Member of the Month - Dave A
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SimonF asks:
Congratulation Dave! After a Bob Graham, what can come next? A Ramsay? A Paddy Buckley? Do you have enough space on your arms for these?
Dave A says: Thank you Simon. As said to Blass from her question, I want to be come a better and faster short distance fell/trail/XC runner and maybe give me 5 and 10k times a good kicking. I was asked a few days after my BG about a possible Paddy Buckley next year, but it's way too early to decide what I'd like to do. Before the main part of my BG training kicked in, I really enjoyed doing some shorter training runs and upping the intensity in sessions, plus I got the benefits and the results. But, right now, I'm concentrating on relaxing and resting myself.
Luckily I've only got little arms, so I don't have to worry about doing too many challenegs to fill them up
frangale asks:
What is your favourite cake and does it vary depending on before run, during run, after run or socialising:)
Dave A says: Usually something with chocolate in it. Although I'm always open to trying new cake, either before or after. I did have a very nice piece of ginger cake during a BG support in May
SarahL asks:
Congrats Dave! Have you finished your garden yet?
Dave A says: Thank you Sarah. No I haven't, I spend far too much time running to worry about things like that
Hills of Death (HOD) asks:
Congrats Dave A do you ipress girls by showing them your truncheon
Dave A says: Cheers HOD.
No, but wapping my tackle out seems to do the trick
B-Lass asks:
next challenge??
Dave A says: Becoming a far better and faster short distance runner, both on fell, XC, road and trail.
GordonG asks:
fab, well done Dave. your first emotion when completing the BGR: a) joy b) relief c) other
Dave A says: Thanks Gordon. I think it was joy and relief coupled together. Plus a massive smile that summed the day up
The joy was obvious. The relief wasn't at finishing and I wanted to stop, it was because I'd done it, if that makes sense? 
Ted asks:
I think that the congratulations got without saying. What was your biggest influence on the day to complete the BGR? Person or foodstuff.
Dave A says: Cheers Ted *hugs* Definatley a person answer, but not just one. The massive team behind me, be it runners, road crew, road crew support, Oscars/Bobs/Rufus', they all played there part in one of the best days of my life. But the influence wasn't just on the day. It was during the build up with e-mails, advice, support on runs, questions about there own runs. Without the awesome team behind me, I wouldn't have achieved what I did, simple as that. I was very lucky that I chose the right people to be there for me on the day, each one played their own part that day
Plus, the thought of that 1st pint at the end meant the result was never in doubt
Chromey asks:
What's the next challenge and how would you rate my xc gropes?
Dave A says: Like I've already mentioned to a couple of others, become faster over mutliple terrain over shorter distances, I'm still not ready to look for the next ig challenge just yet. XC gropes? I thought your gropes went past XC to 10k's, fetch socials and seeing me on duty in the city centre
They are, of course, the best 
Northern Exile asks:
Congratulations Dave! After all that time out on the BGR, are you still up for some recce trips and long days out leading up to oooh, around the end of may next year?
Dave A says: Martyn, of course I am. Tell me the dates and I'll do my best to be there
BS asks:
Congrats Dave. What has been the best experience, a race pb, the BGR or catching a crook while out on a training run?
Dave A says: Cheers BS, that made me chuckle. Has to be the BG. My marathon PB was, up until June, the best experience because I approached it in the same way to the BG, but the BG was just something else. Theday, the build up, the people surrounding it, everything. Until you've experienced it as a runner you'll know nothing like it
Funnily enough, catching bad guys when they least expect it is great fun and more just a perk of running and being in the right place at the right time
GregP asks:
Did you engage with the biscuit deathmatch silliness in any way?
Dave A says: No, not in any way, shape or form. Well, apart from the poll. Did I say shortbread? I'm more of a custard cream man.
Lisrun asks:
Many congratulations Dave ! What are your favourite three races ?
Dave A says: Thanks Dave, and a toughy of a question.
