When did running begin for you?
I was never sporty as a youngster – I used to view the obligatory school cross-country as a chance to walk and have a chat with my friends. It was when my children started junior school back in 2010 that I decided I needed to do some regular exercise to lose weight and get fit. I had more time on my hands and started running with some gentle encouragement from my husband, himself a keen runner. I remember my first run – after about 300m I had to stop and walk(!) but didn’t take long to build up to 5k and then 10k and to start really enjoying it.
Why do you run?
To keep fit – because I always feel better afterwards. Now that I have joined Waverley Harriers, it is also for the social side. Everyone is very friendly which makes the training and runs far more enjoyable. I also really enjoy Parkrun on a Saturday morning – it gets the weekend off to a great start.
What race or moment in your running career holds the most significance and why?
Probably the Fleet 10k I ran a few years ago now. It was the first event that I had ever entered (until that point I had only ever run alone or at Parkrun). It gave me the confidence that I could run longer distances and also to enter other events.
Who is your running inspiration?
My family – my Dad who took up running in his 40s and then ran 15 consecutive Great North Runs amongst other things and also my sons, who just make it look so easy!
What event, past or present, would you like to take part in and why?
I would love to do the Great North Run. The North East is very close to my heart as I spent four happy years there and there is something iconic about running over the Tyne Bridge with thousands of others and the Red Arrows flying overhead.
What golden piece of advice would you give to other runners?
Invest in some decent shoes and if you want plenty of encouragement and support then join a club.
What’s next?
I’ve entered the Guildford 10k which is the first event that I have entered in over two years so it will be interesting to see what sort of time I can run. After that I would like to do some more 10k events and then build to a half-marathon. I also want to try and improve my 5k time – hopefully the Tuesday evening track sessions will really help!
Who would you like to nominate?
Chloe Hacker