Welcome to ‘Getting to know…’ number 8. Can you believe that I have found 7 other runners willing to join in!? If you have missed any of the previous interviews, you can find them here.

Vicki is a club mate of mine and one of the first runners that I ran with outside of club sessions. Herself and Rachel used to pull me along (they are much faster than me!) on a weekend’s long run. I would love to say that I took part in the chatter, but most of the time I was listening and trying not to die. Hehe

Name

 Vicki Moreton

Age

33

Occupation

Category Assistant

How long have you been running?

Properly since December 2014, when I joined the running club. But on and off a couple of years before that.

What made you start running?

I was new to the area as I had just bought a new house on my own. I wanted to make new friends. I had run previously, so it thought this would have been a good idea to join a club.

Why do you run now?

Lots of reasons really… I like eating to start with! For my sanity and to be a good role model for my little boy. He now loves to run too.

What was your last event?

Oundle 10K in January

What is your next event?

  It will be the Northampton Half Marathon at the end of September, providing it is not cancelled.

Favourite thing about running?

The good feeling that it gives me… when I have finished. All the people you meet and make friends along the way.

Worst thing about running?

Getting injured.

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

Go for it, everyone can run. Download the Couch to 5K app and get cracking!

Best piece of advice given to you?

Don’t go out too fast (easier said than done sometimes) & relax when going downhill. Let your feet take you.

Favourite race distance?

When training I would say between 6 -10 miles. You aren’t out too long. But if racing, the longer distances. Generally, the crowds are bigger and get you through it, so half marathon or even a full one.

Funniest thing that has ever happened to you whilst running?

There is always the odd poo story, thankfully not from me though.

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

Is it bad that I can’t think of anything? Clearly, I haven’t embarrassed myself…yet!

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

At the minute, probably 80 miles a month

Do you belong to a running club?

Yes, a fabulous club called Team Balancise

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

 Since being in lockdown, I have started cycling with my husband and 2-year-old. Whether this will continue when the world is back to normal – who knows?

Favourite pre-race/pre-long run meal?

Generally, pasta if racing. But if it is just a long run, it could be anything.

Favourite post-run meal?

A curry & a beer.

Do you have any superstition?

Nope, not superstitious at all.

What is your biggest achievement sport wise?

Definitely running a marathon.

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

 Can I have 2? 1. Never to be injured. 2. Make people believe that they are a runner regardless of shape, size & pace.

Links

Instagram: wife_mum_runner

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

Miles or Kilometres

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.

Welcome to ‘Getting to know…’ number 7′. The time of the week that you get to read all about runners. If you have missed any of the previous interviews, you can find them here.

Sometimes social media gets a bad name, but when you link with positive people like Lana, you know it can’t be all bad. I was so lucky to meet Lana at last years Endure after following her on Instagram for a while. Read all about her running journey below.

Name

Lana

Age

34, clinging on before V35 haha

Occupation

Marketing Officer 

How long have you been running?

On and off for the last ten years, the last 3-4 have been more consistent though! I used to play netball so I’d not run for ages, enter a race and then panic train! When I gave up I switched purely to running which has been a lot better for me.

What made you start running?

I signed up to the Great South Run having had years of living in Portsmouth and seeing it go through the city on my way to work. I thought it was 10k, and signed up to raise money with a friend – we soon realized though that it’s 10 miles, not 10k! It does, however, remain one of my favourite races, and I’ve done it 6 times so far, let’s see if it goes ahead this year.

Why do you run now?

I run to promote awareness of better mental health. We had to admit my mum to a mental health hospital a few years ago, and so I’ve raised money for Mind on and off over the years. I was lucky enough to get a place at the London Marathon last year for them, and raised nearly £5,500! It’s so important to look after ourselves both mentally and physically, and running just helps me switch off. I love running with friends and putting the world to rights, as well as going solo and listening to the birds. 

What was your last event?

A local cross country race, and parkrun before everything shut down due to Covid-19. 

What is your next event?

Honestly, who knows. Hopefully a parkrun, and I’ve got a couple of races before the year is out with any luck – the Great South being one of them, along with a few trail runs.  

Favourite thing about running?

