Getting to know… Lisa

Welcome to ‘Getting to know…’ number 26. This week we are getting to know more about Lisa Townsend. I have been following Lisa on Instagram for a long time. Lisa has run many half marathons, 3 marathons and 1 ultra. She is now training for some very long runs.

I definitely want to finish a race with Lisa one day, as her post race food sounds perfect to me!

Also, if you have missed any of the previous interviews, you can find them here.

Name

Lisa Townsend 

Age

26

Occupation

Psychology student/ part time working in a Deli kitchen. 

How long have you been running?

5 years 

What made you start running?

I was always around horses growing up. When I was 18, I was riding my horse in a school and he was spooked by a dog. Unfortunately, I fell off and broke my L2 vertebrae in my back and lost my memory for 5 days.

I had to stop riding and let my back heal which caused me to put a lot of weight on and caused me a lot of back pain. My mum and neighbour saw an advertisement for our local C25K group so my mum, my neighbour, me and my twin sister all went along to lose some weight and strengthen my back. 

Why do you run now?

Because my dog makes me! Honestly, I love the headspace. I love that you can go for a run (whether that’s 20 minutes or 3 hours) and just think about everything and nothing. I’m always a nicer person after a run!

What was your last event?

My last event was Manchester Airport Duathlon, which was my first multisport event! It is perfect for introducing multi-sport events into your life and is run by such a friendly group, I’d recommend it to everyone.

What is your next event?

My next event will be The Lake District Ultra and I’m doing the 50kn option.

Favourite thing about running?

The headspace it brings, being outdoors is so underrated.

Worst thing about running?

I guess it would be the judgement that non-runners have, it’s never nice to be shouted at by a man in a white van or to be told your not a real runner because you’re not fast. 

What one piece of advice would you give to a beginner?

Don’t think about anyone but yourself. There is always someone better than you but always someone who will look up to you. No one else matters.  

Best piece of advice given to you?

Wear the damn colourful stuff! Someone is going to have something to say whether your head to toe in black or look like a clown threw up a rainbow on you, so if you want to wear bright clothing, do it!

Favourite race distance?

Half Marathon, I think it’s the perfect distance to really test yourself whilst still being able to walk the next day.

Funniest thing that has ever happened to you whilst running?

I was running down a quiet lane one summer afternoon and an older gentleman (I’d say 70’s at least) passed me on a bike, held both hands in the air (how do people cycle no-handed?!) and shouted ‘WOOOOO’ Not Entirely humorous but his happiness for life/a sunny day/ just riding his bike made me chuckle and appreciate being able to run even more. 

Most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you whilst running?

Most runs with my dog! Either her making me fall down a bank (in full view of everyone), chasing ducks, refusing to cross fields with cows in, disappearing off to Narnia or wherever she goes! No run is uneventful with Mabel! 

On average, how many miles do you run per month?

Between 50-60 miles. 

Do you belong to a running club?

 Nope, running for me is such a personal thing I don’t actually like running with other people, I like to be in my own head with Mabel. 

Do you do any other forms of exercise in addition to running?

 I started cycling last year and am loving it! It’s difficult trying to fit them both into my routine but every time I get out on my bike I love it 

Favourite pre-race/pre-long run meal?

Overnight Oats with chocolate soy milk.

Favourite post-run meal?

Anything I can get my hands on! It will be a Cherry Coke followed by a Mcdonalds or KFC (whichever I pass first!) and a big bar of chocolate.

Do you have any superstition?

Saluting the magpies. I think it’s just one of those superstitions that becomes a habit. 

What is your biggest achievement sport wise?

Honestly, I could say it was my first marathon or ultramarathon, but really it’s just the achievement that I haven’t quit. Running can be hard at times and it’s so easy, especially in winter, to just sit on the couch and say you’ll start again in spring. People don’t give themselves enough credit that no matter what speed or distance, they keep going! 

If you were granted one wish related to running, what would it be?

That Mabel would never get too old to run. 

Links

Instagram: @lisamarietowns

This or That

Early Morning Run or Evening Run

Tea or Coffee – I’m one of those strange people that don’t drink either

Winter Running or Summer Running

Solo running or Running with Friends

Road Running or Trail Running

Dog or Cat

Miles or Kilometres

Run with someone chatty or run with someone silent

Run with no socks or run with no underwear. If I ran with no sports bra, I could do a lot of damage.

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