Like many women, I started running to lose weight. I didn’t get far initially because I was out of shape. I never intended to Become A Runner. But I did, though it took me several years and a couple of marathons before I considered myself one.
I kept running because it made me feel good. As one of the 53 women interviewed for this book puts it, it is now an unquestioned part of my life. I run for many reasons but mostly because it makes me feel confident and capable.
This is a book about women who run. It is intended to encourage those who already do to keep running and to inspire those thinking about it to head out the door today. There is never a perfect time to start.
You simply need to take that first step and keep going. In this, it is all about you. You may not get far the first time. But that’s OK. It's the journey that matters most.
The stories of these 53 women explain how running has become an integral part of their lives. As varied as they are and ranging in age from their early 20s to their late 50s, what they describe is a shared experience. It's one of empowerment.
For these women, running has evolved from a simple form of physical exercise to the catalyst for taking charge of their health and giving them peace of mind from otherwise hectic daily lives.
Some run for the simple pleasure it brings, while others race for finish lines. Some run with friends, while others run alone. Most of them run because they can.
As coaches Pat Carroll and Susan Griffith say, running is about the sense of achievement and wellbeing that it gives to those who take up the sport. All it takes is one step at a time.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Table of Contents
1. Coach Pat Carroll
A great sense of accomplishment is available to anyone
“It is really important to enjoy the journey rather than feel like it is something you have to do.”
2. Coach Susan Griffith
Exercise is one of the critical elements to a person’s wellbeing
”People who take running up later in life find that it gives them a level of confidence they didn’t know existed.”
3. Angela Adamson: It makes me happy
“I have three small children, work four days a week, and can honestly say that running is my release.”
4. Anne-Maree Jaggs: Taking care of yourself is not selfish
“Cool wind in my hair on a hot afternoon, boosts of unexpected energy, and positive, unsolicited comments from people I least expect”
5. Running my first marathon was incredible (anonymous)
“You end up with some hyperventilating guy slapping around behind you and you slow down so you don’t have to call an ambulance.”
6. Becky Pratten: Motherhood provided the inspiration
“Running means freedom, self-expression and an identity other than being a mum.”’
7. Cassie Smith: Find the courage to try
“I give every training run the respect it deserves and try my hardest.’’
8. Christina Siu: Always give life a go
“Running has also taught me never to say never, and that doing something difficult and facing the challenge is so rewarding.’’
9. Davina Alston: Boost your confidence
“I love the atmosphere of the events that I compete in; I think the competitive air is really motivating and inspirational.’’
10. Diane Soffe: Taking charge of your destiny
“I realised there were two options left to me; I could continue to get old or I could do something about it.”
11. Fiona Paul: It is my passion
“A great run feels like the hard work is getting easier.”
12. Fiona Skinner: Forging lifelong bonds along the trails
“Running has brought me lots of good adventures, challenges and new friendships.”
13. Gina Unwin: Determined to run again when told I wouldn’t
“I feel very free when I run. I love the endorphin rushes and I think a lot - lots of new ideas come to me when I run.”
14. Helen Bruce: It was easier than we thought
“It is all about getting into a routine that you can maintain for the rest of your life.”
15. Helen: Running is my choice – and my success
“I used to run at 4:30am so no one would see me as I chased my dream.”
16. Karen Scott: I didn’t consider myself to be sporty
“The intensity and sacrifices involved in training for a marathon are all worthwhile when you realise, in the last 3km, that you are about to complete the biggest challenge of your life so far.”
17. Karey Corrie: Effort brings surprising results
“Running gives me confidence to be true to myself and reminds me to push my own limits regularly, both on the road and in life in general.”
18. Katrina Crook: Looking for an age group I can win
“Races gave me the motivation to keep running. I kept every certificate, timing list and T-shirt from the first few years.”
19. Keryn Clark: Take control of your destiny
“For all its connotations with discipline and routine, it is a very user-friendly and flexible sport requiring minimum props and expense.”
20. Lisa Hurring: A desire to run drove my rehabilitation
“It’s a source of satisfaction and personal achievement that’s always with me, no matter how other aspects of my life might be faring.”
21. Elizabeth Bennett: Thoughts of a marathoner
“Running fits in as a matter of routine and as an unquestioned part of every day life.”