The way it makes me feel, physically and mentally. Also, the ability to then eat a lot of cake!

Worst thing about running?

We all have those runs that just don’t go to plan, but you can always learn something from them.

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

Keep at it! It does get better, promise! 

Best piece of advice given to you?

Remember why you’re running, and think of your mum when it gets tough.

Favourite race distance?

Long and slow! I’ve done 3 marathons, an ultra, and a 24-hour relay. I much prefer not pushing the pace too much. Ten miles is a nice race distance, a half always feels like a parkrun too long!

Funniest thing that has ever happened to you whilst running?

Running with some friends and the road had flooded, I’ve got really long legs so I jumped it clear, but even with a run-up they just ended up smack bang in the middle of it and complaining of wet feet. I had to chuckle!

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

I don’t think anything embarrassing has happened, to be honest, I try to just have fun along the way – I love singing “Woah, we’re halfway there, Woah, living on a prayer” at the halfway point in a race, there’s a group of us now who do this – thanks Stuart for getting it into my head. 

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

Anywhere around 80-120, depends on what I’m up to. 

Do you belong to a running club?

I first claim to Hedge End Running Club and second claim to Netley Abbey Runners. Both are so welcoming, and great fun to be part of!

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

I do yoga and the odd bit of cycling. Before lockdown, I was swimming a couple of times a week so I’m looking forward to trying to get back to that. 

Favourite pre-race/pre-long run meal?

Always steak, chips and garlic bread!

Favourite post-run meal?

McDonald’s for a long run, I’ve been known to plan a route so that it finishes there…

Do you have any superstition?

None at all, maybe that’s where I’m going wrong?!

What is your biggest achievement sport wise?

Salisbury Ultra Marathon, I got really bad blisters about 8 miles into a 50km (31 miles) race. I’ve never suffered with them previously and the last few miles were absolute agony, but there was no way I was going to be a DNF. I learnt a lot about my mental strength and resilience that day, and also to carry plasters, spare socks and painkillers! I had none of those things, but luckily some kind walkers and runners gave me some painkillers and blister plasters, but my socks were ruined. You live and learn though, and I can’t wait to do another ultra. Sadly it was cancelled this year as I was hoping to go back and see what I could do without blisters. 

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

To keep remaining injury free! 

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

Miles or Kilometres

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.

Welcome to ‘Getting to know…’ number 6. I hope you are enjoying these runner interviews as much as I am. If you have missed any of the previous interviews, you can find them here.

I think I first met Sophie when we were at a school (Work) summer outing. I was with my old school and I may be wrong but I think Sophie may have replaced me as a PE teacher when I left. Anyway, I did not know then what an amazing runner she was!

Maybe I noticed how good she was when I spotted her on the elite line up for the Great North Run!!! I think I was shouting at the television, I know her, I know her!!!

Name

Sophie

Age

37

Occupation

Mother, wife and PE teacher 

How long have you been running?

My first ‘run’ I remember was in year 7 House x-country competition & I loved it. I ran on and off at school during x-country season and athletics. I took up rowing at university but the sessions I loved most where when the lake was frozen and we ran around the outside of the lake instead ☺

I joined a club around 2007/8 and ran a bit more often and as my main activity from then. 

What made you start running?

School x-country was compulsory so  I had to take part, no one expected anything from me as I wasn’t very sporty at this time…when I came home in 2^nd I was surprised along with everyone else. When I left University, I started running with my sister and brother in law to help them lose weight and as something to do, then I ran a bit with my brothers to spend time with them, then I joined a club to improve and start racing I guess?

Why do you run now?

I use running as me time. Since having children I have actually run all my PBs (except marathon distance which I have not yet tackled – I was due to run Brighton this year) and been more committed, I think due to only have a small window of opportunity to run between being a wife, mum and teacher it makes me more focused and therefore better quality? I’m quite competitive so I like to run to see if I can still get faster 

What was your last event?

London Vitality Big half & I loved it ☺ 

It was a great morning, sometimes when I set the alarm for 5am I wonder the life choices I make but a lovely morning spent with my parents who came with me, and my little sister too…all worth it to gain that shiny new PB and medal. 

