Getting to know… Colin

Welcome to ‘Getting to know…’ number 25. After missing a week last week, it was only correct to include a running legend this week. Colin is now a member of the 100 marathon club, but has run many more than 100 unofficially!

Also, if you have missed any of the previous interviews, you can find them here.

Name

Colin Johnstone 

Age

46

Occupation

Supermarket worker 

How long have you been running?

5 years 

What made you start running?

I got into running almost by accident. Just a spontaneous idea which kind of escalated. 

Best decision I ever made.

Why do you run now?

The people. The challenge. Running is now a massive part of me. Can’t imagine life without it. 

What was your last event?

My last event was Hubble Bubble marathon on 31st October, although I did the virtual IGUN 4×4 Marathon on 7th November.

What is your next event?

With November’s races all cancelled, my next booked event is Christmas Cracker double Marathon on 5th & 6th December. 

Will it happen? I have my doubts.  

Favourite thing about running?

Favourite things about running are race days, the people & the challenge.

Worst thing about running?

The worst thing about running are injuries and running snobs.

What one piece of advice would you give to a beginner?

My one piece of advice for a new runner would be, don’t panic if you get an injury. 

Best piece of advice given to you?

Getting decent footwear was good advice 

Favourite race distance?

Marathon.

Funniest thing that has ever happened to you whilst running?

Somebody asked if me & my twin brother were the Brownlee brothers. When I laughed she said, is that a yes or no?

Most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you whilst running?

Tripping over is always embarrassing. Done that a couple of times. 

On average, how many miles do you run per month?

I don’t set mileage targets but 300+ is the average.

Do you belong to a running club?

 I did run with local running club ‘South Leeds Lakers’ during my early running days but haven’t for a long time. 

Do you do any other forms of exercise in addition to running?

Walking is the only other exercise I do. Ashamed to say I’ve never been inside a gym in my entire life. 

Favourite pre-race/pre-long run meal?

Pasta the night before. Porridge, Peanut on toast on the morning of a race/long run.

Favourite post-run meal?

Pizza

Do you have any superstition?

Was not superstitious but all that changed after I had a nasty fall & DNF in the final mile of a marathon – my race number that day was no.13. 

What is your biggest achievement sport wise?

Running my first marathon in October 2015 as a complete novice. Such a magical day. 

If you were granted one wish related to running, what would it be?

 My one running wish would be to never get injured.

Links

Instagram: @leeds_runner_col

Strava: Colin Johnstone

This or That

Early Morning Run or Evening Run

Tea or Coffee – YORKSHIRE TEA

Winter Running or Summer Running

Solo running or Running with Friends

Road Running or Trail Running

Dog or Cat

Miles or Kilometres

Run with someone chatty or run with someone silent

Run with no sock or run with no underwear  

Run a hilly 5k or flat 10k

Run a hilly 10K or flat half marathon

Run a hilly Half Marathon or Flat Marathon

Run a hilly Marathon or Flat Ultra Marathon

Run as much as you want on the treadmill or only run once a week outside