22. Margot McGinness: My time is sacred
“I have completed eight half marathons, two marathons and countless shorter events - I still struggle to call myself a runner.”
23. Shelley Kirkwood: Keeping my mind in check
“Any form of exercise has to be a lifestyle. It has to be woven into everyday life so that it becomes one of the things you just do.”
24. Shelley Maxwell-Smith: The big hill I climbed
“I wanted to be one of those fit-looking girls.’’
25. Stacey Harland and Karen Bradley: The power of friendship
“When the alarm goes off I just have to get up and go whether I'm in a good or a bad mood because I know Stacey's waiting.”
26. Stacia Nelson: From reluctance to commitment
“My partner used to ask me, `When was your last run?’ if I was a bit irritable. Too funny, he was usually right. I just need to go for a run.”
27. Susan Trodd: Coping with menopause
“At 54, I decided that I was not going to let preconceptions of age stop me and to return to the interests of my youth - one being running.”
28. Vicky Baxter-Wright: When my walking buddies didn’t show
“A good run can also just be about the conversation we have as we run. Sometimes I've had to stop because I was laughing so much.”
29. Victoria: Positively energised
“They think I'm obsessed with this running drug. That I do too much, it influences my social life too much and takes too much time away from them.’’
30. Virginia O’Connor: Pulling on my running shoes
“I had decided I wanted to run until I was at least six months pregnant but my body had other ideas and I chose to listen to it.”
31. Aimee Barrett: The habit that I need to feel positive
“I feel it’s what the human body has been designed for.”
32. Anne Marie Halton: A great run makes me feel invincible
“I have more energy, am more motivated to take risks, I feel like I can do whatever I set my sights on given the right preparation.’’
33. Anne Jones: My life feels poorer without it
“Nothing quite equals the good feelings and the lift to my spirit that I get from running.”
34. Caroline: Planning to ensure my training fits
“The realisation that slower runners are still real runners is one of my best experiences involving running.’’
35. Cathy Sheaff: Great legs are a good enough reason
“I haven't worked out what makes it a good run - if I did I'd plan to only have good runs.”
36. Chris Jones: A long-time walker picks up her pace
“Running is to me proof that I have willpower - inner strength.”
37. Colette Woodliffe: One too many glasses of champagnes
“Running is supreme as it is freedom for body, mind and soul.”
38. Deborah Kemp: The confidence will surprise you
“I ran 18km and I just could not believe it. I knew then that I could do a half marathon and it felt great to realise I had reached a new level.”
39. Eileen Varty: Taking on more challenges
“I had a Birmingham hip replacement and went through a stage of maybe never running again which was totally devastating.”
40. Elizabeth Adams: A marathon wasn’t my objective
“Many people are amazed when you say have run a marathon.’’
41. Jan Roberts: My brother said I wouldn’t last
“I am 48 and in very good shape. My mom says I have the body of a 25-year old. I say, ‘Mom, I work really hard at it’.’’
42. Laura How: Freedom for my spirit
“I not only think about the health benefits, I also feel them as my body changes and I become stronger.”
43. Manda Milling: A training program helps me focus
“My husband says I’m much nicer after I have been running.”
44. Margo McLay: I realised that I like to compete
“I like the feeling of satisfaction that I get when I complete a significant race such as a 10km or a half marathon.’’
45. Rhonda LeBrocque: The healthier my body the better my life
“People think it is too hard but until you start you don’t realise that it isn’t that difficult at all and you don’t have to be fast to be a runner.’’
46. Ros Holcombe: Being fit, looking good and staying young
“He encouraged me to try the China Coast half marathon and I thought he was nuts. But I did it.”
47. Shannon Daley: A priority because I make it one
“Sometimes I will feel exhausted before a run but when I get back I am completely energised.’’
48. Sharon Varley: My pace sustains my love for the sport
“I love how I feel as a result of running - mentally and physically. It's a real outlet for me. It helps me keep a positive perspective on life
49. Stephanie Yeung: An energy boost to brighten my mood
“It taught me that hard work and patience pays off at the end and I apply it to all aspects of my life.’’
