Mike discovered running as a reluctant teenager in the 1980s, but his passion for the sport truly ignited in his 30s when he began training seriously to maintain his fitness. Now a dedicated member of Wells City Harriers for nearly a decade, Mike relishes the club training sessions, local races, and the camaraderie of Parkrun, where he’s part of the 100 club. While he’s dabbled in football and cycling, it’s running that’s become his way of life.
Mike Bosley
Mike with Michael Evis at the Festival Run 2015
Interview - May 2025
When did you start running/what got you into running?
In the early 80s as a young teenager, my father entered me into the original Glastonbury 5.75 Mile and Street 5 Mile Road Run Races which I absolutely hated as I always had a stitch whilst running and it would be a stop/start affair constantly. Similarly I'd enter the school 1500m finals with the same result. It sounds silly but no one ever explained back then that you need to train, it was more of a case of just turn up and see how you get on.
I didn't really pick up running again until after university in my 30s when I realised I needed to maintain some kind of fitness. Initially I just wanted to see if I could run for a mile without having a stitch! Then I progressed into running 3 or 4 miles casually a couple times a week and entered a few of the local races which I enjoyed. I used to see the Harriers vests in these races and that was when I decided I should try and join the club to try and improve further.
Now it's a way of life. I'm really committed to staying fit and healthy which running allows me to do.
Do you have a running 'hero' or someone that inspired you to run?
No specific hero, but watching Coe, Ovett and Cram in the LA Olympic 1500m final in 1984 was huge inspiration back then. There are also some phenomenal runners at Wells City Harriers which is very inspiring.
How long have you been a member of Wells City Harriers for?
I believe I joined in 2014 or 15 when I was looking to improve my 5k/10k times, so that's 10 years now!
Running at the Wells 10K 2017
What do you enjoy about Tuesday evening training?
The Tuesday training group is an extremely friendly bunch. Being part of a group does really give you motivation to keep going and complete the sessions, especially if you know someone that is slightly above your level. Not to mention the noticeable improvements you'll make for your 5k/10k time.
What runs do you enjoy the best?
My favourite runs are slow ones. I love keeping my heart rate below my aerobic max and running 8-10 miles where it feels easy and relaxed. Most of the time you can find me training down at the Ham Wall nature reserve on the Somerset Levels. It's very peaceful with no traffic - I've seen the occasional grass snake there too.
What distance races do you enjoy running?
I'm probably happiest running 5k or 10k these days. I will do the occasional half or marathon, but I'm conscious that they require a longer training block if you want to put in a decent performance.
The Herepath Half 2015
Do you have a favourite local running race?
I'd have to say the Glastonbury 10k race which evolved out of the original 5.75 mile race is my favourite. Glastonbury Tor is iconic and you'll see it in the distance for the majority of the route. Sadly this race hasn't happened for a couple years now. One of my other favourites locally is the Babcary 7.5 mile Road race in February. The course is on peaceful country lanes which I really love.
Mike running the Glastonbury ‘Round the Tor’ 10K in 2015
You are part of the 100 club at Parkrun. What do you enjoy about it?
Parkruns are like a community, everyone is friendly and welcoming. It's also a great way to start Saturday morning and such an encouragement to families who can get kids involved - it's simple and free. If I'm running a local Parkrun, I know I will always see a familiar face and have a chat which is great. I also find Parkruns are great way to squeeze in a second speed session for the week, so I'll try to do either a tempo/threshold pace. I find this really useful over the same course to see where my efficiency is at.
Are there any standout moments during your time at Wells City Harriers? (for yourself or other members?)
Probably being picked in the club ballot for the London Marathon. The training commitment is huge so I was really pleased to finally break sub 4 hours for a marathon and to do it for the club.
Where is the best place you have run?
I'm not generally a fan of running in cities, but Copenhagen was a really nice experience running out to the Peninsula. My favourite Parkrun so far has been Belvoir Castle in the midlands; it is a really picturesque course. We are quite fortunate to have the Somerset Levels nearby and those are just as spectacular as anywhere for running in my opinion.
Do/Did you participate in any other sports?
I used to play football all the time in my late teens / 20s, but it is very demanding on your joints with all the twisting/turning. Recently I filled in for a 5-a-side game and I couldn't walk for 5 days afterwards! So I think my football days are probably behind me now.
I do like cycling as well when I have time. I completed a North to South tour in France a couple years back which was amazing. Cycling seems to have taken a back seat to running recently though!
Did you have a preferred running brand?
Running shoes... Nike seems to be best for me these days. I use Air Pegasus for general training and Vaporflys for short distance races. Socks - I religiously use Balega, they are so comfy and never give me blisters !
Finishing the Baltonsborough 5 Mile Road Race 2024
What is your greatest running achievement?
Going sub 20 minutes at Yeovilton 5k was a big one for me. It took ages to achieve. I'd like to think I could get back to that level again with the right training and nutrition. I also managed 2nd place at the Glastonbury Festival 5k race years ago; my only actual running trophy so far!
Otherwise, I try to do my best every week at Parkrun to finish top 3 in my age category. Maybe one day I'll do enough races to enter the Somerset Series :)
Do you have any other running stories?
I nearly caught up with Graham Goldsmid at the Babcary Road Race once. I think I finished 20 seconds behind. I'm hoping one day I can actually catch him!
To view Mike's performances, visit his 'Power of 10' and 'Run Britain' profiles, by clicking on the images below.
Missed an interview? Click on the links below to Meet another Harrier.
Carol Buckland - November 2024
Graham Goldsmid - January 2024