Introducing the Festival of Running Participants

Runderwear Festival of Running logo

With just over four weeks to go until the Runderwear Festival of Running we thought it would be a great time for us to reach out and see how some of you are getting on in your training. As we’ve said before, the Festival of Running is more than just a virtual race, it’s an opportunity to support one another. Which is why we thought it would be great to share some of the responses we received in order to keep the conversation going amongst our community and help you get to know one another.

Dot

Please tell us a bit of background about yourself?

I’m 74 and I have 2 children, a son and a daughter who runs epic races all over the world. My daughter has 2 children who also run/cycle/swim/walk etc - her husband does the same, very energetic! I have 2 stepchildren, altogether I have 8 grandchildren. My husband isn’t a runner, he’s a golfer. I love being outside and on the go swimming, cycling, walk daily, Pilates etc. I love my garden and all that it involves. I also love knitting, sewing, tapestry work, artwork, baking - anything except just sitting!

When and how did you first start running?

I first started running/training in 1993 in preparation for the London Marathon in 1994, which was my first ever race. 

What distance are you running in the Festival of Running?

I’m running 10k in the Runderwear Festival Weekend but i'm not following a training plan.

What is your goal for the end of the 8 week plan?

My goal for any training is just to see some form of getting better/faster with no injuries 

What is your favourite running route?

I like running off road or where it’s peaceful with scenery. I love the Lakeland Trails races, it’s the part of the country which is spectacular although quite testing routes. 

How do you stay motivated on the days where you don't feel like running?

I’m a positive person if I really don’t feel like running then I don’t, I’ll go for a brisk 3-4 mile walk which helps or a cycle ride any activity helps then there’s always ‘tomorrow ‘ to run. 

 

Ned

Please tell us a bit of background about yourself?

I’m 16 years old and love to run. I also have an interest in the ancient classics, Greek and Romans. In addition, I live in a small village called East Haddon, near Northampton. Finally, I have a brother, my mum and dad, and a dog called Hugo. 

When and how did you first start running?

I started running once I discovered a new club when I went for a summer activity week there. I really enjoyed the running and joined the club. 

What distance are you running in the Festival of Running?

In the festival I’m going to run the 5km. I hope to get a PB of around 17:30. I’m going to challenge myself and complete the experienced training plan. 

How are you finding the training plan, or your training in general, for the Festival?

I’m finding my training good as I’m incorporating lots of training types, such as fartleks, easy runs, tempo runs and interval training. 

What is your goal for the end of the 8 week plan?

My goal for the end of the training plan is to achieve my PB, as well as get a better stamina and endurance when running (especially going up those hills)!

What is your favourite running route?

My favourite running route is definitely along a small road, which is relatively flat and long. I do like the long, flat trails too. 

How do you stay motivated on the days where you don't feel like running?

To stay motivated I talk to friends, revise a bit and talk to my family. 

 

Sarah

Please tell us a bit of background about yourself?

I'm 38, live in Ashtead, Surrey. I'm a scientist and work for the NHS. Have 2 siblings, neither of them are runners. My dad cycles. I bought a road bike in June last year and when the weather improves I need to train for a 100km ride event in July this year. I love to travel so excited for that to open up again. I've got in to photography recently and I love to cook. Finding new recipes online and cooking with my other half. 

When and how did you first start running?

I've run on and off for years but never liked it much. After my marriage ended in 2017 I needed something to stop me spiralling. I started walking and then progressed to running. I ran 5km but slowly started to increase the distance to 10km runs. I ran my first and only Half Marathon in 2019 with an ex but finding out he'd been cheating at the beginning of lockdown nearly destroyed my love for running. But it is definitely my go to when things get tough and finally the love returned. I just run until my head feels clear.

What distance are you running in the Festival of Running?

I'm running the Half Marathon distance. This will be my second but my first alone, unless I can get my other half to join me.

Are you following the beginner, improver, or experienced training plan?

As I've run a lot of 10km and one half marathon I decided to opt for the beginners training programme. I'm not good at following plans though. 

How are you finding the training plan, or your training in general, for the Festival?

I really struggle to follow plans. Some weeks are fine and I smash it, others are tough and I miss runs. I signed up to my first Half Marathon 3 weeks before the event. I wouldn't recommend doing that but somehow I managed it in 2hr 20mins.

