MEET THE TEAM

Running for me began at High School, were I discovered I was particularly good at the 1500 meters and cross country. After leaving school I did not run again seriously until I entered the  Lindley 10km back in 2016, and ‘Yes’ I am now an addict. 

I have always run, I loved doing the cross country and 1500m at school.  It is a great way to get out in the countryside and doesn’t cost anything – once you have a pair of trainers.

I can’t remember a time I didn’t run, when I was a child I would always  instigate a game of chase.

My parents always took us Youth Hostelling when we were growing up, usually to the Lake District. As a student at Lancaster, I went hiking most weekends. Once I started work, I signed up for annual ‘Race for Life’ 5k events. I trained a little each time, but always stopped when the event was over. After having my second child, I realised I needed to join a running club to keep me motivated and to lose some weight! Holmfirth Harriers was my first club. With them, I trained and raced regularly, usually taking part in 10k road races.

What got you into running?

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A bet. My friends said they would buy me beer if I did my first Park Run. So of course, I did, and have never looked back since.​​​​​​

I ran in high school and junior football but regrettably didn’t keep active during my 20s. It wasn’t until my early 30s after my friends took me hiking for the first time in Snowdonia that I realised what I’d been missing and fell in love with the outdoors. Walking and cycling at first, then at the beginning of lockdown a friend recommended the Couch to 5k app to me and running quickly took over.

My journey into running began as a tribute to a dear friend who passed away from MND. To honor their love for running, I participated in a memorial run. Although I initially struggled to find joy in running, everything changed when I joined Slaithwaite Striders. The camaraderie and support of this incredible group transformed my perspective, and I soon fell in love with trail running. Now, I love our Sunday runs through the beautiful moors with my friends. As a committee member, I am passionate about fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all runners, whether they are seasoned athletes or just starting out.

I was always a strong runner at school in most distances but didn’t pursue it further at the time. After a 22-year break, I returned to running at the end of 2014 during a difficult period in my life, using it as a way to rebuild both my mental health and sense of self. What started as a simple escape quickly became a passion—beginning with a 10K, then progressing to half marathons, ultras and a few marathons. Running became my therapy and my “happy place,” helping me step away from medication and regain control. I initially ran solo, valuing the solitude,a way to switch off and personal space it gave me. However, after helping a friend train for an ultra and eventually joining a running club, my perspective changed. Today, I find just as much fulfilment in supporting and motivating others as I once did running alone.