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| "buy some lycra and gooooooo" |
Running makes me happy. It’s pretty simple! I love breaking a PB but also being able to cruise around a park not worrying about how fast I’m going. I find running clears my head and calms me down like nothing else… not even shopping!
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I’ve been running since 2006; I used to run cross country for my county when I was at school. I really started running to boost my fitness for netball and swimming, but since I’ve left school, running has become my main sport.
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
In December I was chosen by Women’s Running UK to be a part of their Project 26.2 feature. The amount of support I receive through the magazine really is motivation enough to step out the door. I’ve been given all the kit, all the nutrition advice I could possibly wish for and a superstar trainer in Phoebe Thomas from Running With Us.
Living in Northern France at the moment for my year abroad, I’m often faced with some pretty shocking weather conditions, but I’m pretty good at telling myself not to be a wimp and just get on with it… to think of the nice warm shower and cup of tea afterwards!
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
Through Project 26.2, Phoebe Thomas is coaching me. Each fortnight I get a new set of training programs and they’re brilliant. I also read Runner’s World and Women’s Running.
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
I’m really lucky at the moment, as I’m working in France on my year abroad and only work 17 hours a week. It’s pretty easy to fit in my training sessions.
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
My family and friends are really supportive of my running, even though most of them don’t run. I had a great time training with my 2 housemates for the Brighton Marathon last year, but here in Lille I don’t know any runners! They still all take an interest though, and pretend to know what I’m taking about when I start on my mile average times.
My boyfriend is a runner though: he’s currently training for the Brighton Marathon. Living apart at the moment we don’t get to train together, but we often compare notes on our runs. It sounds a bit sad, but for me it’s lovely to have something in common that I really care so much about.
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
I love running on smooth, flat, fast tarmac. Luckily there’s plenty of it in Lille. I’d love to try trail running in the future.
What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
I’ve not raced a huge amount, but the hardest was most definitely the Brighton Marathon last year. It was my first marathon and although I loved it, I was very naïve about fuelling and hydration… I passed out at mile 21. I picked myself up again after some major TLC from St. John’s ambulance, and did finish (in 5 hours 29…) but parts of those 26.2 miles were the hardest thing I’ve ever done EVER.
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
I could be really slushy and say my most enjoyable race was my first date with my boyfriend on a ‘parkrun’ in Brighton… but I really, really, REALLY (despite the mishap towards the end!) enjoyed the Brighton Marathon. There was amazing crowd support and the atmosphere was incredible. I was most definitely bitten by the running bug that day!
Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
When I was about 17 I used to get really painful runners knee, and really thought long distances would never be possible for me, as the pain came along really frequently. However, touch wood I’ve been fine since having some physio some years ago.
Through Project 26.2 we’re being looked after by an awesome physio called Paul in London (Physio&Therapy) and luckily, so far, so injury free for 2012.
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
I’m always training on my own here in France, so am very attached to my ipod, and Gavin my Garmin. I can’t imagine running without music or my lovely vibrating watch!
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
When I find myself wanting to stop, I usually bribe myself to do the next mile, or the next 10 minutes – then if I still want to stop I can… By the time I’ve done that mile, I’m usually feeling better again though. I’m pretty determined though: I don’t give up easily!
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?
touch wood I’ve been lucky with my run issues! There’ve been occasions when I’ve had to sneak off behind some bushes during a long run and hoping I don’t encounter any dog walkers (this Christmas Day’s run was one!) but nothing awful!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
I would say to anyone that is even contemplating taking up running: GO FOR IT. It will only enhance your life. Set yourself a goal, find some nice routes around where you live, buy some lycra and gooooooo!
What is your next big race?
My next race is the Brighton Half Marathon on the 17th of February: I’m hoping to get about 1 hour 45. After that it’s the big one… The Paris Marathon. I can’t wait, and I’m determined to get a good time this year.
What is your immediate running goal?
My immediate running goal would be to run sub4 in Paris – if Sarah Palin can do it, so can I!
What is your ultimate running goal?
I have a few…
to run a sub 3 hours 30 marathon one day
to run an ultra before I’m 30
to run on every continent (4 done so far)
to run the London, New York, Berlin and Two Oceans Marathons.
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
Follow me on Twitter @Cathy_Jane_Drew
My blogs for Women’s Running are through this link: http://www.womensrunninguk.co.uk/cathydrew.obyx
Happy Running all!
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