For the second of our members’ blogs we hear from our inspiring 2023 Man of of Steel, Mark Brown, with an honest account of his running journey over time.

Mark Brown, is known to many of us for his impressive running (across all distances), his regular jokes, for the support he gives to the club and its members (by leading runs, helping with Couch to 5km & general encouragement) and lastly for that infamous “do something surprising” Taskmaster challenge run… (if you know, you know..)

We want to thank Mark for the time, honesty and thought he has put into answering these questions. As with Virginie’s blog, we are sure this will inspire in many ways that go beyond running.

Tell us about your journey into running….

I haven’t always been into running, to be honest when I was at school PE was definitely at the bottom of my favourite lessons list. Most of my PE reports usually consisted of “PE is not Mark’s forté“, “PE and Mark do not mix” and my favourite “I shall be very surprised to see Mark’s name and sport in the same sentence“.

It wasn’t until I joined the Royal Air Force that I took an interest in running and even then it wasn’t straight away. At basic training I was told that I had to run 1.5 miles in under 10 and a half minutes, they might as well have told me to run a marathon because that’s what it felt like when I finished it! It wasn’t until I got to my first RAF base in Cornwall that I really started to enjoy running, mainly because I actually chose to do it rather than being told that I had to. One thing led to another and I was chosen to run for my base.

Fast forward to after I left the RAF, I moved back to Portland and joined Royal Manor of Portland Athletics Club, who I ran with for over 20 years! Mainly competing in road races, my first marathon being London, but not until 2009. Things were progressing nicely with early 2015 PBs in both marathon and half marathon distance, then it all went downhill. In July 2015 I went to work as usual as a prison officer, there was an incident, nothing out of the ordinary, but it caused me to have a complete mental breakdown. Twenty two years of the job had finally caught up with me and to cut a long story short I decided to leave the service and try to rescue my now frazzled head. 

Unfortunately the breakdown meant that I didn’t want to do anything, running included, so I didn’t run for around a year and a half! Eventually I decided it was time to get the trainers back on and entered the Portland Coastal Marathon (my first trail marathon). Friends of mine had other ideas and I ended up entering the Endurancelife Lulworth Coastal Marathon which was three months before Portland Coastal, a lot hillier and a lot muddier… that was where my love of trail running began!

In June 2019 I moved to Dorchester after my marriage broke up, my mental health being the main reason for this. I now feel comfortable talking about this although at the time I was in complete denial. Not long after moving to Dorchester I joined RIOT, I had seen a couple of runners sporting the RIOT colours at a previous race and had heard great things about them so thought I’d see what it was all about! I started out on a Thursday night, the first couple of weeks running with Stamina then was “advised” that maybe I would like to try Speed, well what can I say, that was it. and I suppose the rest is history. Although I still road run I have to say that my heart is all for the trail and thankfully I have found like minded people to share my passion (more about them later)!

What does running mean to you?

Running has been a life saver for me (literally)! Since having my breakdown and the PTSD that it “kindly” left me with, I have used my running as an escape, an escape from the voices in my head that tell me I’m not good enough and an escape from the sleepless nights and flashbacks (thankfully not as many now). The trail and hills are my happy place, be it whether it’s wet or dry, I absolutely love them! 

What are your biggest running highlights to date?

This is a tough one!  There have been so many, especially since joining RIOT! I suppose moving from running marathon distance to ultra distance and completing a 53 mile race and placing second. It’s also always a highlight seeing runners starting their journey on the C25k course, graduating then running with RIOT.

What are your running aspirations for the year ahead?

The big one I suppose is the Jurassic Extinction Ultra in June. This will be my longest run to date at 120 miles along the Jurassic coast (I might have mentioned it a couple of times over the last year).  I said “to date” as I have a funny feeling that this won’t be my last of my ultra adventures, especially if those “like minded people” that I spoke about have anything to do with it… you know who you are (one in particular)!

