HOW DID YOU GET INTO RUNNING?
I started running regularly about 8 years ago at lunchtimes with friends from work. Over the years I have built up from half marathons, to some marathons, and this year I’ve done my first ultras. I love being outside and in the mountains and really have enjoyed racing in the long Lakeland fell races this year. I joined Macclesfield harriers a few years ago and now have a great number of running friends to train and just get out on runs with.
WHAT'S YOUR JOB AND LIFE LIKE?
I am often seen pottering round Macclesfield on my bike - on my way to & from work (a nice 6 mile route in which I really like). I work for AstraZeneca, and have recently changed jobs to work as a clinical statistician. There are lots of fellow runners at work and we have monthly lunchtime races. I have developed some great friendships with other collegues who I would have never met otherwise. My husband Dave and I love living in Macclesfield – great to have the hills on our doorstep & good for getting to the Lakes and North Wales. Dave and I are keen rock climbers – although have to say this year we have both done a lot more running which is a little more suited to this years UK weather.
WHAT TYPE OF RUNNER ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO RUN ON (TERRAIN ETC)?
I do most of my running on paths & country lanes – but really love running in the hills – out in the Peaks or the Lakes. I am still working on improving my downhill fell running – the proper fell runners can really hurtle downhill and I haven’t got that knack yet. I’ve also enjoyed doing some more navigation events in the last few years and mountain marathons in pairs are great events.
WHAT 'S YOUR ACHIEVEMNETS SO FAR?
This year has been my first attempt at ultra distances & I think that I am improving. I completed the Swiss alpine Davos K78 race in July this year, finishing 25th lady (Read her report HERE). Last year I was first lady in the autumn Peak Mountain marathon series (3 hour score events). In 2007 Dave and I took part in our first mountain marathons – started in C class in LAMM and then B class in the Mourne MM – finishing first mixed pair in both. This year Mandy & I ran as a Team Vasque pair & won first ladies pair in A class in the LAMM, and Dave and I finished 2nd mixed pair in the Saunders. I am currently positioned 4th lady in the Lakeland Classics trophy this year, after completing 3 long Lakeland fell races. My marathon PB is 3hr9mins (London 2007).
THE VASQUE SERIES THIS YEAR - WHAT YOU HAVE DONE AND WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO?
Mark Hartell invited me to join the team about a week before the Calderdale race – I hadn’t any plans that weekend so thought I better give my first ultra a go! Since then I was focusing on my Davos race and with other commitments have not done any other of the run further series this year. I am planning on racing the High Peak 40 in September (after the Mountain Trials in the Lakes the weekend before)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE KIT YOU WEAR FOR YOUR SPONSORS?
I really like the Vasque Blur trainers – very comfy and well suited to most of the running I do. Am having to adjust to feeling like a walking (I mean running) advertising board – but the actual Capestorm kit is great now we have got some ladies sizes. I am also converted to Cliff bars (black cherry flavour) - they have been great on the mountain marathons. Mind you, can’t replace jelly babies though!
