Athlete Profiles

Name: Tony Curtis
Alternative name: Top cat, TC, beastmode and liege!
Job: Personal Trainer, Sports Scientist, Strength & Conditioning Coach.
Job if you had a magic wand: Chief Executive Optimist
Claim to fame: I once cycled alongside Lance Armstrong and ran once with Chris Moon :D
Running prowess: Aiming to complete West Highland Way race during the run365challenge
Favourite running shoes: Adidas Adizero adios
Best running song on iPOD: Oasis: Some might say.
Why you signed up to this challenge: Fancied completing something out of the ordinary. Our fellow run365 athletes are not ordinary! Great company!
Most amusing anecdote since starting this challenge: When running with a dog always stop to find out why you are dragging them along the pavement. Turns out they can't run when pooping!!

Name: Ben Buckle
Alternative name: Legend
Job: Makes Medicines for Animals
Job if you had a magic wand: Outdoor instructor/Charity worker
Claim to fame: Bear Grylls & I were in the same TA unit at University (before he joined the SAS that is!)
Running prowess: I've entered the fabled Marathon des Sables a couple of times (Though finished it only once!)
Favourite running shoes: Inov8 Roclite 305's
Best running song on iPOD: ACDC: Highway to hell, see MDS above!!
Why you signed up to this challenge: Tony is mad but has enormous enthusiasm and influence, that and i'm easily led!
Most amusing anecdote since starting this challenge: Always consult the wife before agreeing to sign up for one of Tony's challenges!!

Name: Marg Curtis
Alternative name: Margie
Job: Making medicines for dairy cows
Job if you had a magic wand: Open an art studio
Claim to fame: I ran with Lisa Martin-Ondieki and Nyla Carroll in Sydney 1996 half marathon (I saw Lisa near the finish line. Needless to say she had got there some time before me). Nyla Carroll broke the women's record that year and it still stands. I also swam in the Sydney Aquatic Centre main pool with Kathy Freeman (we were both just doing early morning laps)
Running prowess: I am not really much of a runner! I would have to say that the Indy mini last year was my longest distance with best time but the run365challenge has been a huge challenge for me and worth the effort
Favourite running shoes: Asics Gel Kinetic3
Best running song on iPOD: Do not listen to a lot of music while I run but i have enjoyed Bic Runga, Sway; The Church, Unguarded Moment; Crowded House, Locked out
Why you signed up to this challenge: Ben Buckle quiet but effective powers of persuasion
Most amusing anecdote since starting this challenge: Realizing that I have joined that mad group of people that need ice cleats, head lamps, balaclavas, gloves and sub-zero clothing to go running! I had previously thought this was mountain climbing gear!

Name: Nicky Chrascina
Alternative name: Knickers or Nix
Job: Hospital sales specialist - Oncology
Job if you had a magic wand: Oscar winning actress or something to do with animal welfare
Claim to fame: I have worn Sally Gunnell & Roger Blacks Olympic medals & met them both. Oh, and I met Brian May from Queen. He was not impressed when I called him Roger!!! - I had had a few glasses of champagne by then!
Running prowess: Completed MdS, Run the Inca Trail, 3 Comrades Marathon medals, 1 KIMM plus numerous marathons, ultras & other events around the world.
Favourite running shoes: My dirty old Brooks
Best running song on iPOD: Elbow - One day like this
Why you signed up to this challenge: Ben is very persuasive & I am easily led!! I dont even buy my sister a present at Christmas but Ben persuaded me too buy him a couple of pigs!!! :D
Most amusing anecdote since starting this challenge: Why do you still have such a big bum with all this running?

