by Lena Strang, Solihull Club Correspondent

How long have you been practising judo?

On and off since I was 15 so it has got to be about 32 years now.

What made you take up judo?

I had seen judo on TV and wanted to have a go. My sister's boyfriend had trained briefly at Harry Hobbs' club on Bromley Lane, Kingswinford and he took me along. I was hooked after one session. Harry let me train with the seniors even though I weighed less than 9 stone and was the smallest. I also enjoyed the fact we all went to the pub after the session!

Where do you train?

Solihull and Erdington

What is your present training schedule?

I try to do two Judo sessions a week but work and other commitments conspire to stop me. I also run 2 or 3 times a week and swim when I can.

What are your favourite techniques?

My favourite techniques are foot sweeps but unfortunately everyone knows this, so I have to resort to trickery and pick-ups.

How would you characterise your judo?

I have always wanted to do stylish, skilful Judo, but I am a scrapper. In fact I'm usually more surprised than my opponent if I throw them with a big technique.

Who has influenced you most in judo?

The two major influences on my Judo career were Harry Hobbs and Pete Barnett.
Harry ran the first club I joined. He coached me all the way to 1^st Kyu and kept me interested in the sport. He talked me into entering competitions and gradings and then recommended I go to Solihull and train with Peter Barnett, "the best coach in the country" according to Harry.
When I first arrived at Solihull I was the only Kyu grade on the mat and the next lightest player was Keith Cannaby who was throwing everyone. Pete made me feel welcome and then proceeded to train and encourage me as he did everyone else. He did have the ability to always be watching when you made a mistake but apparently looking the other way when you got it right!
The other influences have been the people I have trained with, their commitment, skill, friendship, humour and ability to keep throwing me.

What are your achievements in judo?

The achievements I'm most proud of in Judo are being a competitive 4^th Dan, winning the British Masters and winning a Bronze in the World Masters in Londonderry.

Tell us about any other highlights of your judo career.

I have been competing in Masters Judo for the last 12 years and won medals every year. I have been to 3 World Masters Championships and have also tried Sombo and Kurash and won medals in both.

We understand that you do marathon running. Tell us about your running and your achievements.

I only started running to take part in a charity event 15 years ago. I then discovered it helped my fitness, stamina and weight; it also provided another outlet for my competitive spirit. I wouldn't describe myself as a marathon runner, although I did successfully complete this year's London Marathon (the last few miles were some of the hardest I have ever run). I would normally only run up to half marathon distance competing against the clock rather than the other runners.
Running is an interesting contrast to Judo. Judo is anaerobic, explosive and most contests don't last longer than 4 minutes (however, I do seem to have fought more golden score contests than most!) whereas running is aerobic, relatively constant and takes up to 4hrs 23 minutes for a marathon. They both incorporate mental attitude whether it involves running up another steep hill miles from home or continuing to battle even when your opponent feels in control.

What are you aiming for next?

I would like to take another medal at the World Masters in Vienna this year.

Any thoughts or pearls of wisdom you can offer?

If you're not enjoying what you're doing, don't do it!