Age: 54
How did you first get into running?
I hated running at school. I was slow and always ended up being at the back. I was at The Minster in Leominster and was told I was going to run in a Cross Country race at Lucton School. I didn’t do very well. That was the end of my early running career!
Fast forward to 2017 and my daughter, Bron, started running. I decided to give it a go and run with her. That didn’t last long as I tore my meniscus. I had to have an operation and the surgeon said ‘don’t even think about running’!
A couple of years later Ro and the girls started running together and I would go along and plod around close to where we live in Dilwyn. Roland ended up dragging me and Thea along to Croft. We did a training session in the Croft Castle car park. I was still really slow. I didn’t enjoy it much but Theresa, Heather, Lisa, Tonia and Su Field were all really friendly and encouraging so I went back the following week.
I started going to the club sessions regularly and ended up running the Hereford 5k and some of the Winter Cross Country races but then the lockdown started. I kept running through the lockdown. I didn’t want to stop again. I haven’t looked back.
I’ve found that the longer off-road runs suit me best. I loved The Ron Skilton Half Marathon. I don’t mind the hills now.
Hopefully, now I’ve completed my Leader in Running Fitness course, it will help show other people that you don’t have to be super fit or fast to enjoy running.
What’s a typical running week for you?
I try to go to club training on Tuesdays and Thursdays with the family and then do a longer run on the weekend – usually 6 or 7 miles or a bit more if there’s a half marathon coming up. I’ll often run or volunteer at Park Run on a Saturday. I love that side of it; everyone supporting each other.
What’s in the diary?
- Winter Cross Country League
- Croft Training Camp – 4th November
- Nash & Boraston 10k – November 27th
- Hereford Couriers Christmas 10k – 28th December
- Hereford 10 Mile Road Race – 19th February 2023
- Pembrokeshire Trail Half Marathon – 22 April 2023
What’s your Most Memorable Run?
I finally managed to get my sub 1 hour 10K at Leominster in August so I’m going to say that one. When I got to the finish I looked at my watch and it hadn’t clicked over to 10k. I had to make sure it said 10k on Strava so I carried on running! It was probably another 100 metres or so before my watch said I had run 10k. I did it in 59 minutes and 8 seconds. My official race time was 58 minutes and 3 seconds. I was happy with that.
Any injuries you’ve struggled with?
Just my dodgy knee really. I had an operation on it and then the dog ran into me and I ended up on crutches again! Oh – and a blister on the bottom of my big toe!
What do you most love about running?
For me it’s a way to unwind and keep fit. It’s also something we can do as a family and we’ve made some great friends at Croft – it’s a very special club in that way. You are never made to feel a failure or that you are too slow. Everyone welcomes you with a smile and are so supportive whatever your ability.
What do you do for a living?
I’m head of early years and a reception teacher at Ludlow Primary School.
Who do you live with?
With hubby Roland and daughters Thea and Bronny. We’ve been married 28 years.
Have you any pets?
A Border Collie Fin. He’s 12 and loves people but not other dogs unfortunately. Then there’s Victor and Jack our Welsh Cobs. We’ve also got a miniature Shetland Pony called Sunny. They all live in the stables next to the house. We’ve also got five hens and one Cockerel called Cocky.
Winter is on the way. Have you any film or TV recommendations?
I love the TV series ‘Most Haunted’ presented by Yvette Fielding and her husband. It’s all about ghosts and the paranormal. You can usually find it on The Discovery Channel. I’ve been on quite a few ghost hunting tours – Shrewsbury Prison and the Judges Lodges at Presteigne were really good fun.
