There is something about the running community that brings people closer together, we all have a common interest, a common goal. Over the last couple of years, whilst taking part in a number of events I have met some incredible people, all with stories of why the run.
On the flight to Malta for my inaugural marathon, I met Emma. Flying out on her own, having not told any of her run club what she was doing that weekend so not to add any pressure, her character shone through.
Waiting around at the start line, by chance, I met up again with Emma and she calmed my nerves with her humour and prepared me for the journey ahead.
I anticipated the 26.2 miles to be immensely difficult, but it far surpassed that. Thankfully, Emma had set it in her mind that she would disregard any aim of attaining a PB and just help me (and our new collective of English) cross the finish line. Without Emma, I doubt I would have finished, and she will always be my Marathon Guardian Angel....
5) How do you balance family, work and training?
For more information on Coeliac and the charity, please click here: https://www.coeliac.org.uk/home/
On the flight to Malta for my inaugural marathon, I met Emma. Flying out on her own, having not told any of her run club what she was doing that weekend so not to add any pressure, her character shone through.
Waiting around at the start line, by chance, I met up again with Emma and she calmed my nerves with her humour and prepared me for the journey ahead.
1) Every story has a beginning, what first inspired you to
start running?
After having our daughter and working from home I needed
some identity, something for me and to also feel healthier and lose a bit of
weight.
2) What do you find most rewarding about running?
The friendships. It's a community of its own. Also it's
great for mental health, it's like drug.
3) What tech/gear/apps do you use? Do you think it benefits you?
Garmin 230 it's my
running coach tagged along with Garmin Express. Also I've signed back onto Strava
which is a way to be nosey at other runners.
4) What do you think about whilst you are out pounding the
pavement?
Life, how lucky I am to be able to run and soak up what's
around me. I try not to think about other stuff, I try to use running to clear
my head.
5) How do you balance family, work and training?
Luckily I have a fab family and we all like running (secretly
I think I inspired them to want to run) and it's all about getting everyone
involved. As I work from home I see a lot of my kids and hubby runs with me
twice a week.
6) What is your training regime? How many times a week
do you train?
Monday long runs
Tuesday running
club or gym
Thursday gym
Saturday
parkruns
7) What are your fastest 5k, 10k, Half and Full Marathon
times?
5km: 23.29
10km: 50.29
Half: 1.54
Marathon: 4.20 (
PB in Malta) (2nd time round)
8) I am a big fan or run bling and race t-shirts, do any
medals or memorabilia bring back great memories for you? What do you do
with the medals and t-shirts?
I love my Malta ones they are so detailed and huge. I
love my ultra-t-shirt from Hardmoors 30 miler. The slogan on the t-shirt is
'time to stop doubting and start believing'
9) Any race or event which ones stand out above the
rest and why?
Malta, it was my second marathon and my first was for my
daughters coeliac charity so this was a race for me and no one knew I had gone
abroad to do it. I felt there was no pressure with no one knowing. I felt
empowering going on my own to country I didn't know anyone but in fact as a
runner you’re never on your own, from the outset I was on a flight full of
runners & stayed in hotel full of runners. As we'd already chatted on the
flight I knew your story and knowing how important it was for you to finish. When
I saw you on route I was able to support you round to ensure you DID finish
your first marathon and hearing you saying ' I'm never doing a marathon again'
deep down I knew you would do another one.
10) Where did you complete your first race? Do
you remember how you felt when you crossed the finish line?
Yes I do, it had hills, I bloody hated it. It was
November 2014 called Guy Fawkes 10 I was broken but once it sunk in I realised
I'd not gone for an easy first race and was eager to see what else there was to
challenge myself with next.
11) You are a member of St Theresa’s Athletics club,
how do you think that being part of a club helps you with motivation, insights
etc?
Being part of a club is like being part of a big
family. It's encouraging, understanding, motivating and helps you to improve
yourself. Without it I think I'd be a bit lost. They’re there at races for
support and during races if something happens, a STAC never gets left behind.
12) You are an advocate of ParkRun, volunteering or
running pretty much every weekend that you are not racing. What is it
about ParkRun that you love? Where is your favourite ParkRun? Are there any
standout courses you have run??
ParkRun is where it started for me; it's free and
friendly and helps you want to improve yourself as it's all timed. Also you
feel a tad guilty not for not going. I've been to several different ParkRuns
now touring, I even flew from Leeds to Dublin to do a parkrun and came home
within hours. My favourite is my home ParkRun, Temple Newsam in Leeds. It's
got hills for a start and great people who I've seen grow thanks to ParkRuns.
13) Do you have any run superstitions, lucky clothing,
routines that must be followed pre-race/run?
Yes an Imodium, well you don't wanna have to go mid-way
through a marathon when there are no loos.
14) If you could choose with anyone famous (including
fictional), who would you run with and why? Jo Pavey (this mum runs)
she is so inspiring and what she achieved in her 30's was incredible.
15) If you could offer any advice to yourself before
you ever started running, what would it be?
Get advice on trainers to ensure your wearing what's
right for you to avoid injury. Believe in yourself it's tough to start with but
gets easier trust me and remember to have fun otherwise you will lose the
enjoyment of running.
Quick Fire Questions
1) Listen to music or alone with your thoughts? Music
it’s good for the soul
2) Hills on purpose or stick to flats? Hills, flat
isn't challenging enough
3) If it is raining, do you brave it or wait till it stops? Runners
are waterproof aren't they?
4) Energy Gel, Banana or other? Before a race
porridge, during gels and after Guinness.
5) Fill in the blank, Running is........"an adventure, a
story & a community"
6) What is next for you? That would be telling,
maybe another marathon #marathonaddict
For more information on St Theresa's Athletic Club, please click here: http://www.sttheresasac.org.uk/
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