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.
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