I have to say Windermere Marathon. My 1st marathon and my PB marathon. Next up woould have to be the Yorkshireman Half marathon, old or new course. It has a fantastic setting and is accessable for a recce from my doorstep. Plus, it was one of the 1st races to make me realise that I might be able to do ok at this running lark
After that I really like the Coniston Trail race. The atmosphere at the race and at the fetch campsite/house is fantastic, plus there is a very fast and brilliant course to run on
I've done so many other good races I may have changed my mind the next time we speak (probably at a Lakeland Trail)
Dogtanian asks:
Huge congrats Dave. When you started planning your BG was it with the main goal of winning MOTM? Real question: did you have an idea that you'd be able to hit such a phenomenal time?
Dave A says: Thank you very much. MOTM is the onky reason for doing a BG surely.
After supporting other BG attempts over last summer, in particular a couple of fast legs on a couple of individual rounds, I knew I could do a reasonably paced leg. The way my training was over the winter, I knew I'd got faster and a lot more confident over the fells. I set out, following ancouragmentfrom a few people, on a 22 hour schedule (21.57 to be precise) so I was confident that I was capable of that sort of time. But, as things turned out, there were some tough times on the run itself due to wetaher, bad patches etc etc. When I landed at Wasdale after leg 3, I knew I was going to do it, but being about 30 mins down on schedule, I wasn't even thinking of a sub 22 at that point. To have the last 2 legs that I had, and the road section, completley blew me away, especially when I hit the last mile with 21.43 on th clock.
So yes, I knew I *could* do it, but it still amaxed me when I actually did it.
Yorkshire Pie asks:
After the BG will triathlon be your next challenge?
Dave A says: *looks for ignore button*
Congrats on the tri success BTW AT the moment I will say NEVER! Because although I don't mind swimming and cycling as a distraction, something else to do or something different or if I'm injured, I don't actually enjoy them that much to concentrate on them as disciplines with a target at the end.
Also, my confidence in my swimming is never going to be massive because f my shoulder problems. The shoulder is fixed, but thoughts of the injury would always be in the back of my mind when swimming. Plus, can you imagine how wound up I'd get starting off an OW swim in one of those waves!!!!
For now I will say no, but never say never
oceanspirit asks:
Would you like some brownies? Would you ever consider doing the Western States 100?
Dave A says: Hi Steph
I would love some brownies please if your making I don't know if I'd want to do 100 or not. As said in a previous answer, never say never, but 100 miles doesn't seem to appeal to me at the moment. Maybe one day. Or, if you did support crew and fed me brownies at regular intervals I could be tempted 
Discovery Dave asks:
Congrats Dave, both on the MOTM and the BGR. I can't believe how fresh you looked afterwards. How fast do you think you could do it if you were actually trying?
Dave A says: Cheers Dave
Beleive it or not, it was actually quite an effort I think because I got a bad patch out of the way early on, it meant that I was looking a little better at the end. The way thigs worked out with the weather, bad patches etc, meant that for the effort, 21.51 was my best. The way that the better parts of the round went, I could probably go faster, maybe an hour. But having gone through all that, achieved what I did, at the moment theres no need to wonder about the what ifs. The main thing now is to go out and help those who helped me with their rounds
JJ Flash asks:
Good grief, DaveA, member of the month? What can the world be coming to? And when it gets there what will you do? Light fires, play your guitar or go for a run?
Dave A says: The world is a far more grim and northern place with me now I'm in charge. There will be no fun, there will be no happiness. Whats that? I've not been elected king yet?
Ok, when the world comes to it, there will be running, guitars, lots of fire and possibly the odd fetch tent or house. There will also be lots of real ale. And cake. And chocolate. Ooooh, coffee as well. And, just for you, there will be muppetry
Naomi P asks:
Big congrats Mr BGR Have you and HarryB patented the Vic Reeves thigh rubbing greeting yet?
Dave A says: *rubs thighs* Thanks Naomi. The greeting is patented, but only for me and Harry to do it at you. No one else is allowed a greeting quite like that. Now about that cheeky little flash I got at Brathay.....
Skunk asks:
Congrats Dave - well deserved, etc. When are you gonna pack in running in the middle of the night, up fells, and shitting in bushes, etc, and finally get a Triathlon done?
Dave A says: Cheers Phil. When are you going to get your arse in gear and do some proper fell racing
Why would I want to pack in all that stuff? The points you've made are the best bits of fell running
I think I've already answered about the dark side, but I just don't get the enjoyment from cycling or swimming that I do from running to dedicate myself to doing a tri. But never say never
LorraineS asks:
congratulations, Dave. Is your WHW debut going to be in 2012 now ?
