When did running begin for you?
A few years later, running as a hobby began. I was in sixth form, had fallen out with my group of friends from school and I was lonely. My mum then decided I needed to socialise, and dragged me to parkrun one Saturday morning. Again, this 5km was horrific, I complained the entire way around “I can’t do this” I finished this parkrun in 34.40. It took me a few weeks but I persisted with the running, and mum tolerated my complaining, and it wasn’t long before I decided to use running as my physical activity for my Duke of Edinburgh award with the goal of a half marathon at the end, I finally could run 5km without stopping and I wasn’t hating this running thing so much. Over the following months and years I made many friends whilst running or being able to have a shared interest when engaging in conversation, and the feeling of being lonely left.
Why do you run?
These days my running is mainly to stay fit and healthy. Also after having a bad day, putting on a pair of running shoes and heading into the fresh air, always makes me feel a world better after.
What race or moment in your running career holds the most significance and why?
I am still very early on in my running career and so there isn’t one particular race that stands out for me. Many races have had their moments of being difficult mentally or physically but regardless I am proud of what I have achieved so far.
What event, past or present, would you like to take part in and why?
I would like to run the London marathon one day. Having had the privilege of giving people their medals at the finish line and seeing the achievement and pride that everyone has, I would love that feeling for myself. A marathon also is a distance of running that shows true dedication and fitness so also the bragging rights to say I’ve run one?!
What golden piece of advice would you give to other runners?
Lisbon Half Marathon
Whom would you like to nominate?
Katie Sheridan