Tell us a bit about your childhood?
I had a great childhood. I grew up in Chesterfield and my family are also very outdoorsy like me. This influenced my childhood a lot- I spent a lot of time horse riding, walking in the Peak District, playing netball or running.
Have you always lived in Derbyshire?
I lived in Chesterfield until I left for University at 18. I then lived in York for 3 years whilst studying. After university I moved to Nottingham for my first graduate job and I lived there for 5 years. I moved back to Derbyshire last year when we moved to Darley Bridge.
Have you made changes to your life because of the Coronavirus Pandemic?
The pandemic has been challenging at times but one thing I have embraced and enjoyed is holidays in the UK with our dog Ivy. I have loved exploring Scotland and the British coastline and look forward to doing more of this!
What was your first ever job?
I worked in the kitchen at Weatherspoons at aged 16.
What is your favourite meal?
I love food and cooking so cannot pick just one favourite meal! I do love Indian food though and am also a fan of a good Italian pasta dish.
Stiff drink or herbal tea?
I would have to go for neither and pick a good coffee instead. A gin and tonic also goes down nicely though…
You are quite new to MAC, what are the benefits to you of being in the Club?
The benefits of being part of MAC have been massive to me. When I first moved to the area and joined MAC last autumn I really enjoyed the Thursday evening runs in groups of 6’s. It has enabled me to meet lots of new people and has given me great company on my runs. I have also really enjoyed the community of MAC runners at the summer fell races this year and hope to enjoy some X Country this winter as well. Everyone in the club has been so
welcoming and I can’t wait to get involved more.
Some stats – PBs: 5km- 21.04 mins 10km- 44.30 mins
Half Marathon- 1hr 37 mins
Marathon- I have only ever done one marathon 5 years ago. 3hrs 55mins
Ultra marathon- I have completed one ultra marathon- Spire Ultra in 2020. 32 miles in 6 hours 9 minutes- and I managed to be first lady!
Other interests?
Walking with my dog Ivy, teaching Geography
What is your preferred type of terrain for running?
I enjoy all distances and terrain as it is nice to mix it up but fell running would have to be my favourite.
Tell us about your favourite running route
I absolutely love running in the Peak District. My favourite route from home goes up to Birchover and on to Stanton Moor. It is pretty hilly up to this point but the views up there are always pretty special so that makes up for it. From there it is a great descent through
the woods and along the Derwent Valley Way to Darley Bridge. I also love running in the Lake District- In 2020 I completed Abrahams Tea Round Route which includes all of the peaks which can be seen out of the window of George Fisher in Keswick. We had amazing weather for this which made for a pretty special run.
Who/What has been your biggest influence/inspiration?
Beth Pascall is a big inspiration- she is an incredible athlete whilst also working as a doctor in the NHS.
Latest music download?
I have played Adele’s new track ‘Easy On Me’ a fair few times when I first heard it.
Favourite film?TV?Book?
I am a big fan of the Great British Bake off. I love reading a wide variety of books but could always return to Harry Potter. I am ridiculously impatient so rarely make it through a full film but one of my favourite films is ‘The Blind Side’ about an American football offensive lineman who overcame an impoverished upbringing to play in the Nation Football League.
Do you have any ideas which Matlock AC could incorporate to improve the club?
Keep doing what you are doing- I hope to be able to make it to lots more training runs soon!
