Andrew Neary

Andrew took up running in Autumn 1994 just after his 22nd birthday, a decision which was inspired by close family members, friends and an expanding waistline coupled with a proliferation of chins. After losing three and a half stone and joining Leigh Harriers, Andrew decided to compete which it seemed he wasn't too bad at. Becoming more competitive, he joined Salford Harriers shortly after but as with his time at Leigh Harriers it seemed that just as a major personal breakthrough was around the corner a recurrent knee injury struck.

It is only since Andrew joined Horwich RMI in 2002 that he has seen considerable personal goals smashed and new ones put in place. Some of the reasons he cites for this is the camaraderie and friendliness of Horwich RMI and the guidance of Norman Matthews, under which Andrew achieved more in one and a half years than he did with any other club since he started running.

After a recent time out due to illness and the joy of becoming a father, Andrew is back training again and is back on track to reach and surpass the standard that he was at prior to his break.

Andrew is married and has two daughters.

Likes:
Distance running and the feeling of wellbeing it gives, Depeche Mode, Indian Food, science fiction, The Cure, good comedy, Macintosh computers, The Smiths/Morrissey, Radio 4.

Dislikes:
Being addressed 'Andy' (despite many protests), getting up, dogs, cats, unoriginal insults shouted at runners e.g. "get them knees up", driving, crowds, cigarette smoke, cheeky kids, IKEA, backpackers.