50. Sue Cameron: Feeling fabulous helps get us out the door
“Being only a novice, I found any sort of training sessions a form of hell and motivating myself to get out the door really tough.”
51. Suzie Oswald: I run races with my husband and daughter
“More people would run if they took the time to take it easy first.”
52. Tara Baumann: Fitness, friendship, enjoyment and challenge
“When I run I find myself in a space that I really like to be in.’’
53. Toni Hackwill: Seeing the social benefits
“Running has improved my quality of life. I am happier and I have set goals to train for.’’
54. Tina Fiegel: An ultra-runner yearns for more
“They think I'm doing too much at my age or don't understand that even slow people can do races. But I have running friends.’’
A great sense of accomplishment is available to anyone
“It is really important to enjoy the journey rather than feel like it is something you have to do.”
2. Coach Susan Griffith
Exercise is one of the critical elements to a person’s wellbeing
”People who take running up later in life find that it gives them a level of confidence they didn’t know existed.”
3. Angela Adamson: It makes me happy
“I have three small children, work four days a week, and can honestly say that running is my release.”
4. Anne-Maree Jaggs: Taking care of yourself is not selfish
“Cool wind in my hair on a hot afternoon, boosts of unexpected energy, and positive, unsolicited comments from people I least expect”
5. Running my first marathon was incredible (anonymous)
“You end up with some hyperventilating guy slapping around behind you and you slow down so you don’t have to call an ambulance.”
6. Becky Pratten: Motherhood provided the inspiration
“Running means freedom, self-expression and an identity other than being a mum.”’
7. Cassie Smith: Find the courage to try
“I give every training run the respect it deserves and try my hardest.’’
8. Christina Siu: Always give life a go
“Running has also taught me never to say never, and that doing something difficult and facing the challenge is so rewarding.’’
9. Davina Alston: Boost your confidence
“I love the atmosphere of the events that I compete in; I think the competitive air is really motivating and inspirational.’’
10. Diane Soffe: Taking charge of your destiny
“I realised there were two options left to me; I could continue to get old or I could do something about it.”
11. Fiona Paul: It is my passion
“A great run feels like the hard work is getting easier.”
12. Fiona Skinner: Forging lifelong bonds along the trails
“Running has brought me lots of good adventures, challenges and new friendships.”
13. Gina Unwin: Determined to run again when told I wouldn’t
“I feel very free when I run. I love the endorphin rushes and I think a lot - lots of new ideas come to me when I run.”
14. Helen Bruce: It was easier than we thought
“It is all about getting into a routine that you can maintain for the rest of your life.”
15. Helen: Running is my choice – and my success
“I used to run at 4:30am so no one would see me as I chased my dream.”
16. Karen Scott: I didn’t consider myself to be sporty
“The intensity and sacrifices involved in training for a marathon are all worthwhile when you realise, in the last 3km, that you are about to complete the biggest challenge of your life so far.”
17. Karey Corrie: Effort brings surprising results
“Running gives me confidence to be true to myself and reminds me to push my own limits regularly, both on the road and in life in general.”
18. Katrina Crook: Looking for an age group I can win
“Races gave me the motivation to keep running. I kept every certificate, timing list and T-shirt from the first few years.”
19. Keryn Clark: Take control of your destiny
“For all its connotations with discipline and routine, it is a very user-friendly and flexible sport requiring minimum props and expense.”
20. Lisa Hurring: A desire to run drove my rehabilitation
“It’s a source of satisfaction and personal achievement that’s always with me, no matter how other aspects of my life might be faring.”
21. Elizabeth Bennett: Thoughts of a marathoner
“Running fits in as a matter of routine and as an unquestioned part of every day life.”
22. Margot McGinness: My time is sacred
“I have completed eight half marathons, two marathons and countless shorter events - I still struggle to call myself a runner.”
23. Shelley Kirkwood: Keeping my mind in check
“Any form of exercise has to be a lifestyle. It has to be woven into everyday life so that it becomes one of the things you just do.”
24. Shelley Maxwell-Smith: The big hill I climbed
“I wanted to be one of those fit-looking girls.’’
25. Stacey Harland and Karen Bradley: The power of friendship
“When the alarm goes off I just have to get up and go whether I'm in a good or a bad mood because I know Stacey's waiting.”
