George targets new half marathon personal best with the help of Harriers
Jenness Mitchell • Published 19 Jan 2012 08:00
0 Comments
Share this
click to enlarge
George Furmage has been a regular runner after being shocked by a picture of himself on a family outing. He's joined the Harriers with the aim of improving his time for the Alloa Half Marathon.
WEE County Harriers have kick-started their 2012 programme and want those passionate about running to join them as they train for the Alloa Half Marathon.
The local club caters for different categories of endurance runners and will happily welcome enthusiasts, of any age and skill, who want to get fit and active in a friendly environment.
George Furmage (40) from Alloa is one such runner who joined WCH in October 2011 and hopes that by following advice from the club's qualified coaches he will smash his Alloa Half Marathon record in two months time.
Shocking snap
Speaking to the Advertiser, George said, "It will be my second Alloa Half Marathon. I completed it in just over two hours last year, so I will be looking to beat that."
George started running a year ago after looking at a picture of himself taken on a family walk. He was shocked at the weight he was carrying and decided to get out and get fit.
The first time he ran to Tullibody Cross and back it took him 40 minutes. He re-ran it again in December and it only took 24 - almost half the time in less than 12 months.
He said, "I had been thinking about joining a club but I had it in my mind that I didn't want to hold anyone up. After running the Kirkintilloch half marathon in under two hours it gave me the confidence to join. After I joined I thought that I should have done it sooner. At Wee County Harriers they are so friendly and helpful."
At the club new members are assigned a running buddy so no one is left behind. There is no pressure or hassle to turn up to every training session and each run is changed to keep the workouts fresh and to stop the members from getting bored.
George said, "Being with the club has improved my running and my speed has increased a hell of a lot."
George has been pushing himself to run for longer and intends to use the Alloa event as part of his training for the Edinburgh Marathon in May. In December he made the effort to run every day for at least three miles or for 25 minutes - including Christmas Day. He said, "I've put the bad picture of me on my phone as a motivator when I can't be bothered."
Not only has George's body and eating habits changed, but his family lifestyle has developed also. Every Saturday he, along with his wife Susan and daughters Lisa (16) and Courtney (12), volunteers at Parkrun in Falkirk - a free 5k run against the clock at Callendar Park.
George added, "I would like to thank the club for their help and my wife and kids for supporting me all the way. I have a great support system."
In the build-up to the Alloa Half Marathon in March the Advertiser will be following the Wee County Harriers' training progress. The club has developed a plan to enable a runner to complete the event in around two hours. Ideally running experience is required, however beginners can follow the plan to improve and build on their stamina.
During rest days on the programme, get active in some other way such as swimming, cycling, take an exercise class like aerobics or spin, or even go on a brisk walk. The order of the sessions can be changed to suit your plans.
Wee County Harriers train every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6.30pm. All sessions are under the guidance of a qualified coach and begin at the Ring Road Car Park at the rear of the Speirs Centre, Alloa. Annual memberships start at £22 for an individual, £32 for a family. The club will warmly welcome any new member who wishes to join them. To download a membership form, go to the club's website www.weecountyharriers.co.uk. The club's AGM will take place at 11.30am on Sunday 22 January at Alloa Leisure Bowl and all current members are requested to attend.
Race entries
The 30th Alloa Round Table Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 18 March 2012. For more information, go to www.alloahalfmarathon.co.uk.
Entries are now open for the Gartmorn 6, taking place on 11 March 2012. This race is the ideal final tune-up for runners planning to run in the Alloa Half Marathon. Organised every year by the Wee County Harriers, the six-mile multi-terrain event starts and finishes at Carsebridge Row. The race, now in its 12th year, attracts both serious club runners and those looking for a different challenge from pounding the pavements. There is also a two-mile junior event on the same day. Full details of the race and online entry is available at www.entrycentral.com.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 18 Jan 12
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.
Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser Poll
What game do you think was crucial to the Wasps winning the title?
