12 questions with…….John Saltmarsh
1. How long have you been a member of PCCCT?
I had 3 runs with the club in 1999. In 2010 I re-joined the club and have consistently competed in runs since then
2. How did you get into running and what has it given you?
I initially became interested in running after giving away playing footy for a while and becoming a boundary umpire with the NWFU for two seasons. Along with a couple of mates, Michael Wilson and Paul Catlin, we decided we would have a crack at Point to Pinnacle. At the same time we were also competing in Masters Rowing. Michael in particular was a pretty hard task-master and as a result we trained extremely hard and I probably got as fit as I have ever been at the age of 48. Besides greatly improving my health, running has enabled me to meet a lot of great people, many whom I now regard as very good friends. Running has also enabled me to compete in events all over Tasmania and Interstate.
3. Your favourite club races?
Toss up between the Ironman and the Half Marathon (which I controversially won in my first run back with the club in 2010). Like so many other members who have certain races they always seem to do better in no matter how bad their form has been leading up to them, these two races have been kind to me over the past 10 years. Don’t think the Ironman will ever be as kind to me, though, as it has been to one of my training partners, Kim Steven, who has won it three times.
4. Do you have any goals post COVID-19 that you would like to achieve?
Lose some of the bloody weight I have put on over the past 4 months!
5. Your favourite spot locally you like to run?
A group of us from Ulverstone over the past year have run a few times a track at Forth called Lucy’s Track which I love. Also enjoy our Pickett’s Road loop we often do.
6. You are kept busy running a business, is it a challenge to fit your running in?
The challenge is to stay motivated. A few of us try and meet at set times for 2-3 sessions a week. Knowing they are waiting for me makes me get away from work to go for a run otherwise I probably wouldn’t.
7. Running tips?
Don’t just rely on running for your training. You need to do some core strength work. Also a few of us took up Yoga a year ago and that has also helped all of us in our running.
8. Do you have a running partner/group?
Yes. Have regular runs with Kim Steven, Peter Snare, Adrian Lakeland and Nigel Baptist. During the season Matt Greenhill and Dallas Van Rooyen also join us for sessions at the Ulverstone Showgrounds. Over the past four Gone Nuts 101 events we have also had James Roberts – Thomson join Kim, Peter and I in the teams event. We are known as the Hasbeens and I believe we are the only team that has competed at all four events with the same members who have all had a crack at each of the four legs over the journey.
9. Any other interests/sports?
I have discovered Mountain Bike riding which I love, although the falls aren’t so great. I am also a bit of a gardening fanatic although you wouldn’t think so to look at the gardens at present. We have an acre block so it takes a fair bit of time to keep the gardens up to scratch but I love it and find it a great stress reliever. I have always been a follower of Horse Racing and have a punt most Saturdays. I have also had a part ownership of several racehorses. Enthusiastic watcher of many sports including AFL, Car Racing and Cricket
10. What is your most memorable running experience? Probably the first time I ran in the Melbourne Marathon. Although I was in a world of hurt, running through the famous tunnel out on to the “G” is something I will also remember. The crowd support along the route is also fantastic. Great race. Have done it four times
11. You couldn’t live without?
If I don’t say my wife; Carol, I may live to regret it. I also couldn’t go without socialising with friends and family and enjoying great food, wine and beer (craft in particular).
12. What is something about you most people wouldn’t know Not really sure. Perhaps that I lived in Mackay, Qld for several years in the 80s before, like so many Tasmanians, I returned back to home base in 1989 where in partnership with Clayton Williams we established an accountancy practice in Ulverstone.
(Kelly and Rod)
0 Comments