Meet Marathon Motivator, Emily

Emily, based in Paisley, a little town outside Glasgow, started on her running journey back in 2007. 

"Working full time, I have a lovely wee family and I absolutely love to run. Marathons are my definite favourite distance (although I think ultra is coming to take that crown 👑)

I’ve been running since I was 20 and although I catch myself saying I’m not a runner, I think we can firmly say that I am! I may not be at the front of the pack, but I’m in the happiest group - those who are grateful to run and enjoy these events."

To find out more about Emily and her motivations for training, check out the below

1. Who or what encouraged you to start running?

I started running in 2007 as a way to lose a little weight and I loved the fact I could fit in running at any time, I didn’t have to wait for a specific class and it was relatively cheap to start off with (little did I know!).  I didn’t really know any other runners, and at the start, I could barely run for a song on my iPod shuffle, however, I noticed the progress quickly and became hooked.

I moved to a new area with my husband in 2009 and a way to meet friends in that area was to join a running club – something I’d recommend fully!

1. What has been your favourite running experience so far and why?

That’s like asking who is my favourite child!  I have lots of favourites but for different reasons, however, the one that stands out for me is the Mhor Marathon in 2018. It was my second marathon after a disastrous first (London 2013) and I was nervous about undertaking the distance.  

I had signed up for the Mhor Trilogy; 10k, half marathon and then the marathon.  It was the first year of hosting this trilogy so they had done some recces of part of the route but it left the last 8/9 miles unexplored but what a final part that was. 

It was through the beautiful countryside of Strathyre and Callandar and it ended at the most gorgeous hotel (Monachyle Mhor) however to get there you had to take a quick pulley boat where you were given a little glass of Pimms and then you had 0.5 miles to run (uphill!) after that.  However, from start to finish, I felt great, my training had gone well, I had put in the miles and I felt positive.  I had planned all my fuelling, my pace and plans A, B and C.  My main aim was to finish with a smile on my face and I did, and it set up my love for marathons.

4. What do you do in your spare time and how does running fit your lifestyle?

I run a lot, and I love signing up for events as that gives me a focus.  I also wild swim, go to the gym, and I’m an avid reader.  I also love spending time with my family however the older my kids get, the less they want to listen to me talk about running.

I’ve been running so long that it is part of who I am and everyone knows it.  There’s no raised eyebrows when I pack my trainers on a holiday, or when I’d prioritise a run over cleaning the bathrooms.  I’ve also made some amazing friends through clubs, events, and the online community – that way we can talk each other's ears off about parkruns, pace, and PBs!

5. How do you stay motivated to train?

I’m quite a visual person so I love a training plan, ticking things off on paper, a spreadsheet or an app really inspires me to get out there. I’ve also run for so long that I remember why I do it – because I love it.  I’m also realistic in that not all runs are going to be great, some will be tough but it’s those tough ones that make you better and stronger (physically and mentally).

6. Do you have any running goals that you would like to achieve in the future?

I’ve become a massive fan of distance running over the past few years and on my bucket list are the two West Highland Way races; The Highland Fling and The Devil of the Highlands which I’m hoping will be completed in 2024.

I have also a backyard ultra and a multi-stage event desire for the future also – maybe Cape Wrath one day!

However, my main running goal is to keep injury-free so I can keep running, enjoying events, and meeting great people.