Life often takes people on unexpected twists and turns - just ask Mahmood Roostaei.
The owner of The Petersfield Barbershop has taken the long and winding road from being a couch potato to becoming a seasoned runner, tackling 10ks and sprints on the way.
But an unexpected journey that began in lockdown shows no sign of ending anytime soon, and he’s now preparing to pound the streets of Portsmouth & Southsea in one of the world’s biggest half-marathons.
“Before the world was turned upside down by Covid I had a casual conversation at my barbershop,” said Mahmood, who will run the Great South Marathon in aid of NSPCC in just under a fortnight.
“A customer who was also an avid cyclist, runner and swimmer introduced me to the NHS Couch to 5K programme.
“At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but little did I know this suggestion would become a lifeline during the lockdown.”
Those days seem surreal and a lifeline away now. Streets being reclaimed by the sound of birdsong, rather than the roar of traffic, rainbows being painted in chalk on pavements and communities clapping for the NHS.
Like every barber at the time, Mahmood – who has run a barbers in Petersfield since 2009 – had to down his clippers and shut up shop. But it was the third lockdown that he started to get the running buzz, as his children decided to start the Couch to 5k programme in a quiet spot in Portsmouth during the winter.
“With my shop closed, I joined them, and together we completed the nine-week programme,” recalls the barber fondly about the winter breakthrough.
“It became our daily exercise and a way to stay sane during those challenging times.”
But as the pace of life crept up after the pandemic eased Mahmood lost momentum as customers flocked back to get overdue haircuts. Running took a backseat after April 2021, and his penchant for pounding the pavements became a thing of the near-past.
The second turning point came on New Year’s Day 2023 when Mahmood’s son invited him to take part in the Southsea Parkrun. Although he struggled after a long break away, the event reignited his love for running.
Mahmood said: “With the shop closed for the bank holiday I thought ‘why not?’ and decided to go for my first run since Couch to 5k two years earlier.
“My son quickly outpaced me, and I found myself at the back struggling to keep up. Over 300 runners participated and just five minutes in a lady pointed out my undone shoelaces, which was typical.”
The experience didn’t get any better, but it was a case of no pain, no gain, and the run proved both character-building and a source of good-natured mirth.
He added: “The course was a 2.5k out-and-back route and when I saw my son on his way back, we exchanged a high five.
“The return leg was brutal with the wind, and I noticed people staring at me. At first, I thought they recognised me from the shop or found me particularly handsome, as some customers joked.
“But then, a man running behind me shouted, ‘Sir, there’s a bird on your head!’ A crow had landed on my head, and I hadn’t noticed because I was too hot!
“When it finally flew away, I realised why everyone had been staring – they must have thought I was running with a pet crow.
“But I finished the race in 28 minutes, with no training and a crow on my head.”
It took seven months for Mahmood to get the running bug again, and it happened out of the blue in July 2023. He was overcome by a sudden urge to go for a run and signed up for a 5K race at Lakeside near Portsmouth.
Despite the lack of practice and only five days training, he finished in 25:09 in a clear improvement on previous efforts. Encouraged by his children, he raced again in August but upped training significantly and improved his time to 22:39 thanks to his new regime and their support.
“Inspired by my progress, I signed up for the Brighton 10K in November, aiming to finish in under 40 minutes,” said Mahmood, who now lives close to Petersfield in Ashford Hanger.
“Race day brought fierce winds by the seafront, but my son surprised me by coming down from university to support me. He ran alongside me, cheering me on.
“I finished in 41:54, proud of my first 10K effort.”
“My customers, including former England rugby players and professional athletes, encouraged me to keep going. One regular even gave me a book about running, suggesting I aim for national or international races.
“Another customer joked that shaving my legs would make me faster. I took it a step further and shaved everything—even my chest! When I told him, he laughed and said he never meant for me to shave my chest, but I replied, why not? If it helps me run faster!”
December 2023 brought a festive treat as he achieved a personal best of 21 minutes after signing up for the Christmas Park Run in Southsea.
He added: “Looking ahead, I’ve registered for a 10K at Goodwood Circuit in February 2024.
“The first 5K went well with a sub-20-minute time, but the second 5K was tough with the wind and uphill sections. Still, I managed to finish strong.”
Mahmood has even given sprinting a go despite some issues getting off the starting blocks for the first time.
“Yeah, I did one 200metre sprint in Brighton in May with no training, no starting block and I had to buy shoes on the same day of the race as I couldn’t find the right size,” he chortles.
“I couldn’t find anywhere and all the main shops didn’t have the right size and there was a two-week wait online.
“Thankfully, I found a pair on the same day of the race during the last few minutes the shop was open and I bought it at 4pm between gaps serving customers.
“I was cutting hair until 6pm and went to Brighton by my car for the 8pm race. I did it the sprint in 34 seconds, but my daughter also came along to support me, which was good.”
He added: “I think I’m a distance runner, not a sprint runner, but I did feel good about 200m because I had it done and dusted in 30 seconds and went home. To be honest I’m now thinking about joining a club and going further.”
Mahmood’s next challenge is the ten-mile AJ Bell Great South Run in Portsmouth on October 20 where he will run on behalf of the NSPCC.
He added: “My running journey, which began with a casual chat at the barbershop, has become a significant part of my life. With the support of my family and customers, I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
"I've had a lot of support from my family and customers.
“It's been a great journey, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next."
If you would like to support Mahmood and his fundraising for the NSPCC visit ww.tinyurl.com/gsrmahmood