Get to know…Al Silvester
We are joined this week by the man with one of the most unique running styles on the running scene. Al features in every one of the men’s club records (except the marathon) and proves what a formidable force he is on the running scene. Al loves adventurous holidays and is not shy in trying out new things, whether it be for adventure or food. One of the nicest blokes you could wish to meet so lets find out what makes Al Silvester tick.
Name: Al Silvester
1.When did you join Arena:
Erm, in Spring 2013 I think. I got recommended the club by Jim Risdale and Charlie Walters who were already members so thought I’d pop along and try to get some structure to my training.
2. How long have you been running:
About 7 years now I think. I properly started by signing up for and running the Paris Marathon in 2009 as a laugh. Turns out it wasn’t actually that funny.
3. Where did you grow up:
In the pride of East Anglia of course, Ipswich! Come on the Tractor Boys!
4. What is your weirdest “quirk”:
I passed this one over to my wife and she said “Making strange noises out of the blue”. Not sure this is true!
5. What types of holidays do you prefer:
Long ones
6. What’s your favourite film:
Hhhhmmm, not sure. I love movies and get to the cinema as much as possible, but I’d probably go for one of the mafia ones like The Godfather or maybe Pulp Fiction.
7. Best live band you have seen:
I would probably have said The Stone Roses if I could remember any of the gig at Finsbury Park, so instead I’ll say Lionel Ritchie at Glastonbury last year. The guy got an incredible reception. Unreal.
8. What’s your middle name? If none what would you like to have:
William. I am not blessed with any interesting names unfortunately. However I have an agreement with my wife that if our impending baby is a girl I can give her the middle name “Alabama”.
9. Are you usually late, early or right on time person:
I would say on time, but probably late if I’m honest.
10. What would be the hardest thing for you to give up:
Ooof, toss up between Chocolate and Beer. Doesn’t bear thinking about!
11. Ever tried anything weird to eat:
Yup, loads, mainly bugs. Worst was probably a massive fly thing in Thailand, but oddly Crickets are nice. I also really like BBQ frog. Toadally delicious (sorry).
12. What makes you bored:
Sitting on a Southern Rail train for half my life. < Insert train rant here £$%£”%^£$%^£$%^%^!!! >
13. Have you ever done the YMCA dance (be honest):
Yer i imagine so, no idea where or when though.
14. Why do you run:
Initially it was to keep fit and complement the football, then I kept getting injured at football and realised that I was a better runner than footballer so did more of that. Then it became an obsession and now I find I get cranky and restless unless I am out at least 6 days a week.
15. Tell us something we don’t know about you:
I was once in the East Anglian Daily Times (the UK’s favourite paper) for driving a tractor in to a pond and getting saved and hauled out by a group of local builders. But don’t believe everything you read in the papers 😉
16. Who is your sporting hero:
Aaaaaaaaaaaaa oooooooooooooooooo Johnny Wark!!!!
Oh, and Jess Ennis, for sporting and other reasons.
17. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get into running:
Run with other people to help push yourself and enjoy the social benefits too.
18. Do you like to plan things out in detail or be spontaneous:
Definitely a bit of a planner. I’ve got a terrible memory so tend to immediately forget events, dates etc. unless they are noted in the diary.
19. What is your one weakness:
I’m sure there are more than one, but seeing as this is a running Q&A I’ll go for my unattractive shuffling running style
20. At this moment in time what can you hear:
Men Behaving Badly on UK Gold. It’s definitely not as good 20 years on.
Our biggest thanks to Al for this week’s Q&A’s and you won’t miss Al as he struts his stuff around the track on Mondays. Check back next Wednesday for another set of Q&A’s with our next chosen club member.