Getting to know…Michelle Stammers
The beginning
When did you start running and why? Can you tell us a bit about how you became a leader?
I started running after I joined the walking group to get fit and meet new people. As my fitness improved I decided to give running a try and joined the beginners running group. The leaders who supported me through my journey to run non stop without feeling like I was going to keel over were so amazing that it inspired me to do the same for others.
Where you are now?
Are you a morning or evening runner, prefer Winter or Summer, roads or trails?
I prefer summer running in the park, day or night. Winters I find very difficult to leave the house when the weather is awful! Sometimes you have just got to force yourself to go running and as you know once you have done your run you feel so glad you made the effort as you always feel energized afterwards.
What does running do for you?
My fitness is so much better now, I have dropped 2 dress sizes since I started 9 years ago. Taking up the challenge of running and being a leader has given me so much more confidence in all parts of my life. It gave me the courage to try new challenges such as trek to Everest Base Camp, start my travel and networking businesses, give career talks at local schools. And my social life is fantastic now having made so many new friends – some of them are friends for life and mean so much to me.
Future
What’s your plan? Is there a goal in mind?
I have no plan – just enjoy every day. Stay as fit as possible but don’t beat yourself up if you miss a run – there is always tomorrow.
Your favourite ever event?
Manchester marathon last year. I trained with my close friend Carrie Gibson and we had an amazing journey together running the miles every week and keeping each other going. Race day was perfect weather and all our training paid off as we had amazing run!
Tips to Share
You’ve been running a long time and completed plenty of events do you have any advice to share?
If you’re new to running, keep at it. Everyone thinks they cannot run at the beginning and its so easy to give up. Just keep going for the first 6 weeks and then after that you body adjusts and you really start to see the benefits of all your hard work .
And finally, I couldn’t get through a run without……. my running pals and a Costa afterwards!