Ian Cheeseman Talks: Athletics champ Diane is an inspiration

In his latest column, Tameside Radio presenter Ian Cheeseman reminisces about all things Athletics and previews his chat with one of Britain's finest middle distance runners Diane Modahl on Saturday's show.

If you’ve met me recently, especially during lockdown, you’ll find it hard to believe that I’ve run 14 marathons. During these long spells indoors I’ve moved onto Snickers! 

I might not be as quick or as active as I once was, but when we’re allowed to, I’ll be back in my local gym at least three times a week.

During the last four months (yes it really has been that long) I’ve got to running three times a week. During those first few weeks, back in April, I remember counting 60 cars on the road while I ran my three mile circuit. That might sound a lot but that worked out at about two cars a minute. 

When I do the same run now I wouldn’t even attempt to count the vehicles that either overtake me or cross on the other side.

I love running but as I get older I struggle more and more with knee pain, partly because of the increased weight I’m carrying and partly through wear and tear. 

There’s a freedom I feel bouncing (or plodding) along which is very satisfying and it’s a relief of the tension that can build up when you sit around all day. My fastest marathon time was at the age of 29 when I ran the London marathon. 

I was recording a radio programme that day, carrying a portable recorder and interviewing fellow runners and describing the experience from beginning to end. 

I managed to complete the 26 miles 385 yards in three hours 24 minutes.

When I watched the Olympic athletes during my childhood I always admired the 10,000m runners like Dave Bedford and Brendon Foster.

They didn’t really televise the marathon back then, but I loved Bedford as he led from the front aiming to burn away the energy of his rivals. He didn’t have the sprint finishes that are much more common today.

I’ve always been a plodder rather than a true athlete so I could never dream of the sprinters and middle distance runners like Seb Coe and Steve Ovett that were the stars back then. 

I learnt something knew though, this week, when I chatted at length to one of Britain’s finest middle distance runners, Diane Modahl (pictured). 

She told me how she’d not always been the fastest athlete at school but that through hard work and dedication she’d gone on to win Commonwealth Gold in the 800m.

I’ve met Diane several times and always been in awe of her as an athlete, but also as a speaker and inspiration to youngsters. 

Diane has a great story to tell, because there was a time in her life when a false accusation of taking a performance enhancing drug was made against her. 

She successfully cleared her name and has gone on to be an outstanding leader in her charity work and inspirational speaking.

During my chat with her we discussed so many things that matter to her. 

The biggest successes of her career came in the Commonwealth Games so I asked her if that competition, which has such a rich history, was still as relevant in today’s rapidly changing world.

If you want to find out more about Diane and hear her opinions on modern day athletics join me this Saturday from 1pm when “Ian Cheeseman talks to... Diane Modahl” on Tameside Radio 103.6FM.