What is your next event?

Who knows?!?! I suddenly have a few races all within week of each other booked up for autumn after lots of races being postponed, but I’m not even sure these new dates will be OK to run a mass event by then? First on the calendar is Great North Run and then Brighton Marathon. 

Favourite thing about running?

oooooooo many….

The kit & shoes ☺

The way it makes me feel & the things you see. I love finding new footpaths which other people don’t even know exist and there is still so much more exploring to be done!

The friends I’ve made 

Worst thing about running?

I don’t have room for a treadmill at home…sometimes it feels like it would be easier to jump on and run at home when life seems to get in the way? 

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

Enjoy it and don’t give up. 

Best piece of advice given to you?

Keep a training diary, nothing keeps me more motivated than seeing a consistent period of training.

Favourite race distance?

To race 10miles – half marathon, it’s been a while since I’ve done a full marathon but I think that’s a pretty cool distance to cover too! 

Funniest thing that has ever happened to you whilst running?

No idea! I know there has been runs where I haven’t stopped laughing with friends but can’t remember why!

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

Again, I’m sure there have been loads of embarrassing moments but none spring to mind!

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

Currently around 180-200miles a month 

Do you belong to a running club?

Yes – Vale of Aylesbury Athletics Club 

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

Nope…keep thinking about starting some cycling too just for variety.

Favourite pre-race/pre-long run meal?

Porridge (or readybrek if its really early), banana and honey

Favourite post-run meal?

Don’t really have one! Do love a beer and pack of salt and vinegar crisps though ☺

Do you have any superstition?

Nope! 

What is your biggest achievement sport wise?

After having my first child I set myself a goal of getting on the Elite start at Great North Run, it gave me a great focus and worked. We had a lovely weekend away but I did wonder how many others on the start line had spent a night in a hotel room sharing a bed with their one year old, not the best preparation. I look forward to going back this year.  

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

To be able to run injury free forever

Links

On Instagram @sophieshealthandfitness 

This or That

Early Morning Run or Evening Run (I like to run first thing to get it out of the way for the day, but I run better in the evening!)

Tea or Coffee (Can’t start the day without a cup of tea, but then coffee from then on.)

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 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.

Welcome to ‘Getting to know…’ number 5. How is everyone coping in Lockdown? I hope these runners interviews are keeping you entertained. If you have missed any of the previous interviews, you can find them here.

Tina is this weeks guest. She is one of the coaches at my club and a teammate too. She also has very sharp elbows and often puts us all back together when we do what every runner does and skips stretching!

Name

Tina

Age

50 something

Occupation

Sports Massage Therapist

How long have you been running?

Since January 2012

What made you start running?

I started initially to lose weight.

Why do you run now?

I love how it makes me feel…… once it is over LOL

What was your last event?

My last event was the Bath Half Marathon, just before ‘lockdown’ started. 

What is your next event?

I’m not sure, I have the Derby half booked which would have been early June but think that is now rescheduled, along with Endure 24 Reading. I think I have another half booked but I can’t remember which one.

Favourite thing about running?

I love helping other people and therefore my favourite thing would be helping others. (I also love the running community as I have made so many fabulous friends)

Worst thing about running?

Throwing up!

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

Believe in yourself, follow a good C25K programme and not to go out too quickly. (ok that’s 3 bits of advice 😊 )

Best piece of advice given to you?

Don’t go out too quick when racing. We live and learn, how many times have you done this and blown up halfway round? 

Favourite race distance?

Probably 10 miles/half marathon but then I enjoy all distances, if I didn’t, I wouldn’t do them. 

Funniest thing that has ever happened to you whilst running?

There are lots of these…… most are around bodily functions, so let’s leave it there. 

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

It was on a 15-mile race in January 2018, I remember it well. I always wear shorts whatever the weather, and on this day the snow blizzards were coming across the open countryside. I actually thought the event would have been cancelled but it went ahead.  I had just finished the race and my friend’s husband came up to me pointing to my crutch, and kind of whispered “You’re Bleeding!!”   OMG, I was sooooo embarrassed, but when I went inside the hall to get changed I realized I had some serious chaffage on the top of my legs which had bled a lot, I didn’t feel it whilst running as my legs were numb.  I couldn’t run, swim or ride my bike for 3 weeks after this.  

