The one thing about running is that just about every fit and able person can do it. 

At various and differing levels of course, but as a species we were designed to put one foot in front of the other and I am sure to run too. 

It’s a great way to keep our bodies strong and efficient whilst not forgetting how good it can be for our mental health. 

However, whilst we can all run, there are of course a lot of sports that not only requires the ability to run but also requires specific skills. This in my opinion is where technical sports differ to endurance running. 

Yes, I know there are certain technical aspects to running but some of the greatest athletes throughout history have not exactly displayed the most efficient forms of running. 

With regards to other sports which let’s say do require more technique, I know that I for one could never master too many of them. Racket sports for one. Even those sports which I did okay in, when it came down to skill and co-ordination the truth be told is that it was lucky I could run. 

Where am I going with this? Well, having worked with lots of sportspeople from other sports it has always been clear to me that whilst those at the top of their game are just naturally talented and driven, running has also been a big part of their regime. At the same time, I have been aware that if they were to ever give up their number one sport and focus on running, they could be a top athlete too. 

Even in sports which I am sure many people don’t consider running to be a factor. Take Ronnie O’Sullivan from snooker. He loves his running and is very good at it. 

Needless to say, there are also certain factors which gives some a greater advantage such as body shape, co-ordination, reflexes, etc, but moving on from this and all of the above, there are those sports which also require a great deal of bravery too. 

Clearly some people are just born to be naturally good at whatever they turn to, but one sport which apart from fitness and skill most certainly needs a high degree of bravery and that is speedway. For the top speedway riders, it really is full on as apart from racing in several meetings during each week during the speedway season, it will also mean travelling all over the UK and Europe. 

This week I met up with Jason Doyle, the world’s number one speedway rider in 2017 and whilst he hasn’t been able to capture the title since then, he has always been there or thereabouts whilst still having great belief that it is just a question a time before being crowned world champion once again. In fact, he started 2024 in great form until a really bad accident at King’s Lynn which kept him out for the rest of the season. 

Having ran with Jason on previous occasions, with and without my beloved huskies, he is also one of those sports people that if he wanted to focus on running as his sport, I just know that he would be able to perform at a level considered to be first class.  

Running, of course, is also very much an important part of his conditioning for speedway. 

“Running is a major factor in my preparation during the lead up to the speedway season whilst basing my workouts around short and long runs to control and improve heart rate efficiency at various levels,” he told me. 

Just now most of his runs are at a very easy to moderate pace running distances between 10km and 15km. However, once into the new year the tempo will go up to be ready for the new season starting in March. 

“We only race for 60 second but our heart rate is a major factor in keeping the mind and body in peak shape. We have big commitments and stress to deal with throughout the season, which I can definitely say that running is one of the top factors to keeping a speedway rider at the top of his game.” 

There are no two ways about it, whilst Jason is clearly talented, very brave and most certainly as tough as they come, his dedication and determination is as great as that of every top sports person I have ever met. 

During 2025, apart from the Speedway Grand Prix Circuit, Jason will also be racing for The Ipswich Witches in the UK, Czestochowa in Poland and Esberg in Sweden – hence my comments about racing and travelling throughout any given week during the speedway season. 

Having grown up with a speedway racing father and two brothers who also raced, I much preferred to keep my running feet and legs firmly on the ground. I wasn’t brave enough although I did have one go. 

So, whether you are one of those people who love running to keep a healthy mind and body or indeed a highly motivated and naturally talented individual like Jason Doyle aiming for peak performance, running really is something that we can all do or perhaps better put should be doing. 

On the back of my column last Friday about the sad loss of Mike Wilkinson – Mike’s funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church, Church Road, Newton Flotman, NR15 1QB on Wednesday, December 11 at 1pm.