What do you enjoy most about running RIOT?

EVERYTHING!! It’s like an extended family!!

Quick-fire Questions!

Favourite running shoe: The one I’m wearing at the time.

Road or trail? Trail, all day!

Favourite running distance: Ultra distance

Favourite post run snack: One of Virginie’s lovely pastries (when available)!

Favourite place to run: Portland Coastal Path

Weirdest item you’ve run in: Just my heart rate monitor on its own (not that weird)!

Favourite event: Dorset Hillfort Ultra Marathon

Favourite RIOT challenge: Festive 24, I moan about this for weeks after saying it’s “done my legs in” but it’s still a great challenge.

Thank you again to Mark for being so open with us, we hope you all enjoyed learning more about our new Man of Steel. Though, I don’t know about you… running with just a heart-rate monitor is definitely bordering on “interesting” running attire….

We hope to have more members blogs and welcome ideas and suggestions. If you want to write up a blog on an event or your running journey please get in touch with us! From your journey to 5k to half marathon, marathon and more – all your achievements will inspire others!

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For the first of our members’ blogs we hear from our amazing 2023 Woman of Steel, Virginie Morris, with an honest and inspiring account of her running journey.

Virginie Morris, known to many for her podium positions, inspiring running achievements and the support and encouragement she gives to others, has allowed us all to get to know her that little bit better.

Thank you very much to Virginie for taking the time and thought in answering these questions so honestly and from the heart. We are sure this will inspire others reading this in many ways that go beyond running.

Tell us about your journey into running….

Although I came to running quite “late” in my life, I’ve always been active as a child, and regularly walked and hiked with my family in the southern French mountains. I was a dancer for over 20 years and this has been a huge part of my younger life. I sadly had to stop when going to university, however, I was lucky to study near the Alps and I spent many hours speed hiking in the mountains there. When I moved to London to carry on with scientific research… well…. the only exercise I seemed to be doing was walking to the pub! Luckily, regular trips back to France to see my family kept me sane and fit as my love of the hills never went away.

Over a decade ago, I moved to Dorchester and became a mother shortly after. Whilst my pregnancies were amazing, both births were traumatic, physically and mentally. Whilst my children are the greatest gift I could ever have hoped for, I suffered from post-natal depression after the birth of my son and, being left emotionally unsupported, my personal life started to fall apart. I took to running as a way to cope with the state of my homelife. At the time, there was only one running club in Dorchester: the Dorset Sole Sisters, a women only club, where I met Karen Mitchell and El Rollet. They were incredibly kind and supportive and, without knowing it, they saved my sanity!

A few years later, after the birth of my daughter, I started hearing about this new running club called RIOT. For months I often saw them whilst out and about, but they seemed so fast, so “professional”! I didn’t think I would fit in and be “good” enough, and was convinced I would be a laughing stock! But finally, one day in November 2019, I attended my very first Thursday run. On El’s advice, I chose Stamina, and it was lead by a lovely lady called Rachel Jones. I was very intimated, the size of the group seemed huge to me, but Rachel was incredibly welcoming and supportive, very friendly and smiling, and I had the most wonderful first run with RIOT! A few weeks later, I gave the Tuesday “specialised” run a go. This was a totally different experience, but again, a very positive and memorable one: a very small group, led by Paul Danbury, at night, going towards Maiden Castle. At that time, this was way out of my comfort zone. I probably had all the wrong kit and shoes on, not sure I even had a torch with me! But Paul was so kind, so inclusive and with such a heart-warming smile, my fears and doubts were immediately put at ease, and I came back home grinning from ear to ear and feeling rather chuffed to have achieved an off-road run in the dark!

These two runs have literally changed my life. They made me come back to the club, and over time, led to many new and unexpected friendships, and quite a few crazy challenges! RIOT has been a very big part of my life since then, it has transformed me not only as a runner but also as a person, and I will forever be grateful for that.

What does running mean to you?