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

This varies but I would say 80/100

Do you belong to a running club?

I sure do, Team Balancise of Higham Ferrers, Such a great friendly club, with awesome coaches 😀

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

I love swimming, I occasionally cycle but this is not a passion and I try and do at least one strength session a week.  

Favourite pre-race/pre-long run meal?

Well, this would usually be breakfast, so I would get up 2 hours before I am due to run, make and eat Porridge usually made with water and berries. Then I’d go back to bed for an hour. 

Favourite post-run meal?

Depends on the distance but I LOVE a cup of tea and a bag of ready salted crisps after a race.  

Do you have any superstition?

No, not really but I do have favourite shorts that I like to wear for a race. 

What is your biggest achievement sport wise?

Erm, probably getting to the start line of the Ironman 2018, even though completing the swim and bike (did I say I wasn’t a fan of biking) but not completing the run, I feel the amount of time and dedication to training was a huge achievement in itself. And the fact I am still married after it haha. 

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

That I can continue to run for years and years to come until I’m much much older.

Links

Tina Sports Therapy Facebook Page

This or That

Early Morning Run or Evening Run

Tea or Coffee – Prosecco!

Winter Running or Summer Running

Solo running or Running with Friends

Road Running or Trail Running

Dog or Cat I have both

Miles or Kilometres

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. Argh I hate the dreadmill

Welcome to ‘Getting to know…’ number 4. I am loving these interviews, maybe it is because I am nosey! If you have missed any of the previous interviews, you can find them here.

I remember the first time that I met Christine, back at the London Marathon expo back in 2014 as part of Run MND. At the time we didn’t actually realise how close we lived to each other and now we run together all the time. I am still working on getting her to join my running club, but that is work in progress!

She is genuinely one of the nicest people that you will ever meet. Happy reading…

Name

Christine

Age

51

Occupation

Proofreader / Copy-editor after leaving 25 years of teaching/education management.

How long have you been running?

14 years since starting again. I ran cross country for the school, but didn’t ever take it up outside.

What made you start running?

I enjoyed running at school and, growing up in the north-east, always wanted to do the Great North Run. I started running again in 2006 to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association by doing the GNR when my mam was diagnosed with MND.

Why do you run now?

I still run to raise money and awareness for the MND Association, but also to maintain a level of health & fitness and, in more recent years, to alleviate stress. 

What was your last event?

Oundle 20-mile race in mid-March. It was supposed to be the last long run before the Manchester Marathon in April. 

What is your next event?

Who knows?! I had quite a few events lined up but everything up to & including July has been postponed/cancelled. The next ones that haven’t (yet) succumbed are the Great North Run 40^th anniversary and the London Duathlon at the start of September. I don’t hold out much hope for them going ahead though … ☹

Favourite thing about running?

When I’m on my own – being out in nature and having headspace. When I’m with friends – them. I’ve met some truly special friends through running and it always makes a run easier, somehow, when you’re with friends.

Worst thing about running?

It never seems to get any easier!! Getting through the door is the worst part, I think. I’m great at procrastinating (in fact, I’m sitting writing this in running kit, as I should have been going out for a run about 2 hours ago …!)

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

When you start running, if you think or feel something that you think is ‘daft’, it isn’t. If you have a question you might think is a silly one, it isn’t – just ask it. We were all beginners once, and chances are we’ve all had the same questions at one point or another. Runners are a friendly bunch and will support and help each other whenever they can.

Best piece of advice given to you?

Running a marathon is 40% training and 60% mental attitude. When you set yourself a challenge, tell yourself you CAN do it, set bite-sized goals, and you will achieve what you set out to do … that doesn’t just go for a marathon, it applies to any distance. A positive mindset works wonders on niggles, both mental and physical.

Favourite race distance?

Probably the half marathon – it’s a manageable training schedule and there are so many different ones out there to do. I also love ultras though, as they’re more relaxed and you can eat lots en route!

Funniest thing that has ever happened to you whilst running?