26. Stacia Nelson: From reluctance to commitment
“My partner used to ask me, `When was your last run?’ if I was a bit irritable. Too funny, he was usually right. I just need to go for a run.”
27. Susan Trodd: Coping with menopause
“At 54, I decided that I was not going to let preconceptions of age stop me and to return to the interests of my youth - one being running.”
28. Vicky Baxter-Wright: When my walking buddies didn’t show
“A good run can also just be about the conversation we have as we run. Sometimes I've had to stop because I was laughing so much.”
29. Victoria: Positively energised
“They think I'm obsessed with this running drug. That I do too much, it influences my social life too much and takes too much time away from them.’’
30. Virginia O’Connor: Pulling on my running shoes
“I had decided I wanted to run until I was at least six months pregnant but my body had other ideas and I chose to listen to it.”
31. Aimee Barrett: The habit that I need to feel positive
“I feel it’s what the human body has been designed for.”
32. Anne Marie Halton: A great run makes me feel invincible
“I have more energy, am more motivated to take risks, I feel like I can do whatever I set my sights on given the right preparation.’’
33. Anne Jones: My life feels poorer without it
“Nothing quite equals the good feelings and the lift to my spirit that I get from running.”
34. Caroline: Planning to ensure my training fits
“The realisation that slower runners are still real runners is one of my best experiences involving running.’’
35. Cathy Sheaff: Great legs are a good enough reason
“I haven't worked out what makes it a good run - if I did I'd plan to only have good runs.”
36. Chris Jones: A long-time walker picks up her pace
“Running is to me proof that I have willpower - inner strength.”
37. Colette Woodliffe: One too many glasses of champagnes
“Running is supreme as it is freedom for body, mind and soul.”
38. Deborah Kemp: The confidence will surprise you
“I ran 18km and I just could not believe it. I knew then that I could do a half marathon and it felt great to realise I had reached a new level.”
39. Eileen Varty: Taking on more challenges
“I had a Birmingham hip replacement and went through a stage of maybe never running again which was totally devastating.”
40. Elizabeth Adams: A marathon wasn’t my objective
“Many people are amazed when you say have run a marathon.’’
41. Jan Roberts: My brother said I wouldn’t last
“I am 48 and in very good shape. My mom says I have the body of a 25-year old. I say, ‘Mom, I work really hard at it’.’’
42. Laura How: Freedom for my spirit
“I not only think about the health benefits, I also feel them as my body changes and I become stronger.”
43. Manda Milling: A training program helps me focus
“My husband says I’m much nicer after I have been running.”
44. Margo McLay: I realised that I like to compete
“I like the feeling of satisfaction that I get when I complete a significant race such as a 10km or a half marathon.’’
45. Rhonda LeBrocque: The healthier my body the better my life
“People think it is too hard but until you start you don’t realise that it isn’t that difficult at all and you don’t have to be fast to be a runner.’’
46. Ros Holcombe: Being fit, looking good and staying young
“He encouraged me to try the China Coast half marathon and I thought he was nuts. But I did it.”
47. Shannon Daley: A priority because I make it one
“Sometimes I will feel exhausted before a run but when I get back I am completely energised.’’
48. Sharon Varley: My pace sustains my love for the sport
“I love how I feel as a result of running - mentally and physically. It's a real outlet for me. It helps me keep a positive perspective on life
49. Stephanie Yeung: An energy boost to brighten my mood
“It taught me that hard work and patience pays off at the end and I apply it to all aspects of my life.’’
50. Sue Cameron: Feeling fabulous helps get us out the door
“Being only a novice, I found any sort of training sessions a form of hell and motivating myself to get out the door really tough.”
51. Suzie Oswald: I run races with my husband and daughter
“More people would run if they took the time to take it easy first.”
52. Tara Baumann: Fitness, friendship, enjoyment and challenge
“When I run I find myself in a space that I really like to be in.’’
53. Toni Hackwill: Seeing the social benefits
“Running has improved my quality of life. I am happier and I have set goals to train for.’’
54. Tina Fiegel: An ultra-runner yearns for more
“They think I'm doing too much at my age or don't understand that even slow people can do races. But I have running friends.’’
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