Being free! I once read that “running is the movement of a free human being”. I don’t know if that’s always true, but it is certainly how I feel every time I’m on the trails. It always brings me peace and strength. It recharges and replenishes my mental and emotional batteries, it gives me space to think (or not think) whilst bringing me closer to nature.

I’m always very mindful of the fact that not so long ago, women were not “allowed” to run in events (or run at all in some places) and I never take that freedom for granted. Over the years, I have also learned to place enjoyment, happiness and gratefulness at the forefront of all my runs and races. This now surpasses any good or bad “stats” that I may get, and it is what keeps me coming back for more. As a mother, I have also come to understand the importance of being outdoors and being out of breath in young people. I am very humbled to be inspiring to my own children and to have been sharing many runs with them.

What are your biggest running highlights to date?

My very first Thursday and Tuesday RIOT runs, the Ooser marathon and Cafe50. They have all had a big emotional impact for a variety of reasons.

The Ooser was my very first marathon and it remains one of my most cherished and “landmark” runs (I must say here a huge thank you to Rebecca Bradley, who selflessly ran it with me to make sure I was okay as I had been in hospital the day before). To have won it, when I attempted it again a year later, was a moment of immense joy and pride. This race will always have a very special place in my heart.

Cafe50 was nothing like I’d ever done before, and I would never have contemplated doing anything like this if it hadn’t been for the friendships I made through RIOT. As I did it in memory of Claire Ridge, as I “felt” her running by my side, this will always be one of my most treasured running memories and achievement. I must thank Karen and Rebecca, as well as Malcolm and Louise Curtis, for their incredible and generous support and for getting me through one of the hardest part of the run.

What are your running aspirations for the year ahead?

To inspire, support and encourage more people, of all abilities, to take on running and challenge themselves, to learn and discover more about what they can do. On a personal level, I would like to be able to run the UTMB one day, not “the” major race but perhaps one of the shorter distance they offer. This is a “long term” aspiration but I hope to be able to do it before I’m too old! I would also like to do more races in France as it feels very special to run in my home country.

What do you enjoy most about running RIOT?

I think what sets RIOT apart from other running clubs is that it’s both a serious and fun running club. It’s “serious” in the sense that we are encouraged to take part in races, league races, and we have some specialised running sessions for our members (which are absolutely fantastic to improve your running and, over time, enable everyone to run better and faster). But it’s also a fun, inclusive and relaxed club and the support throughout is just phenomenal. The club challenges are also what makes RIOT unique. They bring members closer together, whilst encouraging them to push themselves beyond what they would normally do or think they can achieve. This is extremely rewarding and satisfying, and as it’s done in good spirit, there’s always a bit of fun and banter to have

What does it mean to you to be the new Woman of Steel for 2023?

I never would have thought myself worthy of deserving this magnificent title, and I am still trying to come to terms with the fact that the lovely comments voters said were indeed about me. I am immensely grateful for the kindness and support of all our club members. It is extremely humbling and gratifying if I have, in some small way, been able to inspire someone else. I think as whole, RIOT is brilliant at supporting us through the ups and downs of our training and running journey.

Quick-fire Questions!

Favourite running shoe: I’ve recently discovered Topo Athletics which are fantastic, but my Hoka Speedgoat have carried me to the end of many hilly trail runs.

Road or trail? Trail!! Hilly trails!!!

Favourite running distance: Half-marathon. It’s long enough to be challenging and rewarding, but not so long that it takes require months of training to do it.

Favourite post run snack: Depends on how long and hard the run has been. A pint of milk, something chocolatey or sweet… and/or something salty!

Favourite place to run: We are spoiled for choice in Dorset! Puddletown Forest, Maiden Castle … and the coastal path! The woods always bring me peace and happiness. As for our lovely coastline: the challenges and rewards of the hills on one side, the power, tranquility and immensity of the sea on the other…bliss!

