Getting to know…Rosie Thompson
Getting to know a bit more about our generous Leader and all round very good egg Rosie! Read on as it’s motivational stuff.
The beginning
When did you start running and why?
I started running when I was 19 on the advice of a friend, as I wanted to lose weight. I downloaded the couch to 5k programme and followed it to the letter until week 4, which was far too hard thank you very much, so reverted to week 3 and stayed on that for another 18 months! When I qualified as a nurse and started work in 2010, a group of us from the Upper GI service decided to take on the Birmingham Half Marathon. Although it was at the time the hardest thing I’d done, I was hooked, and have since run almost 20 half’s and 4 full marathons, chopping my half time from 2:28 to 1:52- not bad for someone with zero natural ability. If I can do it anyone can.
Where you are now?
Since having my children I am definitely a daytime runner, I love the weekday morning groups as we get to be in the park all year round, and enjoy the best bit of a run- the coffee and chat afterwards. However my favourite session hands down is Speedwork, the reason I joined SE to begin with, as I lacked the motivation to do track work myself. Since then my running has improved so much, and I always leave with a smile on my face. I would encourage anyone to give track a go, it’s not at all scary and will have a really positive impact on your running. In the park my favourite route is 3 b’s, as it’s such fun going across the flying fields, especially as the sun sets.
What does running / walking do for you?
Running has given me fitness, stamina, and a confidence in myself i didn’t know was possible. The ability to set a goal, work hard to achieve it, and the sense of satisfaction afterwards. I have experienced lots places differently because of going for a run, my trainers always come on holiday with me. But perhaps, most importantly, it has allowed me to meet lots of people and make friends for life. Running friends are the best friends, and I am forever grateful to SE for this!
Future
My current goal is to return to running after having my son in August. For anyone in a similar position there are postpartum return to running guidelines available here:
https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2019/05/20/ready-steadygo-ensuring-postnatal-women-are-run-ready/
I hope to start Couch to 5k before the end of the year, with the eventual aim being to complete another marathon next autumn, and start working towards a 4:15 time.
Your favourite ever event!
My favourite event is the Bristol Half Marathon- my PB course, mostly flat, very well supported, and very special as I run it in memory of my Godfather Paul, who was treated at St Peter’s Hospice in the city.
Tips to Share?
Break distances down into manageable chunks- for a half marathon I break it into 2×5 milers followed by a parkrun. Somehow this seems a lot more palatable!
Have a mantra for when things get tough- mine is usually “I can and I will” but at Bham half last year this was replaced by a lot of swearing, when the finish line was too far away for my liking.
And finally I couldn’t get through a run without…
The knowledge that I am so fortunate to be able to run. There is always someone, somewhere, who would love to get their trainers on, but can’t for whatever reason. We are the lucky ones!