I grew up in Darley Dale nearer to Bakewell but went to Highfields School in Matlock, so that’s how I know a lot of people from the area. Some are in the club who I went to school with, which is quite nice. I tended to spend a lot of my time in either Bakewell or Youlgrave so I didn’t really spend much time in Matlock. Growing up in Darley Dale looking back was idyllic when I was younger surrounded by nature and wildlife but became quite isolating as I got older. Thankfully I discovered buses and managed to get out and about a bit more.
I was always in the woods or fields with my local friends making dens, climbing trees, getting up to mischief and coming back home when it got dark. It was great and I look back on it fondly. Weekends and holidays I remember being in Youlgrave quite a bit. I used to go down to the river Bradford from the village hall and catch Bullhead fish, just like my dad used to do when he was a young boy growing up there.
I was in Army cadets, which was based in Matlock from the age of 13 to 17. My dad was in the Royal Engineer reserves in Chesterfield, and he encouraged me to go and join Matlock cadets. It’s probably one of the best things I did because it gave me focus and I got the opportunity to see different places across the UK. It kept me out of mischief, and I met my best friend, who I’m still friends with today.
I did dance which consisted of tap, ballet, modern, stage and jazz. I also played the flute and went horse riding from Over Haddon. I even had a go at bell ringing!
Two nights a week I would be in army boots and then one or two nights a week, I’d be in my dancing shoes. They were quite contrasting interests, and I encountered very different people, but that’s what I enjoyed about it all. The variety kept my interest.
I really enjoyed winter sports but the opportunity to access these was limited living in Darley Dale. I learned to ski at the Sheffield Ski Village back in the late 80’s. Gosh, that seems so long ago but I can remember it like it was yesterday. If I had lived closer, I think I would have been there every day!
I went to Buxton College and did Public Services. That was a stepping stone to the armed forces or emergency services. I decided by that point I wanted to become a paramedic. Back then you didn’t go to university, you had to work your way up on the job starting in the non-emergency services first. While waiting for an opportunity to arise, I saw an advert for dental nursing in Chesterfield, so I became a dental nurse and was in practice for a few years. Then the chance to work in the Maxillofacial department at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital became available. I absolutely loved it but working in the NHS was hard. I was all about patient care but unfortunately the pressures from the top made it hard to prioritise that. I adored it but gave it up when I had my son.
What’s the worst that can happen? I want to get to the end of my life with memories, not dreams. That’s my motto.
My first experience of anything organised was with my dad at parkrun back in 2015 who was part of MAC at the time. My sister was visiting from Australia and he said to us “come to parkrun”! My sister and I turned up late, screeched into the car park and didn’t know anything about parkrun back then. We were like, what do we do? Where do we go? People had already started as we were heading down to the start line. We didn’t know how far we were running or where we were going. It was just fun to be running with others.
Then for the next few years I dabbled in parkrun, just jogging around, doing a bit here and there, nothing serious. I did my first 10k race when I was 4 months pregnant in 2016 for a bit of fun. I could only run up to 6 months, then my bladder couldn’t take it anymore. There were too many bush trips, and I was like, this is getting ridiculous!
I did continue run a bit with my son in a running buggy until he became too much of a lump to push any longer! The trick was to pack his seat with snacks for the ride. I think this was the real reason why he enjoyed it so much. That and whizzing down the hills!
I entered the White peak Swift half post covid and that was my first proper longer race. From there I ended up entering all sorts of events on the roads and fells. I just thought, oh, I’m really loving this, I’m getting fitter even though it’s blooming hard!
In October of 2023, I headed up to the Lake District and decided to do a couple of races. They were definitely an eye opener, but it was amazing to be out in the mountains. I also went to Wales to do the International Snowdon Race, and Ireland where I gained more confidence placing 3rd lady in an Irish Champs race!
I liked Hawaii and Greece but it was too hot for me if I’m honest. I prefer The Lakes because it’s cooler and extreme. I like anything that’s extreme, even when it comes down to the weather. Anything full on like the wind, rain, snow or hail excites me!
At the Coniston fell race in May 2024 I got 2nd F40. Not something I was expecting as I had nipped to my car during prize giving and on my return people shouted “there you are, you’ve won something!” I really enjoyed that race and I think it’s my favourite to date.
I’m not too keen on road running as I find it difficult to maintain the constant pace, but I give it a go when I can. I think if you find something difficult and it’s your weakest link; you train it.
I also do random things occasionally and this year I ended up doing the Ironbridge half marathon dressed as a Caterpillar with some friends. All because I’d seen it on Instagram and thought -that looks fun, so decided to give it a whirl!
I would probably say find somebody you feel comfortable with who already does it and go out with them on short easy runs while you find your feet. Someone who isn’t going to pressure you into any sort of pace, because it’s all about being out in nature and enjoying the freedom. The fell running community is such a friendly place, and no one cares where you have placed, they are just pleased to see you having a go. There’s no judgement.
You get the solitude and the therapeutic side as well as the wellbeing bit being out in nature but then there’s also the social side and togetherness. I think my love of fell running came from the fact that I enjoy clattering down a mountainside and feeling the freedom of just letting my legs go as I did as a child.
Well, it’s been kind of a progression. I’ve always dabbled in the natural side of things but in later adulthood you start to think of how you can stay in this world for as long as you can while maintaining your health. Changing small things and being consistent is the key really. My mum is a Reiki Master, and she trained me and my sisters up to level 2 Reiki.
Recently I did my yoga teacher training for self-development. I think it’s good to have extra strings to your bow that you can draw upon and it’s certainly helped my running.
I want my son to see me making consistent healthy choices so he may take the same attitude into adulthood.
Sleep for sure is what I want to nail this year, a healthy sleep pattern.
Cherry and I had a long chat about our mutual issues with sleep!
I really enjoyed crewing for the Peaky Plod this year, it was such a fantastic thing to be a part of! I was in my element because I love helping other people and knowing that I was needed as an essential part in completing a journey really fulfilled me. Even though I didn’t fully know everyone, I was accepted to support them along an incredible route. I was nervous which I shouldn’t have been because I was with likeminded people taking on a challenge in a safe space. Like when you Caroline had a wobble on the trail, which I didn’t know about but I had decided to do an unplanned extra stop there. Seeing how much it meant to you to have some cold water, a hug and some encouragement meant you carried on instead of throwing in the towel. But it also meant a lot to me too because it was confirmation I’d got it right.
