The voice of Radio Norfolk in the morning Nick Conrad explains how running helps get him out of bed
How did you get into running?
I love being outside and being short of time, needed an exercise which I could undertake quickly without the faff of going to the gym. Running was perfect as it combined a workout with getting some fresh air. I spend so much time cooped up in radio studios, it was a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors.
What do you like about it? What do you dislike about it?
Nobody gets up in the morning and looks forward to running do they? Getting motivated to run first thing in the morning I do find hard. For seven years I used to religiously run at 5am in the morning, five days a week. When I moved to the Breakfast Show my run moved to 4am. I managed to keep it up for a year, but that extra hour in bed was just too tempting! Even though sometimes I have to force myself to run, I never regret it! The best feeling is immediately after completing a run, it makes your whole body feel better and really freshens the mind. I find it much easier to concentrate when I've had an early morning run.
What's been your favourite event that you've taken part in?
I did a 45-mile long run between Hunstanton and Cromer for BBC Children in Need. The fantastic Neil Featherby trained me and ran alongside me for the whole route. The coastal path has its challenges especially the dreaded shingle bank at Cley next the Sea! I haven't been bitten by the marathon bug and for some reason they don't really appeal to me. I'm more of a solitary runner, doing things at my own (slow) pace. Neil is a fantastic athlete and one of the greatest compliment I ever received is when he asked me to join his running team. He felt with a little training and a bit of conditioning he'd have me ready for endurance running. I kindly declined!
What gadget/item of clothing could you not do without?
Shoes, good shoes and any technology which helps with shoes! One hundred and twenty years ago this month, the first Saucony shoe was born and I swear by them. I annually go to SportLink to have my running style evaluated and buy a suitable shoe. I must say at first I was sceptical, however, the equipment tells you a lot about your style of running and the pressure your body is under. It is rather unflattering to see your bottom jiggling in slow motion!
What are your running goals for this year and why?
For many years I've wrestled with my weight. Stopping short of super-gluing my lips shut I've struggled to identify a sustainable way to preserve a svelte appearance. In this epic battle with my waistline, I've deployed (to varying degrees of success) the 'ultimate fat burning weapon' - habitual jogging! In honesty I just want to make sure I'm getting out more. With three children and a packed diary I do struggle. But It's worth making time for. It's so good for body and soul.
Is there anyone you look up to running wise? Why?
Apart from Neil…Richard Hancock. Richard is my BBC Studio Manager and in charge of all the buttons for my radio programme. He's always been a decent athlete, however a year ago he started to take things a little more seriously. He asked me to give him a little inspiration and I encouraged him to see Neil and set a goal. Fixing on the Great Manchester Run he started to train. Richard will compete in a number of half and full marathons and is showing serious promise as a runner. He's far eclipsed anything I've achieved. I'm sure he won't mind me saying that he's trimmed up and is looking tip top! He's proof that if you put your mind to it…you can succeed!
What would be your best piece of advice to other runners?
Running…it might sap your body's energy, but it nourishes the soul.
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