Weirdest item you’ve run in: Hmmm…. Can’t really think of anything….maybe as I grow older I’ll be bolder!

Favourite event: Hardy Half, along with races from Badger Trail Events….and most of the Purbeck Trail Series runs.

Favourite RIOT challenge: EMC!! I love how the whole club comes together. There’s a real sense of companionship and camaraderie amongst us, lots of banter and support to get those miles done. The fact that it’s done for a very important charity makes it all the more satisfying.

Thank you again to Virginie, we hope you all enjoyed learning more about our new Woman of Steel!

We look forward to more blogs including one from our Man of Steel for 2023, Mark Brown (we promise, no nudity!!). We also have a blog coming from Malcolm Curtis documenting his Ultra Trail Snowdonia Adventure.

If you want to write up a blog on an event or your running journey please get in touch with us! From your journey to 5k to half marathon, marathon and more – all your achievements will inspire others!

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This month we’ve been talking to RIOT member Claire Ridge, who despite only starting on her Cough to 5k journey in September 2019, has now gone on to complete her first marathon distance. Claire’s determination has been a real inspiration within the club, and we’re pleased to share her story here.

My running journey started in September 2019 when I started the C25K with Dorchester RIOT. I was nervous, but I signed up with the hope of getting fitter and healthier.  I still remember our first minute of running around the rugby pitch and thinking “when is this going to end?!”.  Everyone was so encouraging and the minutes of running gradually increased.  I met a lovely running buddy, Nicky, and we did all the “homework” together for the course.  The support from all the RIOT members was amazing, especially Paula Fry at the Park Run Graduation.  I was introduced to Strava and then I was hooked!

Next, Nicky and I decided we would have a rest day after the graduation Park Run, and then go headfirst into our first RIOT challenge; the Festive 24, with the aim to establish a permanent running habit.  It was a hard challenge, and my legs were extremely tired by the end, but we both completed it.  I had a couple of days rest over Christmas and then got back to the routine of running with the aim of heading out three times a week.

The RIOT Munich to Budapest challenge soon became my second Club event.  Before this challenge I had not run more than 4 miles, yet it pushed me to run 5 miles each day and towards the end of the challenge I ended up completing a long run in the wind and rain with other RIOT members and thoroughly enjoying it!

Next, I signed up for the Race for Life. This was something that I really wanted to accomplish as I had recently recovered from breast cancer.  Unfortunately, COVID-19 happened and as with many events, the Race for Life was cancelled.  I had raised a lot of money whilst training so I decided to do the event virtually.  It was supposed to be a 10K but I felt that this distance was no longer such a challenge for me, and so I decided I would aim for a half marathon instead, swiftly downloading a new training plan.  I knew it would be hard going out running three times a week on my own, as the new lockdown restrictions prevented me from teaming up with a running buddy.  I did not want to stop running and lose all the progress that I had made, and so I followed my plan and kept running, just me and my tunes!  It was not easy juggling home schooling and caring for parents, but in June 2020 I completed my half marathon.  I was so pleased that I completed it, and hearing my dad had just received the all clear from his cancer a few days earlier made it all the more memorable.

By now I well and truly had the running bug!  I loved lacing up my trainers and going for a run for a little bit of me time, made all the better as I usually saw some friendly RIOT faces while out.  I discovered I much preferred the longer, slower runs rather than aiming for speed, and that suited me just fine!

When the RIOT club runs returned in small groups of 6, it was great to meet and chat to different RIOT members and I joined lots of lovely runs over the summer.  I volunteered to lead a Steady run on a Monday evening, and I have now led a steady Monday run most weeks (when it has been allowed!), finding I really enjoy helping and encouraging other runners.

Over the summer I completed longer trail runs with Anne Saunders, which I loved (apart from when she manages to find yet another hill!).  Inspired by other people running marathons I wondered, could I could achieve that?  I thought I would give it a go.  So, I signed up for a virtual marathon in October 2020 for Cancer Research.   Another training plan and off I went, coupled with much helpful advice from Anne.   In October 2020 the moment came, I completed my first marathon.  I was not fast, I just plodded around, but I did it! I could not really believe that I had completed a marathon.

