Please attach a picture, doesn’t have to be if you if you don’t want - but tell us here: what is the picture about?
On the left is me having finished my first 10k event in 2015, Cambourne 10K sporting proudly my C25K pin badge - this welcoming, friendly event has been a regular in my diary ever since - and not least be given a medal for wobbling my way round! On the right my first half marathon - Cambridge HM in 2017 - I can’t describe to you the elation I felt, the buzz of the whole thing, complete strangers encouraging me on, the emotion on that last mile.....and then to be given the bling.....oh my....love it, love it, love it...🏃♀️😄
Tell us a little bit about you:
I am 55, an ex critical care nurse and ex NHS management, had law as the second string to my bow, now working in local authority doing legal stuff. My kids are at that ‘in between’ stage, I.e no grandkids yet, so making the most of the fitness running has given me, getting out and about as much as possible, visiting places, seeing shows, putting life in my days rather than days in my life.....etc., etc.,
How long have you been a runner?
It doesn’t seem that long, but I actually joined this forum in 2013, so about 5 years, I hadn’t undertaken any real specific physical activity since school.....I’m still not sure about calling myself a ‘runner’.....I do enjoy a shuffle though...😂
Ps....I’m a parkrun addict 🙋♀️..... I thought I had to run 5k before I could go, how wrong was I, ......I now have 139 parkruns under my belt and 72 volunteers - my best possession is my parkrun 25 volunteer shirt 👚
Did you start running with a C25K programme? Why, or why not?
Yes, I was in the throws of being made redundant, told to ‘work from home’ and basically shut out.....(it’s a long story....) anyway, to keep myself occupied was looking for something I could do that would give me something to think about other than the current situation and keep me physically active, instead of just sitting around. I was told about C25K, and thought, the 30 minute sections would be perfect. So off I went...I set myself the goal of completing it before my 50th birthday, didn’t manage that, 3 runs a week were too much, I kept getting overuse injuries, I persevered, but on 2 runs a week, and then managed to move on quite satisfactorily, I still run twice a week, it works for me.....taught me a lot.....the body is awesome, and is capable of so much, but, you must give it time to learn and adapt......I’m still impatient though!
But what made you start running races?
Really it was to prove I could run that distance and have an ‘official’ recorded time, the fact that someone gave me a prize (the bling) for getting to the end was the icing on the cake. And to have a go in ‘proper’ events with ‘real’ runners (whatever they are🤪) and now the lure of the bling! Ooooohhhhh! 🏅
What’s it like to run in your area?
Fabulous, i’m really lucky, on my doorstep I have a choice of bridleways, woodland, path, farm tracks and road, none overly crowded, some hilly bits, routes that are interchangeable depending on the conditions underfoot, and a short distance away a National Trust property with huge grounds and woodland with lots of challenging terrain - if you want...
What is your favourite race event so far, and why?
This is a tough question, I don’t think I can pick just one. I do a lot of local 10k events, most of which are raising money for local causes, e.g village school, and are really relaxed and friendly, then I like the HM’s for the atmosphere and support from complete strangers and are equally as friendly. For my personal goals, the occasional HM is becoming a favourite distance, as it’s a good challenge to build up to, the training isn’t too onerous, and they give a good sense of achievement.
What are your favourite midrace snack, and postrace meal?
Jelly babies, occasionally high5 gels....I don’t use gels so much now, and generally would only use them on runs or events over 10k. Postrace a big roast! Meat, meat, meat......Cave woman takes over......🍗🥩🍖
Name a favourite running website
This one, everyone is just great here, best place on the Internet! Plus I’ve met some lovely people via this site at events we’ve all done @curlygurly2 , @ancientmum @millwalki8 and yet to catch up with @pinkaardvark.......
What’s next for you, running wise?
Well I’ve just done two 10k’s on the last two very hot sundays, no more events now until September, got about 3 more 10k’s a 10 miler and a HM, this year, already booked in for Edinburgh and Swansea HM’s next year, there’ll be Cambridge HM too.
I still don’t fancy a marathon, but, if I was given entry to London......well, I’d have to do it, wouldn’t I.......?
Happy running all 🏃♀️
Mx 🤗
Ps, great idea roseabi ......
You've done a heck of a lot of running. wow! I don't believe you wobble your way round x
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