David Clayden

Name & Where You’re From

David Clayden

Originally Hertfordshire but Sheffield since 2003

How did you first get into running?
Having retired from playing rugby in 2023 I needed something to keep the body moving and the mind sane. Running was the easiest way to tick those boxes. Having given running a go on my own for a few months and not seeing much improvement I decided to try and add some structure to my running by attending Steel City Striders track sessions.

Has your motivation for running changed over time?
I used to be a very reluctant runner and only ever ran to keep myself fit during the off season between rugby seasons. Now my motivation for running is to stay healthy and to chase down my own PBs and to see how much improvement I can make. 

What do you enjoy most about being part of this coaching group?
There is a real sense of community within the group, and although everyone is chasing their own individual goals, everyone takes time to celebrate other peoples successes when PBs seem to be getting posted in the group left right and centre. 

How has being a Green Peaks Athlete benefited your training?
HUGELY! Following a Green Peaks training plan has brought my running on leaps and bounds. I used to go out for a run and think that running fast the whole time was the only way to get quicker. Turns out that isn’t the way. Following a structured plan with a couple of long slow runs a week and then a structured track/speed session has seen me make improvements in a short space of time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still hanging on for dear life at the back of the group at track but I’ve become a lot more consistent. It’s taken a while to get used to the ‘easy/recovery runs’ but the combination of both seems to be working for me.

Favourite race or running event you’ve done so far?
Round Sheffield Run has been my favourite event so far. I signed up not really knowing what it was when asked if I fancied it by a friend and had a great time. It helped that the sun was out in the summer because the winter one this year looked brutal.

Recent achievement you’re proud of
I managed to get a 4 minute PB at the most recent running of Percy Pud. I’d failed miserably at the Sheffield 10km and was pretty disappointed so decided to join Green Peaks with Percy Pud in mind. The run felt like a training run (which probably meant there was more in the tank) but somehow I’d taken a huge chunk of time out of my PB. 

What’s your go-to running playlist or podcast?
Has to be Chris Stapleton for the slow runs!!! And then I have a random playlist of my favourite songs I’ve cobbled together for race days.

What’s your dream race or bucket-list running goal?
Being relatively new to running I don’t think I’ve got a dream race so to speak but I’m keen to see how much time I can take out of my 10km time. So maybe something flat and out of Sheffield once I’ve got the Sheffield Half Marathon out the way.

Favourite post-run treat or recovery ritual?
A pint of chocolate Nesquik. No idea why.

One piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out
Consistency is key and having a plan is great for accountability. There are so many training runs I would skip if it wasn’t on the plan that I’ve committed to.