Laura, This Mum Can’s fabulous Run Leader took some time from her crazy schedule to talk to me about her, the love she has for running and what she can’t live without! Laura’s kicking off her first solo led runs on Saturday morning as part of the new half marathon running club which started on Monday.
Who are you, where are you from and tell me some facts about you!
I’m Laura – I was born in Scotland, moved to Ireland where I grew up and then moved to Manchester last year with my Husband and 3 kids. Before I moved to Manchester last year, I was a prop buyer and set decorator in film and TV. This is where/how I met my husband. He often works away and on one of his jobs he worked in Manchester and loved it. He said “Hey, why don’t we all move here, it’s great”, so we did!
I feel most at home when…
I’m cuddled up on the couch with my 3 kids after I’ve just run 21kms
When did you start running and what got you into it?
Just after my 2nd child was born I walked the Dublin mini-marathon which was a 10k race – the largest event of it’s kind and I remember thinking “next year, I want to run this” and that was that!
What made you join a running club?
I joined a running club back in Ireland years ago to help me reach my mini marathon goal of 10k – I was so nervous the first time but I felt really at home when I started it and I made some amazing friends. I had a collicy baby driving me nuts and I needed to run off some steam and I was hooked. When I moved to Manchester I saw Becca’s poster in Worthington Park – it was a lifeline as I didn’t want to run on my own all the time
Tell me about your best ever run?
I think it was probably when I ran the Connamarathon Half – it’s a rugged hilly course in the West of Ireland. This was my first ever half marathon and I loved every second of it
What do you enjoy most about running with This Mum Can Fitness?
I love meeting like-minded people and when I started with the group, it was a lifeline – it also helps me to not get lost on my runs (which I have a huge habit of!!)
What motivated you to become a Run Leader?
When Becca offered me the opportunity to train as a Run Leader, I jumped at the chance. I couldn’t have run all the races I have without other peoples support so I wanted to help train others. We are all run leaders in our own way
What can someone expect from a run session with you?
I hope they will have fun! You can run any distance if you do the proper training and learn to pace yourself and have the right attitude but the most important thing is that you’re enjoying it.
Do you get injured at all? Do you have any handy hints/injury prevention tips that you can share?
I get the odd niggle but if you listen to your body and remember to stetch you should be fine. Epsom salt baths are amazing and drink plenty of water.
What’s your top tips for new Mums who are getting back to exercise?
I literally ran from one lamppost to the next when I began running – we all have to start somewhere. No-one is judging you, only yourself, so be kind and just get out there.
Let’s talk pelvic floor…what’s your advice to anyone who’s experiencing issues whilst running?
I try to do my exercises semi-regularly! I guess I also try and engage my core when I run and that helps me. Yoga’s great too to focus you on your core. I’ve never had major issues luckily
What’s your personal favourite type of run training and why?
Speed work and hill training are great (when they’re over!) and they really work but my absolute favourite type of run is a long social run with a good friend when we put the world to rights!
What’s your best piece of advice to runners?
You learn the most on a bad run…never give up
What cant you live without?
A sense of humour
How would you friends describe you?
Bonkers!!
If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you take and why?
Sports Bra and a blankety blank cheque book and pen!