Tom Newman
How long have you been Running?
How long have you been with Caerleon Running Club and how did you come to join us?
A year or so. I was considering joining a tennis, rugby or golf club… But I saw a post on social media, which was lucky as I rarely use Facebook 😅
What inspired you to start running?
Running has always been my escape, it fulfills my desire for floating around in the land of nothingness while dreaming of fluffy clouds!
The subtle pain at speed and endorphins when you finish help with creativity in other areas of my life too.
What motivates you to keep running?
I guess I don’t need motivation as I just run when I fancy it because it feeds my soul. It’s a free high, right!?
What is your running ambition?
My ambitions change almost daily with everything, so that’s a toughy, but this week I’ve been missing Cwrw while working at a brewery in West Wales (my dog that is…not beer 👀…well his name is beer!), So I want to enter some canicross races and I’d like him to win, so he can feel good about his achievements and maybe win a dog scholarship to Harvard..
What do you consider your proudest moment?
In running… I think coming second at a trail half marathon in Pembrey last month… Purely because I didn’t know I was second! Basically, it turned out there was a 10k race that did one lap… The runners just in front of me (other than the winner) were racing the 10k, so actually were my pace makers 💪😅
Do you have any regrets when it comes to your running journey?
Mmmm, not really. Actually, I wish I stopped on mic Morris 10k last year… I was chasing sub 38 mins, so carried on with ITB from 9k. I’m not one for pushing myself pointlessly usually, but I did then… I was injured for 2 months and missed running in the Pyrenees with a friend from it! Grrrrrr reflection has taught me so much !!
What is your favourite race, and why? If you don’t race, what is your favourite run?
Mic Morris. I learnt how I shouldn’t push myself when in pain, but in a strange way I also learnt how much I can take pain… So it was kind of self education 😂
What is your favourite music to run to? Or if you don’t listen to music, what do you think about while running?
I only listen to music when brewing or when mith my friends, family or of course at a festival… Love a festival!!! While running I going into a complete dream land and feel like a alien… That is when alone.. or chatting when with other friends, dogs or aliens 👾
What is your go-to post-run drink or treat?
Coffee, it boosts the natural high…Lush
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out running?
Smile lots, buy bouncy shoes and drink lots off coffee, but make sure you use the toilet before you run!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Don’t drink and run! It’s dangerous… I’ve had a few accidents and have scars to prove it…