Alex Simon - Runner of the Week

How do you manage to balance running with work, family and being a rock star? 

Having recently completed a tour of the States (every estate in Barnsley that is!) my international rock star status can impact on my running.  However, as we are regularly chased out of the venues by hoards of adoring fans, it has helped with my overall fitness.  It’s a similar situation with the family.  A regular run up to the local shops to get the Pot Noodles in adds to the overall weekly mileage.  

What's your favourite race?

I really enjoy the Trunce.  It was one of the first races I competed in and it’s always a brilliant atmosphere.   We are lucky to have a noted event on the race calendar on our doorstep.  Despite running it for a few years, it never gets easier.  Well done Andy, Mark and the team for organising it.

Which is harder, teaching or running? (Robin Clough!)

One is very painful, leaves me out of breath and seems like a long uphill struggle.  It makes my body ache from head-to-toe and reduces me to a quivering wreck.  The other is running! 

What's the hardest race you've done?

The Three Peaks because I fell on the final descent and broke my ribs.  I always seem to fall over when fell running.

Favourite food and can you recommend a good place to eat?

Pot Noodle.  You can pretty much eat it anywhere so long as you have access to some boiling water.

How do you relax?

Family, dog, band, music, running (it is relaxing in hindsight), beer, evenings with Steve and Sal (when we get invited!) and I am attempting to write a book based on my great-grandfather’s experiences in Ypres during WW1.

What's your favourite piece of running gear?

My mobile phone as it allows me to venture out on the fells totally ill-prepared knowing that those friendly lads and lasses at Woodhead Mountain Rescue will come and rescue me when I am stranded miles from civilization wearing only a t-shirt.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be?

The epicentre of culture, knowledge and progress…Liverpool. 

What's the definition of a true scouser?

Embraces a diverse and dynamic culture, sense of history and understands the city's place in it.  Rebellious spirit, self-deprecating and a habitual wearer of tracksuits. 

Top 4 records of all time for your desert island discs...

I am a big fan of Ska music and enjoy bands like: The Specials, Madness, Bad Manners, The Beat.  Picking a favourite is difficult but I will go for The Beat, ‘Mirror in the Bathroom’. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cbUW2EY4KE

‘The Chicken’ by Weather Report http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgntkGc5iBo  because Jaco Pastorious is a fantastic bass player.

‘Conchise’ by Audioslave http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGPZGBfzIT0  One of the best live bands I have ever seen.  Chris Cornell has a voice like an angel and the guitarist, Tom Morello is a genius and a top man.

Without any bias I would suggest that The PB10s version of ‘So Close’ by Calvin Harris http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGghkjpNCQ8  is a classic.  The PB10s’ version is only available at our live events.