Gosh as I write this there is only 9 days to go eek!.
It has been a very long time coming, I was lucky enough to gain a place in the ballot 3 years ago but due to covid and then injury this will be my 3rd attempt at it.
The first 14 weeks of training have been perfect, I have found it really enjoyable, I love nothing morning than getting up for an early morning run and so having to do it 5 days a week hasn’t really been a chore for me. I am fortunate to have a fabulous pair of running buddies in Shelley Fairey and Emma Turner who have kept me company on my long runs.
Unfortunately, the last 2 weeks of my training has been hit by COVID, yes I managed to avoid it for over 2 years but then it decides to get me 2 weeks before. I am still not feeling great and might have to adjust my expectations but I will be there on the start line no matter what!.
To be honest I don’t really know. I think the beauty of my long runs have been that I don’t really think about anything I just get lost in the surroundings, that’s why I enjoy running so much. It empties my mind and makes me mentally happy, but I’m sure at some point in the Marathon things will get hard and I will have to dig deep and give myself a good talking to.
Anyone who knows me well will know I avoid hills, well as much as you can in Derbyshire.
I would love to do a fell race. When I see the pictures that people post I always wish I could do one, the scenery always looks amazing, and the runners look like they are a fab bunch of people
So watch this space!
I have worked for YHA for nearly 17 years. When I mention YHA to people I think people still look at it as it’s dormitory room accommodation and chores, but it’s not, it is so much more. We have over 150 unique properties in some of the most stunning locations. We are also one of England’s top charities. We fund stays for families and young people facing adversity so that everyone has the chance to gain new confidence, new skills and a new perspective on the world.
I am the Membership & CRM Data Analyst. I work within a small team who oversees everything to do with our 130,0000 Members. It’s a varied role which gets me involved in anything from card fulfilment, payments, communications, fundraising events or even just lending an ear to an old Life Member who wants to tell you all about his teddy bear collection (True Story). It is a great place to work and wouldn’t choose to work for anyone else.
There’s nothing better than the great British Sunday roast with all the trimmings, but a spicy curry would be a close 2nd.
If you had asked me this a few years ago I would definitely have said hand me the stiffest drink, but I haven’t touched a drop for nearly 2 years now so pass me a builder’s tea.
I think I reached a point in my life where I was really unhappy. I didn’t like the unhealthy lifestyle I was sliding into, and my mental health was hitting an all-time low.
I had to make a choice if I was going to continue going downhill or make some big life changes.
So, I am really glad that I decided to kick the booze, eat better and get back into running.
I just started to get myself out again, I wouldn’t wear my Garmin I would just run and each time try to go a little bit further or a little bit faster. Before I knew it I was going out most days and getting fitter, faster, a little bit thinner and a lot lot happier.
5k – 20.27 10k – 45.36 Half Marathon – 1.46.21 Marathon – TBC
People who are late. Time goes at the same speed for everyone so why can’t everybody be on time… Just rude!
Haha that’s a very good question. To be honest no, not from me anyway. Steven has always been the better athlete, but on the odd occasion I have beaten him he always says he was pacing me anyway so I will never win!
I love any sports (except football) so really enjoy watching anything sporty. I also love animals; donkeys have to be a firm favourite, what I wouldn’t give to have my own little Donkey Sanctuary.
I think it has be the 10k Handicap series, which I still can’t believe I actual won, and the first thg I have ever won on my own (Being old obviously sealed it) but my goal was to get under 50 minutes before the end of the series and I actually managed to finish with a 45.36 which I was thrilled about. Apologies to John Thorpe and his team who had to continually listen to me saying never again after every race.
To be honest I would say stick me in the remotest part of the Lake District with just the mountains and lakes around me and I would be at my happiest.
I think it would be to have my Mum back, just for one conversation.
I lost my Mum to breast cancer when I was 8 years old which was incredibly tough growing up and still is, I really missed not having her guidance and sharing stories with her.
I just hope I have made her proud.
Martin Shaw, from his dark curly locks in the Professionals to his distinguished Grey locks in the Chief …. At 77 he still does it for me 😊.
My running inspiration without a doubt has to be Jan Forrester, if I could look and perform like her when I am in my 70’s I would be extremely happy!!.
I am very much an 80’s fan, I have pretty much all these songs downloaded to listen to on my runs.
I must admit I do love a good chick flick or a reality TV show anything that doesn’t take too much concentration.
Procrastinating I am terrible for putting things off, I wish I could be more organised.
I don’t think there is anything I would particularly like to see done differently but maybe have an annual social event so all club members can get together.
