Get to know…Jon Bowditch


For this weeks chosen club member we are joined by the man who is probably one of the most consistent runners in the club. This man quietly goes about with his training but definitely produces the goods when he is out there running competitively. He is very much an old school gent and a real pleasure to chat with. I have a feeling you are going to learn a lot about Jon Bowditch when you read his Q&A’s so let’s meet and find out what makes Mr Bowditch tick.
1. When and why did you join Arena: 
2015 to try and bring a little respectability back to my times.
2. How long have you been running: 
Up until I was 16 and then a long break until I started again tentatively in 2010.
3. Where did you grow up: 
In the nicer part of Stoke-on-Trent.
4. If you could visit any country in the world, where would you go: 
I’ve been to quite a few place but still not yet got round to anywhere in South America so probably Brazil or Argentina.
5. What else do you do with your time: 
During the winter months it will be following the mid table adventures of Stoke City. Away from that it’s cinema, books, comedy gigs, music and an unhealthy obsession with news and politics.
6. What will be a highlight of 2017:
To wake up happy on the 9th June, but that may be too optimistic so I’ll settle for breaking all my PB’s as I only have the 10k and HM left to do this year.
7. What is your all-time favourite film:  
The one which has had the most repeat viewings in recent years has been The Lives of Others. Also gave me the idea of visiting the Stasi museum in Berlin which obviously didn’t disappoint.
8. Who is your sporting hero: 
Mark Stein (Football) and Thomas Voeckler (Cycling).
9. What was the last book you read: 
John Smith – A Life by Andy McSmith.
10. Tell us about something you would happily do again: 
Cycle up Mont Ventoux although I have my sights set upon the Dolomites for my next cycling adventure.
11. If you could have 3 people (dead or alive) for dinner who would you choose: 
Nicky Wire, Annie Clarke and Belinda Blumenthal.
12. What is your favourite album ever: 
The Holy Bible – Manic Street Preachers.
13. Have you ever had or do you have a nickname:  
T-Bone.
14. Have you got something that you just can’t bring yourself to throw away: 
No. Free yourself from the tyranny of objects.
15. What is the greatest moment in history during your lifetime 
1st May, 1997 and the Portillo moment or 17th April, 2011 FA Cup Semi Final Bolton 0 – Stoke City 5. Both were well worth the long wait.
16. What makes you bored 
Theresa May.
17. What’s your favourite race 
There used to be a race in Stoke called the Milton 10k which happened to be about a minutes’ walk from my house which was handy.
18. If you didn’t run what other sport would you like to have done? 
I plan to do dedicate myself to cycling more once my body can’t take running anymore which may not be too far off now. Always thought I’d be good at golf but it turns out I’m terrible.
19. What has been you all-time favourite TV programme? 
Would have to Mad Men. Perfect combination of style and substance.
20. What is the last film you saw at the cinema?
Lady Macbeth which I think will be a contender for film of the year. Well worth a watch.
Our biggest thanks to Jon for his Q&A’s this week and we hope that you feel that you have now got to know Jon a little better. Check back next Wednesday for another set of Q&A’s with our chosen club member.