Dave A says: Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
I have no idea what 2012 brings. WHW, The Fling and The Devil sound like good fun, as do the parties, but I'm not looking to far ahead at the moment
*blows whistle*
Clueless asks:
Congratulations Dave, a very worthy winner Your quality bloggage following the BG was quite gripping. But I cant help wondering, how crucial to the final result was that fart at the end of leg 3?
Dave A says: Thank you Clueless
The fart that bought about the changes was actually at the start of leg 3, coupled with a rather loud burp. I think it was those that got the food processing inside me again and gave me the energy that I needed. Never, ever, underestimate the power of a good fart
Doctor K asks:
Well done Dave. Who is your favourite runner?
Dave A says: Thanks Doc. On a popular level I'd have to say Mo Farah. At the moment he's in amazing form and well on the way to becoming the best in the world.
On a more local level, I really admire local top level runners. Being a member of a very successful fell club at Calder Valley means I get to rub shoulders with some of the stars of Britsih Fell running who are currently at the top of their game. To see them, speak to them and see how humble and down to earth they are about their talent and achievments is fantastic.
_andy asks:
Congrats on the MOTM, BGR and any other bunch of letters you might have kicking about. Nice one. Since there have been lots of 'what next' kind of questions, let's go for the inspiration-flavoured ones. What started you running?, what got you into the long, bumpy stuff?, and what do you say to someone that says 'WHY do you run lots?' That's one question, really.
Dave A says: Thanks Andy, looking forward to hearing about any attempt you have planned in the future.
I started running when I was 19 to aid weight loss. I was a bit of a fat lad as a teenager and I'd actually dropped about 2 1/2 stone in weight in the 4 or 5 months leading up to the start of my running. Once I was running, I dropped the last 1/2 stone quite quickly. Once the weight was gone I enjoyed it that much that I decided to carry on and it helped with my fitness levels for playing rugby.
I'm not sure what got me into the long, bumpy, stuff. My 2nd ever race was the Garburn TRail race in 2006 and I didn't do too badly. I don't think I did my 2nd road race until I'd got aother 5 trail or XC races under my belt. I've always enjoyed going off road when running, far more fun than the roads. As for the long stuff, I've not actually done loads of long stuff. I've completed 5 marathons and done some training for the BG of between 26 and 30 miles on one day, plus plenty of 4 hour pls days in the build up. Supporting other rounds reallyed me to do my own and I don't know when I'll be going long again. The running will remain bumpy
And, finally, I run because I enjoy it. I've got massive health benefits from running, met some fantastic people and been to some awesome places. Why would I not want to run lots?
DIGGER BYROM asks:
From heavy weight plodder to elite runner, how exactly did you you manage that then?
Dave A says: Cheers Digger. I wouldn't quite say elite mate, more just a case of I'm trying to do the best with the ability that I have
AddledAdder asks:
Has a villain ever out-run you?
Dave A says: I'm ashamed to say, once, yes. I was catching up with the lad but he ran through some zig zag alleyways an managed to lose me. Luckily, just before he'd run, he'd told me his name, date of birth and address, so I went round to his house and lifted him 5 minutes after I'd lost him
Paprika asks:
First of all Congrats again on all your achievements, there seems to be something completely unique about the BGR and the support offered/ given by others within the fell running community when its most needed. Has this made you feel differently about what other types of events you will have as future goals/challenges?
Dave A says: Thank you Paprika, quite a spicy name you have there
You are right about the support level within the BG. The things people will do for one person on any given day is amazing and completley humbling.
I think as I've mentioned before, I'm not sure what the next big challeneg will be, or just the next challenege in general. But, I know I will have BG supports on my list. I do hope that the support I recieved will make me into a far better supporter of others running and challenges. After all, it can't be all take take take, there has to be some form of giving back to the running community. From helping out at a parkrun or a club race, to driving hundreds of miles just to do a small support section. I hope that I can give something back.
In terms of the huge challenges, those that require a good level of support, I would seriousley consider making them few and far between as there is only a certain length that anyone will be able to go to. Doing it over and over on a regular basis might put people off helping as it would distract from there own challenges.
