When was your first race, and how did you fare? My first race was the Liverpool 10k. I can’t remember how old I was, probably around 18. Both me and my friend did it. I started off far too fast and didn’t know how to pace myself. I remember getting to the finish line and being sick. That soon passed though, as I had a big ice-cream not long after!
Are you a thin-top-whatever-the-weather sort of runner, or do you wear all the gear? I don’t like to start my run cold. Quite often I run in vest or T-shirt or a long-sleeved top, so I can de-layer. Then long-leg or three-quarter running tights and my gloves. I don’t like to show my legs when I’m running, only if it is a lovely sunny day or on race day!
Where is your favourite place to run? Either a big open space like a park or a nice short hill that I can do hill repeats on. If it has a nice view, then that would be just perfect. Great for the glutes as well.
And of course, running in a big race is an amazing feeling. A real boost for everyone, competitors and supporters alike.
When someone asks for a training tip, what do you tell them? Sign yourself up to do an organised race. Cancer Research UK have runs going on all throughout the year, all distances, so there’s no excuse! It’s a great way to keep your motivation and give you even more purpose, to run when raising money and awareness to help others.
And also, try to be consistent. It’s no good being really focused for two weeks then not doing anything for a week or so. You will only progress if you stick with it and eat well. Many women don’t eat enough when exercising regularly and wonder why they haven’t got enough energy to train hard.
What’s your favourite running gadget? Without doubt my Garmin. It changed my life! I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my marathon PB of 2hr 54min 39sec last year without it.
Do you run to music? What do you listen to? Not when I am outside. I like to use my running as good thinking time. It’s nice to hear the sounds or peace and quiet of the world as I run by. Plus it is much safer.
I do always listen to music if in the gym, though. I’ve got some fab yurbuds earphones that don’t fall out all the time. I usually listen to Kiss radio or any kind of dance music.
What is the worst thing about running? Wanting to run faster straight away – but it takes a lot of hard work and you have to build up your strength and fitness, as well as your mental strength, before really seeing results. Either that, or not having enough time to squeeze a run into my day.
What do you eat on the morning of a race? Either porridge made with half soya milk and half water, or toast with jam.
What’s the furthest distance you’ve ever run? 26.2 miles. I have no plans to run longer distances. I would much rather focus on speeding up on the distances I have already accomplished.
Do you ever run barefoot? Only on the beach a few times. I have never run in foot-glove-type shoes. I personally prefer to have a little more support. Leading up to the marathon I trained in Asics Gel-Nimbus and ran all my races in Adidas Adizeros.
Farah or Bolt? They’re both great and have both achieved amazing things. Athletes are fantastic role models. But … my favourite is Mo.
Who is the greatest runner ever? To be honest, the people I admire the most are the ones who are still running well into older age. They are the people who really inspire me. I hope to be like them when I am older.
• Nell McAndrew’s Peak Energy: Recharged is available on Amazon or iTunes. She runs to raise money for Cancer Research.
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