Every Run Counts
Matthew’s Running Journey
Who is Matthew? He’s the reason ERC exists. We started running with him and for him, and now he shares his exercise diary - the routines, the routes and (most importantly) the playlists…
Matthew isn’t a Leaderboard guy. He’s not bothered where he places in the ERC VRC Top Ten on Strava, he just wants to get out there and move. Because, in his own words, Matthew does his activities “for health and wellbeing. It’s about running and walking and trying to mix that with healthy eating.”
Running gives Matthew the feeling that he’s accomplished something, no matter what distance he travels, or how long it takes him to get to his destination. Pre-run routine is massively important to him: “Once I say I’m going for a run, I can’t not do it.” he says. “And I need to do it pretty early. If I say ‘I’ll do it later’, I’ll never do it. I need to make that commitment.”
Preparation is also key. “The night before my activity, I make sure all my kit is ready - that my running shoes are at the door.” And before he hits the streets? Matthew has a pre-run caffeine boost. “I like a coffee in bed before I go out” he grins. This is a man who appreciates a freshly-ground burst of flavour.
If he’s a little too tired to run, Matthew makes sure that he gets a walk in with his faithful dog friend Winnie. Right now, Matthew and Winnie are doing a little more walking than running, but the pair of them have plenty of goals for the summer.
“I’d like more consistency in my running.” says Matthew. “Fitting in more time to exercise is really important to me.” Plus, he wants to create some cracking ERC VRC playlists to spur him (and us all) onwards and upwards. “I can’t just put shuffle on. I need a playlist that suits my mood, and I need something to sing along to!”
We believe in you, Matthew. And we look forward to seeing you on Wednesdays.
Will Matthew achieve his running goals? Will Winnie join him for a run? Will he record a debut album while running? For answers to these questions – and much more – join us for more Every Run Counts coming soon!
EVERY RUN COUNTS….Part Two!
Last month saw Matthew dusting off his running gear to get back out there and start smashing his exercise goals. His main goal? “I’d like more consistency in my running.” he told us.
Has he achieved his objective? “Yes!” Matthew says proudly, with a smile on his face. “I’ve been thinking ahead to when and where I’m going to run to make sure I do it, even bringing my running gear to work so I can hit the streets straight after clocking off.”
This idea shows how well Matthew knows himself. If he waits til he’s done the journey home, his comfy sofa might win the battle for his heart, especially if there’s pyjamas to change into. “I’ll always find an excuse on that drive home.” Matthew says, with admirable honesty. So he gets a run done before his seatbelt goes on. It’s a strategy that works.
Matthew’s forward planning has got him beyond the stage where he has to force himself to get out there. “I’m past that point,” he says, “now I feel disappointed in myself if I miss a run I could have done.” And there’s another big factor in his success too…
“I think I’ve got there through ERC VRC.” he says. “I like the fact that there’s a community now, and I want to be a part of things on a Wednesday. That pushes me to continue, it motivates me.”
Talking of motivation, playlists are, as ever, absolutely essential for getting Matthew moving. Lately he’s added Pulp, Johnny Cash and Meat Loaf to the tracks that keep him going when the going gets tough. Look out for Doc’s first evr ERC VRC playlist, on Strava now!
Where does Matthew go from here? He’s on a quest to find the perfect pair of running shoes. “I’ve been back and forth with shoes throughout the year, but the ones I keep coming back to are the ones I did my first run in. They feel supportive when I move, and that’s what I’m looking for. Maybe I should stick with them!”
With the support of ERC VRC, and a decent pair of shoes, there really is no stopping Matthew.
Will Matthew keep on achieving his running goals? Will he buy more shoes before the next update? Will he ever create a playlist without Pulp? For answers to these questions – and many more – join us for Every Run Counts next month!