SpicedApple asks:
Congrats Dave, now you can get a MOTM tattoo underneath the BGR one! What was your first fell race, and how did you feel doing it? What tips would you give a new runner who wanted to start out with hills and fells rather than road racing?
Dave A says: The MOTM tattoo will go across my backside, that way I don't have to pay for the 'O'
My 1st fell race was Hathersage Gala in July 2007. I really enjoyed the race, approx 4.5 miles, in the stunning Peak District, but didn't really do much fell stuff for another couple of years after that. I went back last year just to get a snog from Sophster and really wanted to go back again, but I was recovering from my BG and working, which wasn't tthe best combination of factors for it.
I would suggest that anyone who wants to go onto fell and trail instead of road, just do it. In the same way someone would start road running, started sensibly, build it up gradually, not too fast etc etc. The only real difference is the terrain. Make sure your fell safe, know where you are and where your going and do some work on leg and joint strength as the nature of the terrain is slightly more hazardous than the road.
Lethargic asks:
Most embarresing tape/cd//vinyl purchase?
Dave A says: I believe I did buy The Ketchup Song a few years ago, should I really be admitting that level of idiocy?
phal asks:
If you had a snail that could grant wishes, what would you call it?
Dave A says: Wow, that is a toughy. In answer to your original question..........I don't know what the question was, I was asleep at the time. You should know really as you were in bed next to me
I would call it Brian
Tiggia asks:
Hello Dave Good to see a Yorkshire bloke as MOTM. Now, my husband reckons that you could well be the male fetchie who has the most female fetchies in their mobile phone book. So, for the record, how many female fetchies phone numbers are in your phone?
Dave A says: Hello Tiggia *waves*
Thats quite a personal question. I'm not sure if this should be for MOTM or someting a little more sordid I currently have 11 female fetchies in my phone book (no Tiggia ) I did have a couple of others but changing phones recently has lost a few numbers. So if anyone would like to share there number with me, I'm available on 999 :D 
HappyG(rrr) asks:
Many congrats Dave. Awesome BGR and lots more quick race results to come from you, I'm sure. Serious Q - how important is running to you? Not just compared to other hobbies but in the whole life mix thang? Congrats again, hope to see you in Scotland again some time soon! :-)G
Dave A says: Cheers Gav, congrats on the recent mara PB and the WHW support
Running is quite a big part of my life. Not just the racing and competing side, but just as part of a healthier lifestyle. Even before it got a bit silly and I started doing races and meeting random folk off t'internet and being chased round Scotland topless by them, I ran 3 or 4 times a week to keep fit and healthy. It's helped me shed the weight I had on me when I was younger and I think it's helped me a lot through stressful and low times. If I got told that I couldn't race again I'd be upset as I feel that once I've recovered from the BG I'm capable of going faster than what I already have done. But, if I was told I couldn't run again, I don't know what I'd do. In the long run I'd find something else to help keep me healthy and active, but there would be a massive gap in my life. I've been running since 2000, so take away something thats part of my lifestyle wold leave a huge gap. So yeah, it plays a massive part in my life, who I am and what I do.
Jock Itch asks:
Allways remember the drive in your car at Abingdon Dave. Rememeber when you reached down to change gear and touched my *updating message....
Dave A says: I remember that drive as well. The indicipherable southern accent. Seeing you in *those* shorts. And the moment you unzipped your fly and rested it on the gear lever just as I was about to change gear
Night-owl asks:
Congrats Dave What would you do if i sang out of tune, would you stand up and walk out on me?
Dave A says: Thanks Pammie. I would never walk out on you. I'd walk right over and give you a big snog ;)...........with a little help from my friends :D
toffee asks:
Hello Dave, one of my claims to fame, purely on a personal level, is that I once overtook you during the Stavely run in 2010, even if you where just enjoying the views and bombed past me about three minutes later, congratulations by the way, my question - does wearing a bandana make you run dead fast?
Dave A says: Cheers toffee. The bandana is merely for head warming and protection from sunburn and an excuse to look even sillier than normal. If it's not at just the right position, the whole karma/chi thing is thrown out of balance and you look like a right wally, regardless of speed.
richmac asks:
Fantastic, big congrats on the MOTM & the BG, but more improtantly on the subject of chocolate bars would you go with genuine or supermarket own brand equivalents?
