In January 2022 I first started to run when I signed up to a local running club offering beginners sessions to those that had never run before. I was at that time looking to lose weight and become fitter and healthier. We met weekly on Monday evenings, it was dark, cold and often wet and it required much motivation to just get out of my front door. I remember in the early weeks thinking how do people enjoy this, and more to the point run for more than just a few minutes whilst still having the capacity to hold a conversation. At the end of the ten weeks, I was delighted and very proud of myself for being able to run for 30 minutes without stopping.
After completing the beginner’s course, I continued running with the group once a week and going on additional runs a further 3-4 times a week. After time my stamina and pace increased, and I really started to enjoy the benefits that running gave me. I felt happier, fitter and healthier and by my 50th Birthday had managed to lose 9 stone.
Whilst studying towards my degree in Psychology with the Open University I became fascinated with motivation and mindset. Realising that running was as much about our thoughts and mindset than stamina and running technique. I qualified as an England Athletics Leader in Running Fitness and most recently as an England Athletics Coach in Running Fitness. Having completed my degree, I am now studying towards a Masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology.
With a background in coaching and various personal development techniques I am passionate about helping others to become both physically and mentally healthier and to support the local community to become more active. I am a Run Director at Croyland Park junior parkrun and a regular volunteer at Irchester Country Park parkrun.
I have set up Wellbeing Runners to help support those wishing to get fitter or have experienced mental health or trauma issues, offering them a safe environment, away from stressful situations.
I am passionate about helping new and returning runners progress through their running journey. Whatever your running goals are, I would be delighted to support you on your journey whether you are embarking on your first run or are a seasoned runner looking for specific support.
I have run several marathons, ultras and even ran 100km in one day. Not bad for somebody that once said, “I’ll never be a runner!”