I’m quite quiet but quietly competitive.

Brian 71. Retired postman. Married with two grown up children. Big Chelsea supporter. Quietly competitive 

How are you? 

I am happy and physically fit. I have no real complaints. I retired from being a postman eight years ago. I was happy in my job. My dad was a postman too. I didn’t want too much stress or responsibility in my life.

The job changed so I packed up early, I was 63. My wife retired too. People say ‘What you gonna do with yourself when you retire?’ We are actually busier now than we were when we worked. I had no idea what life would be like but things just evolved. When I worked the alarm use to wake me at 5am. After all those years I thought I’d naturally wake at 5 but I don’t. I’ve found the transition very easy. I’m content with my life.

How do you see yourself? 

I am a  South London boy. I’ve always lived in South London. I am as ordinary as you can be. I’m someone who is quite laid back. I get accused of being too laid back. There’s not much that gets me stressed. I don’t get hung up on anything. It’s just the way I am. I don’t argue, I don’t see the point. I’m not the life and soul of the party either. I’m quite quiet but quietly competitive.

I’m a practical person - there’s nothing much going on in my head. I’m focused, self disciplined and have determination. I even managed to get my blood sugar levels down. I am not an emotional person at all. Even when my brother died - I didn’t cry. I feel guilty about it but you can’t force it out. Someone told me I have no empathy with anyone - and I probably don’t. 

How do you think other people see you? 

I am accused of being a bit quiet. People find me friendly. A bit of a loner. Introverted. I can’t force myself to be ‘out there’ I’m just not like that. 

What do you think about marriage?

My Mum married my Dad when she was 17. They used to argue like billy-o. They had five kids. Seven of us, altogether in a two bed house. When the twins were born the council moved us into to a four bedroom house. Mum and Dad stayed together for the kids but when we grew up they split up - my Mum walked out. It didn’t really affect any of us to be honest.

I got married at 23. I’ve known my wife since we were tiny. Our familes were friends frwoing up. Marriage is a thing you have to work at. We are committed. You have your problems but you just have to work at them. We’ve been married 48 years so far. We probably take each other for granted. We try not to but I don’t think you can help it. All our friends are still together. They all got married around the same time as us.

Me and my wife are football mad. Seasoned Chelsea supporters. We really get into it. She’s the one shouting at the telly. We go to a lot of football. We do a lot together but we also have separate interests and I think that’s healthy. 

What do you think about children? 

We always wanted children. We don’t have grandchildren and I don’t think we ever will. I thought we’d be disappointed but we’re not. We don’t feel we are missing out.

Where does all your energy go? 

Everything seems to have started since I retired. I joined a running club 18 months ago. I am the oldest person there. I run 3 - 4 times a week. I’m pretty fit. I’ve run two marathons; one was in Manchester earlier on this year. I think I’ll do London next year as I’ve just qualified in my age group. I’ve surprised myself. I didn’t think I’d do as well as I have done. We run on a Tuesday night then we go to the pub for a drink after. It’s really changed me. I enjoy it. I practice archery too. My wife is big into art so we go to lots of galleries. We’d never move out of London, there’s so much to do. 

What are your dreams? 

I am quite happy with what I’ve done over the years. Maybe I could learn to play an instrument. A few weeks ago I thought it would have been nice to learn to ski. There’s still time. I wish I had done it sooner and I wish I started running earlier too. 

I’d like to see my daughter get married. I want to walk her down the aisle. It’s probably me being selfish really. 

What’s your most memorable experience?

Chelsea winning the champions league in 2012 in Munich. We are so committed to football. We went to Munich. I went to my first game in 1965. We go every week. If they’re playing abroad we will tag on a few days and make a little holiday on it. If we lose a game I just forget about it but my wife really gets the ‘ump.  I’d miss it if I couldn’t go. For me it’s about the live event more than watching it on the telly. 

Who or what inspires you? 

My son, he’s helped me a lot. I am inspired by people I run with. I look up to them. I needed help and encouragement when I first started. It’s easy to give up on things if things aren’t going right. I’m not good at asking for help. 

What do you think about death?

I don’t think about it. I don’t worry about it. I will happen one day. It’s not something that’s on my mind.

What brings you down? 

I don’t really get down. To be honest I can’t really think of anything. I don’t get wound up about anything. 

What have you taken from today? 

It’s a great thing to do. I haven’t talked so much in ages. I’ve found it really good. I’ve enjoyed it. It’s thought provoking. You’ve asked me things that people don’t ask me. Talking does you good. People should talk to each other. Getting into a conversations. It’s what makes the world go round.