Dave A says: Thanks Rich. I've always been a firm believer in the best when it comes to my food. And I've found that in most cases the genuine brand wins out ever time. Thats not to say that supermarket food isn't good enough, I just seem to prefer the branded stuff. Obviously, any chocolate is good, brand or not. I'm not that much of a snob not to choose unbranded chocolate if it were a choice between that or fruit and veg
Kev Scone asks:
Will you still love me tomorrow? When will I be famous? Who are you? Why does it always rain on me? How long, has this been going on? What would you think if I sung out of tune, would you stand up and walk our on me?
Dave A says: Yes. Next week. Dave A. Because you live in England. A long time, it used to be all fields you know. Never
*manlove* 
oldbiddynandi asks:
have you still got the most lovely teeth xx
Dave A says: Bids
Apparantly I still do 
Hyperboy asks:
Congrats Dave:)Does your running help with the day job???
Dave A says: Thanks hyperboy
It definately does, even when I'm on lates or nights As well as it helping to catch the baddies when they leg it, the helath benefits it brings are brilliant. I eat far healthier than a lot of my collegaues. I usually feel quite fresh and don't get tired as easy as some do. I put a lot of this down to my lifestyle and the benefits that running brings to my health. Plus, after a bad day and I'm in a fould mood, within a couple of minutes of going out for a run I'll feel 10 times better and forget why I'm in a bad mood with work. 
flanker asks:
Nice one mate. The seven Ps pay off again. So then, when yo uget around to your next proper race will it be the Lakeland 50/100, Three Rings of Shap, or the Fellsman?
Dave A says: Pernod, Port, what are the rest? I was thinking of a lovely parkrun, maybe as sweeper again
I'm still having a rest before I even dare think about another biggy. Looking forward to getting faster again and doing my short races some justice. But give it a couple of years I might get the urge to have a go at one of the above :D 
IanS asks:
Well done Dave on the BGR and the MOTM So many questions, so little time... You're clearly barking mad
but how have you managed to cope with the post-BGR lull without signing up for something even more challenging ?
Dave A says: Cheers Ian. Mad? Me? How can you think such a thing? Apart from one day of feeling a bit down post BG, I've not had a real lull. I've been maintaining my recovery and not thinking too far ahead. Racing, and training for races will start again soon, but for now it really is just one step at a time and not look too far ahead for something bigger and better. Although what could possibly be better than a BG? :D
flip asks:
Congrats on the BGR ,Fantastic result. now so i don't have to recce, can you do another in 23:59 with me in tow in May next year please.
Dave A says: Cheers flip. As much as a 23.59 would be nice, you wouldn't enjoy it half as much if you didn't go out recceing and supporting between then and now. But, let me know the date and I'll see if I can get along for a leg or 2 :D
Sunbed Athlete asks:
Does anyone inspire you or you self motivated? Congrats!!!
Dave A says: Cheers SA. I think it's a bit of both. Seeing other runners, yourself included, achieving amazing things is more than enough motivation for me to get my arse out of the door and do the training and the racing. Having others alongside me to talk to and bounce off is inspirational, especially in the middle of a rough patch in the cloud and rain. But then sometimes I just have to give myself a talking to and push myself out of the door and make myself push on. Especially when I'm in the middle of a dark patch or am faced with a hard session to complete.
northernslowcoach asks:
you seem to enjoy making people cry on the track just a little bit too much, so have you ever considered coaching?
Dave A says: Making people cry and miserable is a key part of my life coachy :D I've never really thought about coaching. I don't mind offering advice and help when needed, but my patience can wear a little thin sometimes. Especially if I was coaching a stoopid person. And if the miles are anything to go by, the sessions I coached would only be built to make the runner burst into tears at the end :D
Stepford Wife asks:
When were your arse? Were it June?
Dave A says: My arse were everywhere all the time, not just June. Anyway, you should know, you seem to be checking it out quite a lot
Foxy asks:
where on earth woul you most like to run sir ?
Dave A says: Apart from round and round a big lake with the Fox? A long day out in mountains and fells anywhere in the world would be perfect
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