We are delighted to be supporting our Managing Director, Bev Stoves, as she trains to run the Nottingham Ikano Robin Hood Half Marathon on 28 September 2014. We caught up with Bev to find out a bit more.
Before you started training for the Nottingham Half, when did you last run for more than a couple of miles?
About 30 years ago when I was at school but I would do anything to get out of Cross Country running through mud!
What has made you get off the settee and start running?
I did the Ikano mini marathon last year (1.5 miles) with my younger son and was totally blown away by the atmosphere as the starting gun was fired. That day, I decided I wanted to run in 2014, before I was too old!
What is the hardest thing about running?
Getting your trainers on and taking that first step outside of your front door.
What is the best thing about running?
Getting outdoors, the wind in your hair and the sunshine on your face
How does it feel when you go out running?
Everything hurts! Running is definitely a mental challenge as well as physical. Every time the little voice in my head tries to get me to stop, I repeat a ‘Never give up’ mantra over and over again.
With or without music?
Definitely with! Lots of dance music. I am loving ‘Scream and Shout’ by Britney featuring Will.I.am
How often do you train?
I have been doing a combination of running outdoors and strength training indoors at the gym five days a week. I have a couple of rest days as it’s important for your body to recover.
What has kept you so focussed?
At the beginning of the year, I told virtually everyone I know that I am doing it!! My husband, children and friends have been wonderfully supportive also.
How do you think you will feel on the actual Race Day?
Excited, nervous and apprehensive as 13.1 miles is a long way to run!
Are you running for Charity?
I am raising funds for the Stroke Association and would love to raise £2,500. Life changed forever for my family in April 2013 when my Mum suffered a stroke from a brain bleed. Although she survived the stroke, she lost her speech and now suffers from post stroke dementia.
The Stroke Association do some amazing work supporting stroke survivors, families and carers. They also fund research into the prevention and treatment of strokes.
If you would like to donate, a link to Bev’s fundraising page is below:
