon I knew that my hip pain was caused by osteoarthritis and that I should give up running. It was actually a bone spur that just needed to be shaved off. Always try to get the best advice and the best treatment that you can afford. Usually, this means going private, unfortunately.
What is your number one piece of advice?
Respect your mind and body. Stretch, cross train, do yoga, sleep well, eat well.