Chairman - Ben Stevens
I have always enjoyed running even cross-country whilst at school. Like a lot of people after school my participation in sport reduced to almost nothing. I took up sport again whilst at university in Cardiff completing the Cardiff Half Marathon 2008. After another sporting loll, I decided I wanted to get fit again and lose some weight for my wedding. I was encouraged to enter the Bath Half Marathon 2016, my first sub 2-hour half. Since then I have continued running more half marathons including the Great North Run 2017. More recently I ran the London Marathon 2018 which was a fantastic experience. Whilst I finished I didn’t come away with a time I was happy with so I ran Paris Marathon 2019. I have since run a couple of Ultras, a 70K and a 50K. I find running gives me the opportunity to forget the day-to-day worries of life and get me outside which can only be a good thing and running socially is far more enjoyable than going solo. |
Secretary - Kerry White
I signed up to the Yeovil Half Marathon in 2018 to raise money for charity and then thought I better start training after never running more than a slow 5km race for life before. I have found that as well as the physical benefits the best part is afterwards you feel great as to what you have accomplished and gives you an outlet for any frustrations you had for that day! I then went on to run the London Marathon in May 2019 and wow what an experience. I love being part of the Minister Milers club as after several months of training on my own the club brought back the fun into running and has helped to motivate me as well as do better. It accommodates if I just want to do a slower 5km run or a faster 10km one, everyone is just so friendly and supportive. |
Treasurer & Membership Secretary - Lou Mackley
I didn’t enjoy PE at school but then good trainers and kit were lacking in 70s & 80s and cold wet x-countries in dodgy hockey boots could put anyone off for life! I returned in middle-age on and off with a few Race for Life events and some city 10km races but it wasn’t really til the creation of parkrun that I really began to enjoy the challenge of running regularly. Living close to the Herepath I have concentrated more on trail running than road and prefer being out in the countryside and the variety of terrain that offers. Minster Milers is not my closest local running club but, introduced by a friend on a ‘bring a guest’ night in 2019 I found it very welcoming and have made some great friends and running buddies. Races are always more fun if you have someone you know on the starting line with you - since joining I’ve completed many 10k races as well as half marathons, something that I would never have contemplated before and have entered a 50k Ultra for 2021 to make up for all the medals missed in lockdown ! I joined the committee in 2020 when we were trying to keep members motivated while being unable to meet properly socially. The club has something to offer every runner of any ability and I’m looking forward to being part of the team that ensures it can continue to do so. |
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Social Secretary - Emma Biswas
I was one of the few in school who loved cross country - and I wasn’t in the group looking for the hide-away to have a sneaky fag! I discovered (from the then limited footwear options!) that my hockey boots were the best footwear to get good speed over slippery ground! I was also one of the few keen for the 800m and 1500m on sports day! A dodgy knee op in my late teens meant I hung up my trainers/hockey boots for a good while, only managing the odd charity 10k (usually with a hang over!) during uni days. I rediscovered my love of running after having my boys and moving to Ilminster, when I found the Minster Milers 5k group. Running as a grown up has been a really good thing for me and my mental health - it’s such a good thing to challenge both the legs and the brain. I’ve managed to be the ‘three times running’ winner of the club handicap and have joined club members in running organised 10k and Half Marathon races. I love the weekly club runs, particularly a muddy and or hilly route! I’ve no sights set on a marathon (dodgy knee) but might consider it when I retire!! |