In March, we are thrilled to have three runners entering the Bath Half Marathon to fundraise for Home-Start North Wiltshire. Here we find out a bit about one of our runners, Richard.
If you would like to support Richard by donating click HERE.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Richard Hills – I’m 47 and live with my wife and two teenage children. So that means I spend a lot of my free time ferrying people to netball and/or hockey events and trying to avoid an ever growing list of DIY tasks. I like to try and stay fit and healthy, as a younger man I was in the Navy and they instilled that that ethic that I think I’ll take to the grave!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I do get some free time, I like to cycle (road cycling to be precise) – I love the sense of freedom and the bacon rolls and coffee that accompany most rides. I stated running more regularly as a way staying fit when cycling becomes more difficult in the winter. Then when Covid hit I started running every morning before work ( as a way of getting out the house!!!!) It’s stuck and now it feels odd if I don’t go out for 30mins at somewhere between 6-6.30am throughout the year.
Is this your first half marathon?
Not my first half. I’ve done the Plymouth, Truro and Bristol ones…. However, they were done when I was in my twenties and much fitter… So this is going to be tricky!
How is the training going?
Well….. I started January with all good intentions, and was doing well, but I have just returned (8 Feb) to training after a fortnight off due to what can only be described as a seasonal bug (Man-flu!), so I’ve a hard few weeks ahead of me – but I know I’ll get round…..maybe closer to 2hrs than 1-45mins which was the target I’d set myself before xmas – but who knows!!!!
Who will be cheering you on on the day? I would expect to be cheered on by my wife and kids…. Possibly my mum and dad and hopefully a few friends!!!! (By the way, Dirk and I plan to cheer you off but have my dad’s birthday meal on the same day, so unless you are super quick, we may not see you at the end!)
1. Quick Fire
2. Favourite Film? Back to the future
3. Favourite Holiday memory? While trekking in Nepal, the first time I saw Mt Everest ahead of me… magical!!!
4. Lark or Owl? Lark – but you probably guessed that from my earlier answers
The families we support are all in #Wiltshire. #MakeaDifference #BecauseChildhoodCantWait