How old are you?
52
Where do you live?
Cromer, North Norfolk United Kingdom
Strava
What is your history with sports and athletics?
At age 47, I wanted to get fit & lose weight so I joined local slimming club. A couple of friends I made suggested doing sports relief as a group so we joined a beginners running group at a local club.
I started slowly and could only run a lap of a tennis court but by the end of the12 week course we were running 5k and went on to complete our 10k! I loved it and started to do park runs every Saturday and also became a full member of my local run club.
Regular training I was loving and our coach said I should train for a marathon. I didn’t believe I could because I spent such a short time running and thought only athletes could do this!
I started doing more 10k races, then half marathons then I was lucky to get into London Marathon for PHAB charity which meant a lot as I have an autistic son! Less than a year after I started running I was standing on the start line of The London Marathon 2017, which was something I had only watched on tv. I was nervous but had worked hard with lots of support and completed it in 4hrs 33 mins which I was so happy with! I also raised £3,800 for the charity!
After this I signed up for more marathons and then got into trail running. I absolutely loved this the freedom, nature & exploring got me hooked. I started doing trail marathons and then in 2018 done my first ultra marathon 32 miles it was hard and I learnt a lot from it and what I could do better. So in January 2019 I ran my 2nd ultra 48 miles which again was tough in the pouring rain and dark but loved the people and the event and completed it in 11 hrs.
My love for trails and challenging myself grew and I signed up for Endure24 a 24hr trail race completing as many laps as you can! I didn’t have a total in mind just wanted to see what I could achieve & went on to complete 65 miles with 50 mins sleep!! This is my biggest distance to date!!
Now 2022 I’m going to be 53 I’ve completed more ultras and this year I’m doing Endure24 again hoping to complete 100 miles!!
I love sharing my runs on social media showing the beautiful trails where I live but also encouraging other runners and giving advice and support where I can.
Running is a way of clearing my thoughts and resetting as life with an autistic child is tough I am also a teaching assistant in a special needs school.
Looking forward to many more years running and more challenges & adventures.
I was also offered a place to run with Dame Kelly Holmes on her charity group in Malawi unfortunately I injured myself a month before flying out!!
What do you enjoy the most about being an athlete?
The people I have met and friends I have made, as well as helping other people start running. Most of my friends now have been made through running and run clubs. Definitely helps my mental health clears my thoughts and helps me cope! Proudest achievement winning most improved runner and 1st place in club beach race! Also London Marathon my first ever marathon!
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
Had a torn calf muscle which took me a while to recover from.
A bad experience from a previous work place which affected my health.
My son being autistic and needing routine and fitting training in around family life.
Has your participation helped you overcome any major life issues?
A really bad time where I had trouble in a work place where I was bullied and ended up making myself so ill that I was admitted to the hospital. Running helped me come back and cope.
What is your “why?”
Challenging myself seeing what I can achieve believing if I don’t try I won’t know!
Not letting my age stop me!
Discovering new trails & meeting more running friends!
What’s next?
My first 100 mile event
To run abroad in a event
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
Love Salomon trainers because they suit my style running comfortable.
Also love Harrier UK, which is a great racing kit made by runners.
Do you have a favorite race or event?
Any fun facts about yourself?
I’m also a chef.
I love music and live music gigs.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
You’re never too old to start don’t look at everyone else and think I’m too slow I can’t do that!
Believe achieve.
Do it for yourself if it’s 5k,10k or more it’s personal achievement!
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
I wish I had found my love for running earlier in life.
At school I hated sport and running and my PE teachers were never encouraging!
I always thinking I’m not a runner I don’t look like a runner!!
Keep on running Anita, don’t stop. Tq for your story.