Katie is a positive influence and great ambassador for our sport.  She is a leader of the Newcastle Run Club and was kind enough to share her inspirational running journey with us....

1) What inspired you to start running? 

In my early 20’s my sister and decided to train for a 1/2 marathon (very randomly). We did the couch to 5k program and progressed onwards. We did the Scotia half in October and finished holding hands with our family there cheering us on. I guess really she inspired me to start and I haven’t really stopped!

2) What lead you to join/start a Run group and what are you most proud of ?

My husband and I moved here from Hamilton a few years ago with our 6 month old (at the time). When we first got to Newcastle I kept pretty much to myself, but as we got out of the baby haze and we started to meet people in the neighbourhood, We started realizing what an amazing community it was. We’d always see people out running and thought a run club would be an awesome way to meet more people. I think what I’m most proud of about the run club happened most recently. The last couple of weeks we have had people come out who haven’t run before or hadn’t run in years! I am so glad they felt comfortable enough to come and try - that’s what it’s really all about.

3) Anything unique about your running journey?

I don’t think there is anything super unique about my journey. I’m a mom, so I can relate to that pressure to “jump back” to your old running habits. It took me a long time to realize that’s not the case - I’m a different version of myself, and this version has a different running journey and I’m really excited about that. It’s taken a couple years (my son is 3), and as I’m just about to turn 40, I’m feeling the strongest I ever have. I’m training differently, being smarter and making sure I’m not getting burnt out. I might not get back to my old pace pre-baby, but how awesome is it that I can show my son I can run for a really long time - and still a little faster sometimes!

4) What advice would you give those beginner and intermediate level runners? 

So I’m in this cult, called Peloton 😆 and my favourite running instructor has this motto “forward is a pace”. Maybe it sounds cheesy to some, but it really hit home. Doesn’t matter how fast you are, how far you go, if you’re moving your body forward you are RUNNING! And a heck of a lot people can’t say they are doing that! Other than that I would really say run with your heart, no matter what level you’re at. There’s this magical thing that happens for me that I am sure other runners can relate to, but about 15 mins into my run, and I just get into this magical flow and it’s one of the best feelings for me. Truthfully I run more for that feeling and what it does for my mental health more than anything.

5) What’s your favourite route that you have run 

A) Okay so my favourite route in Durham is in Newcastle, it’s in the bond head area. There is this little stretch of road, it’s not long or anything, but it is just so  my jam. The road has a little gravel, but it’s smooth and quiet and just truly pure bliss.

B) Every time we visit a new country we usually make sure we get out for a run (such a great way to see everything) but last summer we went to PEI and one day my husband and I went out for a run. It was in the country, full of red sand, rolling hills (which I cursed him for at the time) but looking back it was exactly everything I love about running (and it helped that the person I was running with is the one I love the most!) I don’t know if we would ever be able to find the same route again, and I think that makes it even more special!

6) Favourite running song: I cannot pick just one (I do have a playlist on my Spotify called #forwardisapace :) )