Renegade Runner Ryan Oakes in Q&A spotlight

The new Renegade Runners group leader, Ryan Oakes gets the time to enjoy his moment in the Q&A spotlight with YLP columnist Gavin Caney this week.FactfileName: Ryan OakesAge: 28Grew up in: King’s LynnSecondary school: King Edward VII (KES) Former clubs: Ryston Runners Current club: West Norfolk/Renegade RunnersSelected PBs: 5k: 17:00, 10k: 35:05, 10 mile: 59:06, Half marathon: 1:17:05, Marathon 2:49:35Sporting hero: Mark Cavendish Instagram: @oakes96Ryan. Is it fair to say you were quite late to running? What was it that got you into the sport? Yes, that’s correct. I started running at the age of 21, when I was 22 stone, and I’d never ran before. Seeing a change in my appearance and health was the drive I needed to keep going. How did you find it to begin with because those early days can be the hardest – and what advice would you give to someone starting out?I found it very tough. With my lack of confidence I wouldn’t run outside. My advice to anyone wanting to get healthier and happier is to do it for yourself – your life will change for the better.You’ll hit bumps in the road, you’ll stumble across paths you can’t see the end of, but all roads lead to a destination.Don’t give up, be patient and be kind to yourself.How pivotal was joining Renegade Runners, but also being surrounded by athletes with your partner Beth, her sister Cassie and boyfriend Mitchell and the girls’ parents Mark and Sal being so active, in helping you grow? It’s been the highlight of my running journey.I’ve met some lifelong friends and the support from others was amazing.The family has helped me push myself to limits that I never thought I could reach.You switched from Ryston Runners to West Norfolk this year, what were your reasons behind that decision and how have you found your new club? Ryston always shined for me as a club with so many different abilities and support around.I found as I got more competitive and fitter the people I needed to train with weren’t part of Ryston so for me to take myself to the next level I needed to surround myself with other athletes.This meant coming away from the club to join another friendly local club, West Norfolk AC. They have taken me on and made me feel welcome.You’ve become quite the all-rounder. What is it you enjoy most about triathlon and what is your favourite discipline of it? Triathlons are a great way to mix up your training and ultimately all three disciplines make you a faster runner. My favourite element would be the bike.Not content with tackling tri’s, you also won the Weavers Way 50k Ultra and set a course record. Talk us through that amazing achievement, how the race went and how you felt after?I signed up for my first ultra six weeks before the race. I’d never ran that distance or terrain before and I wanted a plan to follow.I paid for Runna (a coaching app) to help me. The shortest plan they had was 10 weeks so I had no choice but to try cram 10 weeks’ worth of training into six. It was a big ask but with my background of having completed a few marathons I believed, in myself, that it was possible. From the first mile I was out in front, self-navigating the route using a bike computer in my hand.I had nobody in sight for the whole 31.8 miles, getting to check points and ticking off one at a time – I even beat the camera man who was driving to the next check point!That feeling of crossing that line and breaking that tape is phenomenal.How hard is it to fit all the training in around having a job and a life outside of running? What gets you out of the door on those days when you’re tired? I try to get in eight to 10 hours of training a week alongside being a full-time orthopaedic practitioner at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. I do manage to get it all done, although this does mean I often see before 6am in the morning so I can get my exercise in.Setting new goals and training with others is what keeps me motivated to get out the door.Looking back, are there any things you would have done differently during the early stages of your running career?The only thing I wish I’d have done differently was start running earlier in my life and also prioritise strength training and stretches.You’re in the shape of your life, what are your goals looking like for 2025?I am feeling in the shape of my life and my goals next year are to go for that 2:45 (two hours and 45 minutes) marathon at Manchester.I have also decided to do HYROX (a 1k run followed by one workout station, repeated eight times) Manchester in January.I’m excited to take my strength, mentally and physically, into HYROX and see what will happen.Finally, you’ve agreed to take over as Renegade Runners’ group leader for a trial period following Matt Pyatt’s decision to step down. What can you bring to the role and what can you get out of it?I stand by saying I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help and support of Renegades.Things happen in people’s lives and priorities change, rightly, so Matt has decided to step back and enjoy his life with his son Stanley, watching him grow and taking him to local football matches.I know whenever he can get down to the sessions to support he will be there. Matt has been one of my role models throughout my running journey and I will be forever grateful. I’m hoping to be able to give my time back to help others achieve their potential and continue to enjoy their own running.Five fast factsThere was a time where Ryan could down a pint in four seconds. He hasn’t had a go for a few years but a few weeks back a fellow runner challenged him to it and he hasn’t lost his skillOakes’ passion for classic cars started at the age of 14 when he viewed a 1975 Austin Mini. He went back every year to try and buy it and three years ago finally convinced the owner to sell it. It now sits among a collection of seven cars, which includes two other minisHis dad Trevor used to compete in body building and trained at Ray’s Gym under The Walks football ground. He was well known for his strength and size and picked up the nickname ‘Tricep Trot’The triathlete has always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie to the point where he and his brother would have six old beaten up cars to last the six weeks’ school holidays. Unfortunately they never made it past the first weekHis father Trevor owns Discount Tyres, one of the most successful tyre businesses around. Ryan remembers getting home from school and changing into his ‘rough clothes” before earning some pocket money by getting stuck in and changing tyresQuickfire QuestionsRestaurant or takeaway?Film or series?Bath or shower?Tea or coffee?Sweet or savoury?Summer or winter?Day or night?Holiday or staycation?Favourite food: OmeletteLeast favourite food: SeafoodFavourite TV programme: Police InterceptorsLeast favourite TV programme: SoapsFavourite band/musician: Elton JohnLeast favourite band/musician: Michael BubleFavourite film: Greatest ShowmanLeast favourite film: Wicked