It's time for the second interview! This time we meet Robert Chenery. Well known on the running scene in Norfolk and Suffolk, but what are his thoughts on film too? Read on to find out.
First of all, tell me a bit about yourself?
I'm Robert Chenery, age 36, I live in Gorleston, Norfolk with my partner Rebecca, father of 4 plus step-dad to 3, so very busy household. Former Paediatric nurse, now a bar manager for Wetherspoons at The William Adams Gorleston.
Now onto films....
How long have you been a film fan, what started it and what does it mean to you?
I have always had a passion for films since I was young and feel lucky to have had access to so many originally on VHS then DVD, me and my sisters would spend hours watching films and in lots of ways feel like I have grown up with films and always been there in my life as my own life has changed and evolved
Do you have a favourite film? Why is it your favourite?
I find it hard to pick one as my favourite often changes with mood and had different favourites as I have grown up, to make a top 5 in no particular order:
Warrior
Rocky Balboa
Expendables
Southpaw
2 Guns
What film have you seen the most and why?
Probably Gladiator, as remember I got the VHS and watched it constantly on my tape player.
Do you have a preferred genre?
Classic action films and sports actions are favourites or anything with Jason Statham in but am happy to watch anything from musicals to rom coms.
Are you at home viewer or a cinema goer?
Do you have any favourite events you've been to related to films? (talks/comic cons/meet and greets/previews etc).
Great Yarmouth comic con which takes place early June is a fantastic event, the most family friendly and welcoming I have been to.
Moving onto running!
How long have you been running? Do you run for a club and how often do you train?
I have been running competitively for 20+ years starting with the school cross country before competing on the roads and XC and have run for Ipswich Jaffa for the whole of this time, despite living some 50miles up the road now. I am also a second claim member of Bungay Black Dog who I compete in the Suffolk XC league for. I have competed in approx 450 races over the years.
Favourite running event/experience?
Without doubt the standout event for me was Man V Horse 2015, where I was chosen to run for team Whole Earth. Me and my dad took on this incredible challenge of an off-road marathon, up and down the Welsh mountains competing against 60 horses, was the hardest race of my life but all the memories of the whole weekend will stay with me forever.
I have been fortunate to win several local races and the Bungay marathon has to be in of the highlights, but the standout probably came with winning the Gorleston Parkrun with the double buggy with Austin and Millie. It's not something I thought I would achieve and I know that parkrun isn't a race, but it was special.
Best running tip?
Consistency is the key, try find a routine if you can run consistently 3-4 times a week you will see improvement.
Also, one of the best bits of advice I have had which I like to pass on is 'if you want to run faster you have to run faster'. Meaning if you want to see your times improve, speed, interval and tempo sessions need to be a part of your plan, you need to get your body use to running the pace that you expect from it in a race.
What is it that you love about running and training?
99% of my training is done on my own and having worked shifts for my whole life I love the freedom of being able to train whenever it's best for me. Being able to put my trainers on and be out of the door and so lucky with where we live, I can run along the beach or coast or on country lanes and the peace which comes with running through nature. I love the opportunities I get to run with my dad and Rebecca too.
I am competitive and this is another reason why I train like most competitive runners I enjoy the buzz of racing, the pre-race build up and the race battles, but also the social and beer after especially the summer evening races.
Favourite parkrun?
Gorleston being just a mile from home will always be special but I do really enjoy the off road parkruns. Unfortunately the now defunct Fritton was prob my favourite to run. I did really enjoy Sandringham too.
And finally, most importantly, post run drink of choice - tea or coffee?!
I love tea generally but pre and post runs its black coffee with sugar.
Thank you for that Robert, great interview, much appreciated. We miss Fritton parkrun too!
If you would like to get involved then drop an email to moviescoffeerunning@yahoo.com
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