Name: Charles McDonald
Alternative name: Dick Barton or BasilFloyd
Minimum Distance: 3 km
Job: Computer Programmer (Full-Time) / Car & Bike Race Track Marshal (Part-Time volunteer)
Job if you had a magic wand: Motorcycle Instructor / Fitness Instructor / Carpenter
Claim to fame: Too many embarrassing ones, but here's a few:
1. Falling on my bum on live TV (ITV4) whilst clearing up the carnage after a crash at Knockhill during the 2011 Touring Cars. Also full face picture on live ITV4 broadcast during touring cars in 2010 when a Formula Renault rolled right in front of us
2. Running away from a crashing motorbike whilst carrying a bale of straw during a live broadcast of the British Superbikes on Eurosport in 2010.
3. Appeared on TV, radio and newspapers on a few other occasions to do with fitness classes or motor car clubs
Running prowess: When I was 17, I ran the mile in 4 min 31 sec, 1500 metres in 4 min 18 sec and the 800 metres in 1 min 52 sec
Favourite running shoes: Any Saucony Hurricane or Asics shoes with structured support
Best running song on iPOD: Don’t normally listen to music whilst running but I do like Sandstorm by Darude for motivation
Why you signed up to this challenge: I was already running between 5 & 6k a day for 5 days a week but mainly on the treadmill so when I met Tony at a JogScotland (part of Scottish Athletics) JogLeader course in November 2011 I had no hesitation in signing up.
Most amusing anecdote since starting this challenge: The wife has been a tower of strength and support and kicks my butt when I can’t be bothered going for a run in freezing cold weather and gale force winds in the dark winter nights. Also, my fitness levels have significantly improved and my whole outlook on life has become more positive and I don’t say “I can’t do that” anymore because its an excuse and not a reason!
Other Details: I completed 401 days and 1682 miles (avg 4.2 miles per day) the first time round on this challenge and I'm doing all over again...to stop me getting too fat :)

Name: Karl Zeiner
Alternative name: Carlito or The Bullet (as Tony called me during the Highland Fling)
Job: Personal Trainer & Triathlon Coach (the latter mostly at the moment)
Job if you had a magic wand: Professional Athlete (Triathlon or Running)
Claim to fame: Chris McCormack and I hold 2 world Ironman titles between the 2 of us ;-)
Running prowess:
Longest run in distance – Glasgow to Edinburgh Double Marathon (56 miles)
Longest run in time – Highland Fling (9:56 hrs)
Longest event ever: Double Ironman (28:20 hrs).

I have done more ultras than marathons
Favourite running shoes:
Currently Brooks T7s for road and New Balance MT101s for trail. Although I stuck to one shoe in the past (Mizuno Waverider) and ran over 3000km in my Nike Marathoners I am much more likely to change shoes regularly and try something new.
Best running song on iPOD: I stopped running with music 3 or 4 years ago so the best songs are the sound of nature.
Why you signed up to this challenge: Always up for a challenge and easily talked into stuff.
Most amusing anecdote since starting this challenge: Running along the first section of the Highland Fling with Tony just behind me. We hadn’t met yet and only realising when he was chatting to Mark Cooper about the run365challenge and some new guy he had signed up that we were running basically next to each other. That’s how we met :)

Name: Jack Arnold
Job: English teacher (in training!)
Job if you had a magic wand: Adventurer/Writer
Running prowess: Completed 5 marathons with a P.B of 3hrs 2mins. I collapsed during the 6th attempting to go sub-3hr! I will get there next time though!
Favourite running shoes: Brooks Adrenaline
Best running song on iPOD: Possibly Kenny Loggins - Dangerzone
Why you signed up to this challenge: I have a habit of taking on ridiculous challenges

Name: Rob Gundry
Alternative name: Rude boy
Job: Chef
Job if you had a magic wand: Lead singer of Green Day
Claim to fame: I once met Roger Taylor from Queen
Running prowess: Just want to do my best
Favourite running shoes: Asics Gel Kayano 17
Best running song on iPOD: Beast And The Harlot : Avenged Sevenfold
Why you signed up to this challenge: Fancied completing something awesome and to inspire people to be all they can be.
Most amusing anecdote since starting this challenge: WHY? Because I can.

