 |
| "Everyone can run" |
I run because I feel alive when I run. It gives me energy and makes me happy. Even on days when I feel tired, running perks me up. Going for a run is also a great way to switch off. Solutions to problems just seem to appear when I'm running.
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I've been running for almost 10 years, but I've only been a 'runner' for just over a year now. When I first started running, it was primarily to lose weight. I was a couple of stone overweight so I signed up for a 5k race and trained. Then I caught the bug and progressed onto 10ks and Half Marathons. I fell out of love with running though after a few years. I think I got bored, because I had nobody to run with regularly. It was only when I took it up again in August 2010 - again, to lose weight - that I really fell for running. I fell for it so much, that I set up my own running group in my village two months later, and now with a 60-strong membership, and a Leader in Running Fitness qualification under my belt, I haven't looked back.
As for choosing running over something else, running is free, flexible and makes me feel happy. I do practice other sports - cycling, swimming - but running is my main love.
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
My running group helps to motivate me. Knowing they're waiting for me to leads them on a route, or help push them farther, gets me out of the door when I'm feeling tired or lazy.
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
My husband and my running peers are my coaches. We all spur one another on, keep an eye on each others' running form, and share tips on training. I feel lucky to have such a great, inspiring group of people to run with. I also devour Runners World magazine on a monthly basis - Murphy's Lore is the first page I always read.
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
I tend to run two or three times a week, in the evening. Two of those are run club nights. I also set aside Sunday morning every week for a longer run of between 9 and 11 miles. This is usually off-road, which means my dog can come along too. I don't find running a chore, which makes it easier to schedule in.
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
I'm very lucky that my husband and my best friends help to lead our running group with me, so they're very supportive.
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
For me, running around our local farm tracks, and through the woods, is my idea of heaven. Being outdoors, taking in the beautiful scenery; this is why I love running.
What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
The hardest race I have ever run was the first Great North Run I ever did. I was completely naive about running. I had done little training, and severely underestimated just how difficult it would be. I had no nutrition plan. That race almost broke me. Luckily my husband was there by my side. I couldn't have finished it without him there.
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
The most enjoyable race I've ever done was the Worksop Hallowe'en Half Marathon last October.
I had done plenty of training, knew what pace I needed to run at, had 8 of my running group members to keep me company along route, and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute. I also smashed my previous PB!
Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
I injured myself not long after I took up running again. I bruised my heel badly, and was unable to run for four or five weeks. It made me miserable, but I cycled instead to keep up my fitness. The injury was caused by a combination of old trainers, and upping my mileage too soon. I've learned my lesson.
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
I can't bear to listen to music now while I run. Because I love running through fields and woodland, I'd rather take in the natural sounds of my environment.
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
Through difficult parts of runs, I'm actually not afraid to slow down or walk. I think it's more important to keep moving, have a drink, take a breather, then carry on. This doesn't mean you've failed. Sometimes we just have bad runs.
A lot of runners know that “Who has the runs” has a double meaning. How do you deal with the occasional “problem” that plagues every runner at one time or another?
I just try to eat healthily, keep hydrated and look after myself.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Everyone can run. It doesn't matter if you have to start off slowly, and if you find it difficult, it's probably because you're trying to run too fast. Slow down, focus on your gait, enjoy yourself, and make new friends.
What is your next big race?
The Retford Half Marathon in March
What is your immediate running goal?
To break the sub 2 hour half marathon, and a sub 50 10k. I also want to make 2012 the year I try fell-running.
What is your ultimate running goal?
An ultra, or an Ironman. I tried triathlon for the first time last year, and loved it.
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
You can find me on Twitter @shellmoby where I tweet mostly about running.
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I've been running for almost 10 years, but I've only been a 'runner' for just over a year now. When I first started running, it was primarily to lose weight. I was a couple of stone overweight so I signed up for a 5k race and trained. Then I caught the bug and progressed onto 10ks and Half Marathons. I fell out of love with running though after a few years. I think I got bored, because I had nobody to run with regularly. It was only when I took it up again in August 2010 - again, to lose weight - that I really fell for running. I fell for it so much, that I set up my own running group in my village two months later, and now with a 60-strong membership, and a Leader in Running Fitness qualification under my belt, I haven't looked back.
As for choosing running over something else, running is free, flexible and makes me feel happy. I do practice other sports - cycling, swimming - but running is my main love.
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
My running group helps to motivate me. Knowing they're waiting for me to leads them on a route, or help push them farther, gets me out of the door when I'm feeling tired or lazy.
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
My husband and my running peers are my coaches. We all spur one another on, keep an eye on each others' running form, and share tips on training. I feel lucky to have such a great, inspiring group of people to run with. I also devour Runners World magazine on a monthly basis - Murphy's Lore is the first page I always read.
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
I tend to run two or three times a week, in the evening. Two of those are run club nights. I also set aside Sunday morning every week for a longer run of between 9 and 11 miles. This is usually off-road, which means my dog can come along too. I don't find running a chore, which makes it easier to schedule in.
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
I'm very lucky that my husband and my best friends help to lead our running group with me, so they're very supportive.
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
For me, running around our local farm tracks, and through the woods, is my idea of heaven. Being outdoors, taking in the beautiful scenery; this is why I love running.
What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
The hardest race I have ever run was the first Great North Run I ever did. I was completely naive about running. I had done little training, and severely underestimated just how difficult it would be. I had no nutrition plan. That race almost broke me. Luckily my husband was there by my side. I couldn't have finished it without him there.
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
The most enjoyable race I've ever done was the Worksop Hallowe'en Half Marathon last October.
I had done plenty of training, knew what pace I needed to run at, had 8 of my running group members to keep me company along route, and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute. I also smashed my previous PB!
Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
I injured myself not long after I took up running again. I bruised my heel badly, and was unable to run for four or five weeks. It made me miserable, but I cycled instead to keep up my fitness. The injury was caused by a combination of old trainers, and upping my mileage too soon. I've learned my lesson.
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
I can't bear to listen to music now while I run. Because I love running through fields and woodland, I'd rather take in the natural sounds of my environment.
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
Through difficult parts of runs, I'm actually not afraid to slow down or walk. I think it's more important to keep moving, have a drink, take a breather, then carry on. This doesn't mean you've failed. Sometimes we just have bad runs.
A lot of runners know that “Who has the runs” has a double meaning. How do you deal with the occasional “problem” that plagues every runner at one time or another?
I just try to eat healthily, keep hydrated and look after myself.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Everyone can run. It doesn't matter if you have to start off slowly, and if you find it difficult, it's probably because you're trying to run too fast. Slow down, focus on your gait, enjoy yourself, and make new friends.
What is your next big race?
The Retford Half Marathon in March
What is your immediate running goal?
To break the sub 2 hour half marathon, and a sub 50 10k. I also want to make 2012 the year I try fell-running.
What is your ultimate running goal?
An ultra, or an Ironman. I tried triathlon for the first time last year, and loved it.
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
You can find me on Twitter @shellmoby where I tweet mostly about running.
No comments:
Post a Comment