Since then I have continued running, completing the RIOT Every Mile Counts challenge and the Festive 24 challenge for a second time. Thankfully, this was much easier than last year, and the mulled wine and mince pie were much appreciated at the end of the 24 days.

I am still running at least three times a week, usually with Tamsin; lots of lovely runs with lovely company.   Having someone to run with makes the miles go so quicker, and last weekend we completed a half marathon.

I was surprised and honoured to be asked to write this. I have met so many lovely people in RIOT.  There are lots of inspirational people within the club, from the super-fast, the long-distance runners and the people that just regularly keep running in these difficult times.

I really look forward to RIOT runs when it is safe for them to resume. Until then stay safe everyone and keep on running!

Claire Ridge 21^st January 2021

Thank you Claire for sharing your incredible journey.  Personally, I think Claire has done herself a disservice – her marathon was completed in a fantastic time and she has soon become an integral member of the club.  We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this new, but clearly natural, runner!

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Wimborne 20 – 3 laps, 1000ft elevation, 300 runners

A disastrous long, training run on Monday led me to complete a last-minute entry for Wimborne 20 the following Sunday.  The combination of a race environment plus the company of several other RIOTers would hopefully be enough to help see me through my longest ever run.  Thankfully I’d been forewarned there wouldn’t be a medal at the end so could more easily hide my disappointment when I was handed a collapsible cup and bite-sized chocolate bar!

Lap 1

Good for scouting out the hills and finding the sections where you can make the most of a flat or slight downhill to go a little quicker.  It soon became clear this run had a great number of friendly, encouraging marshals – possibly the most I’ve ever seen during an event!

Lap 2

Being a 3-lap event, I fully expected to be lapped by the faster runners, however I hadn’t expected it to happen quite so soon!  Just as I started my 2^nd lap, the front runner effortlessly glided past, starting his 3^rd and final lap.  While this could easily have dampened spirits, a benefit of the runners being more spread out in lap 2 was that there were opportunities to pass fellow runners on certain parts of the course which had 2-way traffic.  After a particular section where there were several welcome high-5s, “well dones” and “keep goings” from other RIOTers I remember thinking “I’m really enjoying this”!

Lap 3

Where has everyone gone?!  The group of runners I’d been having the odd chat with during the last 13 miles had decided to finish after their second lap so suddenly it felt a lot lonelier on the course…  The gaps between marshals began to feel so far apart I started to wonder whether I’d taken a wrong turn, despite having already run the route twice.  I’d reached the point in the run where things were starting to hurt and the inevitable self-doubt creeps in, and suddenly it didn’t feel quite so fun anymore.  But then I saw the sign for 400 meters to go, and once around the corner caught a glimpse of the RIOT blue stood at the entrance to the school.  Into the school grounds and more RIOT blue, along with the cheers of encouragement and support, and then I was across the finish line.

The RIOT support we’ve all come to know and love was incredible.  Some of my fellow runners who were still there to cheer me across the finish line had finished a good hour before me, and yet celebrated my achievement without making me feel like an inconvenience for making them wait – something for which I’m incredibly grateful.

On the morning of the event, Malcom “Man of Steel” Curtis had told me that it wasn’t a nice race (he may have put it more bluntly than that), but it would be great training for a Spring marathon, and who can argue with the Man of Steel?  With 20 miles now under my belt the upcoming marathon suddenly felt a lot more achievable…  Watch this space!

Thank you to Christina for putting this together for us. A great blog of her running achievement and not only did she complete Wimborne 20 but has kept it very quiet in the blog that she went on to smash the hilly and muddy Larmer 20 the following week (see the above photo). Credit to Nicholas Guppy for the first inset photo and Rosie Pomeroy for the cover photo.

