Sam Taylor-Allkins, Senior Project Manager at Clyde & Co, rediscovered his love for running after entering the working world, having side-lined it for underwater hockey while at university. Sam shares how running helps him stay fit, compete, and connect with others, which led him to set up the Clyde & Co London Run Club.
Tell us about your running journey
I very much started as a teen inspired by my Dad, who was a keen amateur road runner, and I joined a local athletics club. However, my running journey was iced while studying for exams and university trying different sports, primarily underwater hockey (another article may be required for this one!).
Once in the world of work, I re-picked up my trainers as a convenient form of exercise and rekindled the love for it. My competitive side took the lead and I started racing local 5ks up to Half Marathons, 10ks being my preferred race distance. With a fairly consistent training routine, I’ve managed to pick up a few trophies and medals along the way.
Over the past year at Clyde & Co, I’ve established the firm’s London Run Club, with membership now over 100+ and growing, with a number of us enjoying a twice a month lunchtime 5k. It’s nice and relaxed to encourage all abilities and discussions around future events the firm and individuals are participating in. We look forward to the MD Communications Legal 5k for 2025! Sharing a common interest within the workplace has opened up many doors and built a network I wouldn’t otherwise have had, which I really appreciate.
What do you get from running?
I find I get three distinct takeaways from running:
1) It’s my mental reset and refresh from life’s challenges and great for my general wellbeing.
2) It channels my competitive edge, whether that’s focusing on specific races or Strava KOMs (King of the Mountain – the crown signifies that you’re a top performer).
3) I enjoy being out in the great outdoors connecting with nature, even on a wet cold morning.
What is your favourite run?
In terms of routes, two spring to mind – either a lap of my local nature reserve, Paxton Pits, or my city route along the River Thames, Tower Bridge to Westminster and back via the Southbank (tourist levels permitting). My favourite run session would be tempo/speed work, which I find fun as I can push myself and test the legs and mind.
What has been your greatest running experience to date?
Running with my children doing their first Junior Parkruns has been a real highlight. It took me by surprise how much pride I had doing it with them – they gave it their all and completed it with so much enthusiasm and energy. I hope to inspire them to be the best they can be.
Huge congratulations to Sam, who came second overall in our inaugural Legal 5k run, a friendly and inclusive race for the legal sector which took place in April 2024. Congratulations also to his teammates at Clyde & Co, who placed third in the team competition.
The next race will be taking place in April 2025 – register your interest.