The most I laughed when running was during an ultra when we were trying to do a slo-mo impression of the Six Million Dollar Man … except for the tune we were butchering kept morphing into the Emmerdale Farm theme tune. Probably more fitting! 

I won’t mention the training run when my running partner had to do the poop shuffle for a mile … 

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

Being caught short 4 miles into a 15-mile training run, having to climb up a bank behind some bushes, getting covered in nettle stings (ouch) and spending the rest of the run convinced that everyone I passed knew what had happened!

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

When I’m in routine and training for an event, probably between 70-100 miles per month – that, obviously, goes up and down depending on what I’m training for. I’m far better motivated at getting out there when I have something to train for but don’t feel too guilty at the moment about just ticking over.

Do you belong to a running club?

No,

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

I started cycling about 18 months ago and did my first couple of duathlons last year, which I really enjoyed and want to do more of. I know I should do core and strength training as well at the very least, and I do sometimes start on a programme of workouts, but my self-discipline is terrible when it comes to that sort of thing. 

Favourite pre-race/pre-long run meal?

The night before – always pasta, and usually garlic bread. I’m nothing if not predictable.

Breakfast of toast – one slice with mashed banana, the other with peanut butter & jam, or Nutella.

Favourite post-run meal?

Before anything else, a cup of tea as soon as possible after finishing the race. Pizza or take-away curry after a long training run; a Sunday roast after an event, if possible – one that I haven’t had to cook!! 

Do you have any superstition?

Not really, but if my route is a loop, I usually like to run it clockwise. It feels weird the other way round!

What is your biggest achievement sport wise?

Finishing St Oswald’s Ultra 100k in 2016. It seemed to take forever, was 5 miles longer than it should have been and someone had taken down a lot of the way-markers for the night stretch, but we made it!!

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

That the reason I started didn’t exist anymore – that a cure was found for MND.

Links

https://www.nofinishline.org.uk/

www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/NoFinishLine2020 

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

Miles or Kilometres

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.

Welcome to ‘Getting to know…’ number 3. This week I am thrilled that Emma agreed to take part. I often say about how much I love the running community. Well, I followed Emma via Instagram and we exchanged a few messages.

I then was lucky to meet Emma at the running show in January. She is just as lovely as I thought she would be. Happy reading…

Name

Emma

Age

30

Occupation

Nanny

How long have you been running?

oh wow…um, about 4/5 years.

What made you start running?

My best friend ran her first marathon, in Amsterdam, and I was so inspired by her, I decided to download the Couch to 5K app and never looked back!

Why do you run now?

For a lot of reasons. Mainly because I really enjoy it, but also because it’s a way of releasing anxiety and stress. A chance for my mind to wander and for me to think.

What was your last event?

My last event was a local 10K

What is your next event?

If all goes to plan….. London Marathon

Favourite thing about running?

Sharing it/running with friends.

Worst thing about running?

Runners tummy…!!!

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

Don’t compare yourself/pace to other runners. Although very much easier said than done.

Best piece of advice given to you?

You do you.

Favourite race distance?

Half Marathon

Funniest thing that has ever happened to you whilst running?

Playing dodge the jack Russell one morning along the river.

Face planting into a bush trying to avoid a group of cyclists (although it was not funny at the time!)

Having the heavens open, and I mean rain, hail thunder and lightning during the last few miles of a really windy 10K

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

Sh#ting my pants! THANK GOD I had just arrived home!

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

During marathon training 40+ miles a week and around 20 when I’m not.

Do you belong to a running club?

No, I don’t.

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

Yes! I do pilates, PT twice a month, a couple of exercise/strength-based classes a week and sometimes yoga.

Favourite pre-race/pre-long run meal?

Porridge with peanut butter and some form of fruit

Favourite post-run meal?

Ooo, tricky as I find it very hard to eat after running. Most of the time I have a smooth and my go-to is banana, protein powder, almond, peanut butter and spinach.

Do you have any superstition?

No, not really.

What is your biggest achievement sport wise?

Running the London Marathon for Charity

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

To be tummy trouble free!!

Links

Instagrams: Jersey_girl08

Facebook – Emma Cutler

Blog: Nannyontherun

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

Miles or Kilometres

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.