If you are inspired by Christina’s blog and fancy putting together your own whilst we are staying indoors a little more, then get in touch with us by email (getintouch@runriot.uk) or through our Facebook page.   Perhaps you want to share an event experience (or virtual event experience – given the current situation)? Or your journey into running, cycling, swimming or triathlon? Some have taken running to interesting locations around the world and may have a story to share? Or maybe one of your RIOT Juniors took part in the Frosty 5km or a Chaos race and wants to write about it? Ideas and contributions welcome.

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Gold Hill 10k Race Report

So,why did I sign up for Goldhill 10k and did I enjoy it?

As some of you know I am trying not to run the same race twice, so this race appealed for that reason and I also wanted to take on the famous Hovis hill! I wanted to do it too as all proceeds went to the north Dorset Scout group and I love supporting local races. This race, however,does often clash with other races so I was representing RIOT on my own on this occasion.

On the morning of the race it was wet and the roads were badly flooded, so I did wonder whether I should go. But with the buzz of my first place at Kingston Maurward Dark 10k the night before I couldn’t quit, plus I thought about those of you doing the Dorchester Dash for the first time and it being your furthest distances.  I drove up to Shaftesbury, following the winding roads.

Race start was 11am so suited me down to the ground!! Much rather that, than get picked up at 5am in the dark for Ironman. Since joining RIOT I haven’t attended many races on my own and it felt strange to be stood in the school hall on my own. Luckily I spotted an Egdon vest and soon got talking to a fellow runner, then I no longer felt like a Billy no mates.

As normal, I hadn’t looked at the course route or elevation profile as I would rather not know what I am letting myself in for. We had the race brief and were warned about flooding on the roads and that we should expect to run through knee deep puddles, I was glad not to have new trainers on and that I had a spare pair sat in the car ready for the journey home.

We then all walked to the start.  The race started and the first part was on the playing field, the course led us into the town and down a hill. I was thinking “oooh this is good”, however,  less than 0.5 miles in I saw the famous Hovis (Gold) hill. I thought “f***, not already”,  however, there were lots of supporters on the hill so I kept running if not a slow pace, and lessons from the RunTeach course came into my head reminding me to keep my head up and I pushed on. The whole 10k was very much go down one hill then up another and it was a tough race there is no denying it. The toughness was added to by the 3 large flooded roads which I had to wade through. Always makes me feel so heavy and it’s not easy when another hill is lurking again straight away.

However, I finished the race and came 4th lady with a lovely medal to add to the collection, first clay one. Will I do it next year? Well it’s now part of the Dorset Road Race League so maybe….. Entries for 2020 open in July. Would recommend it, not for the faint hearted. Make sure you do Rachel’s hill reps or Martyn’s Ridgeway 20 to prepare.  Happy racing folks!

About Gold Hill 10k:

Gold Hill is a 10k race usually held in October, it starts in Shaftesbury and takes in the famous Hovis Hill (from the bread advert). If you want to find out more information then please visit: https://www.goldhill10k.co.uk/about.php. This is a scenic road race, with some challenging hills, do look at the website if you want to see some photos from the event including one of the infamous hill (photos on this blog are not from the event – except the lovely medal).

About Delia Carr: 

Delia Carr has been a member of RIOT for a long time, we first got to know her during the training for Dorchester marathon in 2018 which she entered last minute, having joined on the long training runs. Delia is renowned for her love of post run cake, vast collection of Strava crowns (was it over 50 at the last count?) and skills on the bike. Since we’ve known her she has trained hard and smashed PB after PB at many distances (including an amazing sub 3:45 at North Dorset Marathon in 2019), and achieved her first Ironman 70.3 in September 2019. As talented as Delia is, she is also generous with her support and advice, particularly for those new to triathlon and on the bike. Following her marathon and Ironman 70.3, we look forward to seeing what she achieves in 2020!

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Author – Steve Stone

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