Life is a gift and also a challenge. We are defined by the choices we make every moment and the solidification of those choices manifest itself as our experience and environment.
We all have unique reasons that led us to run, however, we are all united in the universal love of running. I’m very grateful to have Anna B share some of her story, inspirations and thoughts about running.
I am personally very interested in when, how and why we’re all drawn to running, so naturally, my first question for Anna is along this line.
When did you start running?
Anna: I started running at Uni once a week. But I stepped up my training significantly in 2014 for my first marathon after my heart surgery.
Having been a runner for 20 years, what inspired you to start running in the first place?
Anna: To start with it was stress buster at Uni. From 2014 it was a mission to get back to being the healthiest and fittest I’ve ever been after heart surgery.
What were the first steps you too towards running?
Anna: In 2014 it was walking, then power walking, jogging then running!
Who inspires you within the running community?
Anna: People with determination no matter what crap life throws at them, they bounce back!
Are you affiliated with a team, group or club?
Anna: No, I’m solo, but active on Twitter to share experiences, @runanninarun.
As a runner myself I know that we all have that one run, whether it was a fast run, a long run, a long and fast run or a joyous run that truly stands out from the rest and for Anna, it was finishing her first Marathon in 2015.
As we grow through running, personally, physically and mentally, what inspired us to run in the beginning may not be what drive us today. I asked Anna what inspires her these days to get out there and run?
Anna: It gives me peace, it keeps me sane and it’s my me time before work.
Nutrition is always on the menu of debate and I love the enormous variations of likes, dislikes and fuel we use to get us to where we want to get.
What nutrition gets you through your runs? (Long runs/races, short runs/races, pre and post running or workouts.
Anna: As a long distance runner, good nutrition is imperative. I have now settled with tribe bars, delicious and natural. I have also discovered that custard cream biscuits fit me perfectly! If I nibble a few my stomach doesn’t get cramps. Pre race is toast with Nutella! post race is Bread, oatcakes, something simple and dry.
As our nutrition differ from each other so does the gear that support us through our journeys.
What gear are you using at this moment and why?
Anna: I swear by Hoka trainers for road and trails. They saved my feet as I suffer from severe under toe pain if I use other brands. My GPS watch is simple Garmin forerunner. Really pleased with 2xu compression shorts. Tops I don’t mind, I like bargains. Bras only Shock Absorber. Happy with hydration backpack from Osprey.
What is your favourite piece of kit and why?
Anna: My Hoka Challenger ATR 4
What advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now, if you could go back in time to when you just started running?
Anna: Run more when you are young with less niggles.
Are there any tips you’ve picked up along the way that could be a game changer to another runner?
Anna: If you don’t love it, you are doing something wrong, step back a bit, rest and try again after a while with baby steps.
Every runner has at least one valuable piece of information that could change a life if passed over at the right time. If you feel that you’d like to share your story, inspirations, nutrition and gear choices, please email me at therunnersdailyblog@gmail.com for more information.
Thank you Anna B for your time and openness to share a small portion of your life with us. We wish you the very best in all your adventures in the future
The Runners Daily 