Name: Peter Jones
Alternative name: Jonah
Job: Company Director
Job if you had a magic wand: Everton Chairman
Claim to fame: I bumped into Dustin Hoffman in New York!!
Running prowess: Ran over 2100 miles last year, this is my next challenge!
Favourite running shoes: Asics Nimbus
Best running song on iPOD: Dire Straits – Walk of Life
Why you signed up to this challenge: Could not think of a better way of doing my favourite activity – every day for a year!!
Most amusing anecdote since starting this challenge: Always check your Garmin before you head off on a long run!!! otherwise you have to go AGAIN!!

Name: Sally German
Alternative name: Sally Cinnamon, Germ
Job: Senior Teacher, Teacher Trainer, Academic Manager – lots of hats!
Job if you had a magic wand: Personal Trainer
Claim to fame: I was once on Top of the Pops
Running prowess: Just want to enjoy running
Favourite running shoes: Mizuno
Best running song on iPOD: Haven’t used one for a while.
Why you signed up to this challenge: Love doing something different with people who are different to keep life interesting!
Most amusing anecdote since starting this challenge: Only started a week ago and since the challenge started I’ve been working in Birmingham so exploring the sights. Not bad so far!

Name: Karen Allum
Job: Leisure Centre Manager
Job if you had a magic wand: Who'd work if you had magic wand??!!!
Claim to fame: When I was about 12 I appeared on a pet shrink TV programme with my crazy cockateil and Doberman that apparently both needed psychological help!
Running prowess: Amazed that I completed the Jurassic Coast Challenge in one piece (3 coastal marathons in 3 days)
Favourite running shoes: Saucony Tangent 2
Best running song on iPOD: Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire
Why you signed up to this challenge: To give me some motivation after having a year out of running!
Most amusing anecdote since starting this challenge: Selling my Garmin forerunner after completing Ironman distance Triathlon thinking I will not need it again, only to sign up to the run 365 challenge and having to buy a new one!

Name: Angela Allum
Job: Risk Manager
Job if you had a magic wand: Something working with small children, I just love their pure innocence and enthusiasm
Claim to fame: Whilst enjoying a drink in a Bahamas coffee shop in popped Sir Steve Redgrave
Running prowess: Completing the Jurassic Coast Challenge (3 coastal marathons in 3 days). The last 8 miles were completed on pure mental strength.
Favourite running shoes: Asics
Best running song on iPOD: Sandstorm (Darude) it saw me to the finishing line at last year's Edinburgh Marathon
Why you signed up to this challenge: My Sister in Law (Karen Allum) mentioned it and I thought it sounded like a good challenge and a great reason to put on your running shoes every day.

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Name: Kate Dykes
Alternative Name: Don't really have one.....
Job: PE teacher/Head of Year - Secondary
Job if you had a magic wand: Prima Ballerina or Performing in the West End
Claim to fame: ummm......
Running prowess: I just run!!
Favourite running shoes: Asics Gel Nimbus
Best running song on iPOD: I don't listen to my iPod (safety first??), but it would depend on my mood!!
Why you signed up to this challenge: Because I'm crazy, like the rest of you!!
Most amusing anecdote since starting this challenge: I will let you know when I have started!!

Name: Kevin Caple
Alternative Name: Big Kev, for obvious reasons at 6'4" and 15 Stone
Job: Joint owner and Independent Financial Adviser of Caple Banks
Job if you had a magic wand: Philanthropist, giving money away to make other peoples lives better must be the best job in the world.
Claim to fame: In the running sense I have run 9 miles with Steve Cram in the Bristol Half and have meet and chatted to Usain Bolt.
Running prowess: Completed the Drovers section of the Welsh Castles relay (twice) in weather that was blowing sheep off the mountain.
Favourite running shoes: The current pair on my feet
Best running song on iPOD: What ever is the current flavour, Emeli Sande at the moment
Why you signed up to this challenge: Its a challenge and love them! I was starting to get into a rut with my running, where it was either going faster or going longer was the only goal. This is neither and will keep me motivated for the whole year, I am a bit worried that I won't be able to stop though!
Most amusing anecdote since starting this challenge: Why's it called Run 365? Additionally Tony and I discussing over email that if I go on a Scuba diving live aboard boat for a week in November that is 60m long, I will have to complete at least 50 laps of the boat each day!