In this very special edition of Beyond the Singlet we are joined by Guy Grimwood. Guy joined Richmond Harriers in 2023 and has become a huge part of the club. A regular at many of our sessions and races, Guy has also become an active member of the club’s committee, being an friendly and inclusive friend to new members and leading our Track Friday and Wednesday evening runs.
Guy will sadly be leaving us to return to the UK this week, but managed to squeeze in some time to reflect on his journey with the Harriers before he goes. Welcome Guy!
How did you get into running?
Although I had run on-and-off for some time during school, at uni we used to make ourselves feel somewhat better about sinking numerous pints on a Saturday afternoon during the offseason from rugby by waking up ‘early’ to do the Park Run (Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham, which starts at 9am…).
After graduating and then living the corporate dream in London, I started running much more frequently, leading to completing in the London Marathon and a number of other half marathons and 10ks.
Serious running has only started after joining the Harriers and running a good amount of distance – constantly – multiple times a week. As Todd and I say, running 16kms every Wednesday night as a ‘social run’ was alien two years ago!
How did you come to join Richmond Harriers?
Like much of the club these days, I joined the Harriers in an attempt to make friends in Melbourne after landing from the UK. On my first week at work, I sat next to a chap who was the keenest runner I’ve ever met (made Michael Knight look like he had never heard the word ‘Vaporfly’) and he recommend joining the Harriers to get into a club. I was always put off by joining one of the trendy run clubs due my limited Instagram following, so I was quite nervous about initially turning up. Harriers has however provided the perfect mix of running and social over the past two years – I’ve loved every moment.
What has been your favourite memory / memories from your time with the club?
The club has provided so many great memories during my time in Melbourne (some of which while not wearing running trainers).
Completing Melbourne and Gold Coast marathons with a team of Harriers was special – including seeing members around the course supporting and running. Sunday’s out in Ferny have also been a great love during the winter, and of course a Friday morning coffee with the track squad is one of the highlights of the week.
You will sadly be leaving us at the end of October, what are your plans for when you return to the UK?
Back to the tropical climate of London!
Running wise, I’m definitely going to look at joining a club back home and keep up with running as much as possible (although the London winter might persuade me otherwise on some occasions I am sure). It will also be great to reconnect with fellow Harriers who I’ve met out in Melbourne and are also back in the UK – the UK arm of the Richmond Harriers will be well attended for sure!
Outside of running what will you take from your time in Australia?
Our short stint in Australia has been one of the best things we have done. Although it was never our plan to move overseas, we jumped on an opportunity, and it has turned out to have been one of the best decisions we could have made.
Melbourne especially has been a huge part of this, offering the great mix of outdoor activities including running, hiking and going to the beaches, along with the live sport through the AFL season (go Tigers…), to the incredible restaurant and wine bar scene.
We have also sought to travel while been over here, heading up to the ‘must sees’ on the East Coast, and finishing off with a trip to Uluru before we head home.
You’ve built yourself a reputation as a Karaoke Queen? What 3 songs are you requesting on the jukebox?
Robbie Wiliams – Angels (absolute banger that is best sung 5+ pints in)
Bruce – Dancing in the Dark (gets the crowd going)
Radical Face – Life is a Highway (Claire and I do a killer duet on this bad boy – she is going to hate me for saying that so will likely need a new duet partner?)
What running shoes are you currently wearing?
Since I’ve been in Melbourne, Neil has sorted me out with every pair I have worn, and couldn’t recommend going to him enough. Crazy what running up and down the street can do to make sure you have the right pair of shoes on.
The Asics Megablast are his current choice for me and are my favourite pair yet.
Do you have a running idol / mentor that inspires you?
Who else but Joji?
The guidance that he has given me over the past two years has been instrumental in me enjoying doing so much more running and enabled me to build up to the longer distances that I now try and run. Allowing us to chew his ear off with question on training, or constantly picking at his brain for the best running routes in Melbourne (Gardiners Creek Trail into the Anniversary Trail is a stand out recommendation for a long run) has been invaluable, and his love for running is infectious.
What running event is top of your bucket list?
Would love to do London Marathon again, but this time as someone who knows a lot more about how to run / train – it seems to be much more enjoyable that way!
0 Comments