What is your goal for the end of the 8 week plan?

I love running and I never want to lose that. So just completing the half marathon in whatever time is good for me, although beating my last time would be great. After that I want to try and keep up the training as I have another half in September and who knows maybe a marathon. 

What is your favourite running route?

I love running in my local woods. The wet and snowy weather have made that difficult recently. Really looking forward to some dry weather so I can get back up there. It's beautiful in the summer.

How do you stay motivated on the days where you don't feel like running?

I'm definitely a fair weather runner. I hate the cold and wet. But I have been trying to get out whatever the weather. I ran a 10km recently I'm the rain and felt amazing. Once I'm out there it's great it's just taking that first step.

 

Richard

Please tell us a bit of background about yourself?

I'm 66, live in Milton Keynes, two grown up sons, I run or walk distance 3 times a week or more, support and have a season ticket at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

When and how did you first start running?

I joined a running club in 2008 inspired by my wife taking up running with friends.

What distance are you running in the Festival of Running?

Half Marathon, I'm following the improver training plan.

How are you finding the training plan, or your training in general, for the Festival?

I am including it as part of my regular running schedule, the plan is fine.

What is your goal for the end of the 8 week plan?

I want to run the half in under 2:15

What is your favourite running route?

I love to run along the river Great Ouse close to where I live. Milton Keynes is wonderful for running with miles of off road paths and green spaces

How do you stay motivated on the days where you don't feel like running?

If I really don't feel like a run I will either walk instead, or tell myself how lucky I am to be able to run at my age!

Vicky

Please tell us a bit of background about yourself?

I live in a small village in Cumbria, I moved here in 2000 after growing up in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. I'm 43, married with a son Zach aged 10. We are quite an outdoors family and obviously live in a beautiful part of the world so are very lucky.

When and how did you first start running?

I first started running for Royal Sutton Coldfield running club when I was 9 years old. I have been running on and off all my life. The memories I have from running club are some of the happiest of my life.

What distance are you running in the Festival of Running?

I am running the 10k and have looked at the experienced running plan.

How are you finding the training plan, or your training in general, for the Festival?

Training going well, currently training for the virtual Coniston 14 in March. I like to have something to aim for every now and again (my husband often says I can’t resist another challenge!)

What is your goal for the end of the 8 week plan?

My goal is to stay injury free and keep running for pleasure.

What is your favourite running route?

My favourite running route is a nice 6 miler from my house into the next two villages and back again.

How do you stay motivated on the days where you don't feel like running?

I love running, it's my form of 'chilling out'. If I don't feel motivated I just take rest days and go walking or cycling.

 

Neil

Please tell us a bit of background about yourself?

I am 72 years old and live in Perth, Western Australia. I am semi-retired. I have been happily married to Kerrie for 43 years and we have four children (two girls and two boys aged from thirty to forty) and two grandchildren (a boy and a girl). Our children currently live in Melbourne, Perth, Phnom Penh and Rijeka (Croatia). Pre Covid this gave us an excellent reason to travel, which we enjoy. Apart from running, I play water polo and enjoy watching sport.

When and how did you first start running?

I first began running at school approximately 60 years ago. I was selected in the school team for middle distance running. I was a natural runner as I did not do a lot of training. In my final year of school in 1965 I won the cross-country trophy. Since that time, I have run on and off over the years. I have completed numerous fun runs, including 5k, 10k, Half Marathons and Marathons.

What distance are you running in the Festival of Running?

In the Runderwear Festival of Running I will be running the Half Marathon. I will be following an experienced training plan. Currently, I run about 50k a week.

How are you finding the training plan, or your training in general, for the Festival?

In my younger years, I found it difficult to follow a training plan. However, more recently I have found I enjoy the discipline of training and stick closely to my plans. My favourite running route is the park directly across the road from our home. I find that running on the grass is a lot easier on my aging joints. With apps like Strava and the Covid epidemic I find there are many virtual events now available.

What is your goal for the end of the 8 week plan?

My goal is to run as close to 2 hours for the Half Marathon as I can.

How do you stay motivated on the days where you don't feel like running?

My motivation springs from my love of running and the fact after recovering from illness a few years ago I realised that my opportunities to run are finite.

 

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