I’m married to James and a mum to 3 boys aged 8, 6, and almost 4. I work as an OT contractor.
I started running in 2014. My second child was about 6 months old and I needed to shift excess weight. Running was great because I could just fit it in around feeds and sleeps. I started with the C25K program on the treadmill with the kids in crèche at the gym, then as they got older I started running outdoors. I found some local running friends including my neighbour, then after I returned to running following the birth of my third child, discovered parkrun, and then RR! Now I’m about to head up my own local parkrun!
It started as a weight loss goal, then it challenged my competitive side to keep getting faster and running longer. Then it became about the people I met and the friends I made. I love that when you run an event, you run the same race as the elites and that running is so inclusive no matter your speed. I love setting a goal and beating my expectations.
My Garmin. Not sure how I ever ran before I got my Garmin!
A couple of years ago I was running well. Then I got the dreaded PF (Plantar Faciitis) and had to back off a lot. My biggest challenge is not feeling bad about my pace and times because I haven’t been able to run as well as I did. It’s been hard to just learn to love running for the sake of running and set goals that are achievable now, even though they are less than what I have done before.
But also – rest days are important and so is strength work/cross training. See a professional if you are injured before it’s too late! And don’t skimp on shoes (plus get them fitted).