Pilot

My name is Jack Watson and I am 16-years old. I have been a member of East Hull Harriers since August 2024 and it has been the best decision during my running career. I have the pleasure of taking control of writing on this website and will be doing newsletters, run reports, interviews of members and news articles for the club. I thought I would start off by writing a short blog on my running journey and how joining East Hull Harriers has been highly beneficial and important. 

Three years ago, I participated in my first Parkrun at East Park; I only remember how dreadful and tiring it was (I completed it in 31 minutes). Ready to give up, something told me to stick with it and turn up every week. Fortunately, I listened and suddenly became addicted. I desperately wanted to get fitter and improve my time, which I did through training three times a week and consistently doing Parkrun. 

Within a year, I ran 5km in around 25 minutes, however, I wanted to start applying this into some races and challenge myself. I chose Doncaster 10k for my first event and it was a great taste tester, managing to drag myself around in 43:28, which was surprising. I knew I could do better, so I entered the Beverly 10k and Hull 10k and pushed myself more in training. Unfortunately, it did not go well at Beverly, completing it in over 46 minutes, but managed to redeem myself at Hull, finishing in 42:49.

Months later, I first heard about East Hull Harriers from a teacher at my school and realised they held races at a track near my house. I entered one of the 5km races and finished it in an impressive 19:50, which was a new PB. The mood and atmosphere around the track were brilliant and they were all very welcoming. They told me they held speed sessions on a Monday night at the same place, so I turned up a couple weeks after. I took part in the adult session and, due to the support and encouragement from other runners, I was able to keep up with the faster pack for the whole session and this persuaded me to turn up every week.  

Since starting the training sessions, I have met many friendly faces, who have brought the best out of me both on and off the track. The sessions have been extremely helpful because there are other runners there to push and make me work hard, which has been beneficial. Many of the members have given me advice and guidance on how to approach my training and race, which has been helpful.

Unequivocally, I decided to join the club (although, I wish I had joined sooner): since then, I have done a 5k in 18:59, edged closer to a sub 40 minute 10km (40:31) and felt a huge improvement in my fitness and well-being–I intend to improve my time and complete further distance races. 

I look forward to working with the club and I hope you all enjoy the write-ups!