Welcome to ‘Getting to know…’ number 9. Claire responded to my plea for runners to take part in these interviews on Instagram and I have loved reading more about her. I think I might find myself pushing my tummy button each run now!
Remember if you have missed any, they can be found here.
Name
Claire Haynes
Age
46
Occupation
HR Director
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How long have you been running?
Since I was about 15 (intermittently until my thirties when I became much more regular)
What made you start running?
Funnily enough for most of the same reasons as now – I remember needing to get mental headspace and that’s where it started!
Why do you run now?
Because I love it – for health and fitness, it allows me to eat and drink what I want as I tend to manage weight through it, for my mental sanity, for the joy of being in nature
What was your last event?
It was the Hampton Court Half the weekend before lockdown started!
What is your next event?
Hmmm, good question. Am thinking to perhaps run Royal Parks Half and go for a charity place as I’m aware of how much charities have lost through COVID.
Favourite thing about running?
So hard to pick one, but will probably have to opt for Eating!
Worst thing about running?
Races – I get so nervous and always worry way too much.
What one piece of advice would you give to a beginner?
Just do what you can do, and enjoy it for that reason – you never regret a run.
Best piece of advice given to you?
Push your belly button with your hand like a button to activate your core and take your bum with you! I have had neck issues in the past and this advice has really helped me concentrate staying totally upright when running!
Favourite race distance?
10 miles
Funniest thing that has ever happened to you whilst running?
First time I met my parents-in-law, we stayed in their house near the Wolds. I went running, got completely lost (no phones / GPS back then) and ended up running my longest ever run at about 12 miles. My husband and his dad came out looking for me as I was so lost and finally tracked me down snivelling, crying and totally shattered. That was 25 years ago!
Most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you whilst running?
Has got to be needing a number 2 out in the countryside – went in a farmer’s field, not realizing said farmer was staring at me from his tractor! Soooooooo mortified, still makes me shrink writing this now.
On average, how many miles do you run per month?
It’s between 60 and 85 most months.
Do you belong to a running club?
No, never have.
Do you do any other forms of exercise in addition to running?
Yes, as I’ve got older I do a fair amount of circuits and strength training. Also, I broke my neck a couple of years ago snowboarding, so do pilates for core strength too.
Favourite pre-race/pre-long run meal?
I eat anything so don’t have a favourite, just tend to err on the side of not too much. However, I did get my half marathon PB the day after a large session on red wine, not sure what that says!
Favourite post-run meal?
Fish and chips and a pint of lager.
Do you have any superstition?
Yes, I can’t stop if anything has the number 13 in it – either time or distance!
What is your biggest achievement sport wise?
I did my first long trail run last winter – you’ll see the photo of me in a river – it was terrible conditions, really hilly and I managed 15 miles which I absolutely am so proud of
If you were granted one wish related to running, what would it be?
To be a bit faster – can’t seem to get there even though I think I’m fairly fit
Links
Instagram: @haynesyhaynes
This or That
Early Morning Run or Evening Run
Tea or Coffee
Winter Running or Summer Running
Solo running or Running with Friends
Road Running or Trail Running
Dog or Cat – (Betty would never forgive me if I said cat)
Miles or Kilometres (though I do sums in my head converting one back from the other when I’m bored on a run)
Run with someone chatty or run with someone silent
Run with no sock or run with no underwear
Run a hilly 5k or flat 10k
Run a hilly 10K or flat half marathon
Run a hilly Half Marathon or Flat Marathon
Run a hilly Marathon or Flat Ultra Marathon
Run as much as you want on the treadmill or only run once a week outside. Ooooooo would have to be dreadmill, couldn’t bear the thought of only going once a week
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