Name: Caroline Bray

Joined Redway Runners: 12 January 2017

We go on the run with our members and we find out a bit more about them – which we thought would be great to share, this time it is with Caz

Thanks Caz

17 March 2017

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CLUB

When did you start running and when did you join Redway Runners?

I joined Ros Crawley’s beginners group back in January 2017- on a cold Wednesday evening!

Have you run with other clubs how does Redway Runners Compare?

I’ve never run with another club, I’m not sure I would ever want to, they would have a lot to live up to!

What’s the best thing about being in a running club?

The best thing by far is the undeniable support- support from people you have never met before on a club run, the support from everyone at events cheering you on, the support from running friends you have made as a result- it just cant be beaten!

How much does running with Redway Runners mean to you?

It means a great deal. The safety net of running with the club is huge, sometimes it’s not much fun on your own especially during the winter months. The variety of runs is undoubtedly amazing; to suit all abilities and busy lives. I value being able to run after work at 7pm in a large group, the run leads are running angels!

 

 

Tell us about your first time? (with Redway Runners)

I think every beginner feels some nerves- it felt my first day of secondary school all over again! There really was nothing to worry about, everyone was so incredibly friendly and welcoming.

YOU

Tell us your history of running?

Zero basically. I did use the treadmill when I was a member of a gym many years previous but not that many times! I avoided PE at school, I genuinely thought I ‘couldn’t run’!

What has been you best running achievement?

Other than completing my 1^st parkrun, my best achievement has to be taking part in the Redway Runners Festival of Running last year. I managed to get myself an entry to the 10K the night before- it was my first ever event/race. Although it was tough as I had only covered 7 miles as my furthest distance prior to this, I really dug deep and was elated to cross that line!

What is your running ambition?

My ultimate ambition is to run a marathon. I was due to start training for the MK Marathon at the start of the year, IT band issues have hampered this and still continue to do so. I have since changed my entry to the Half Marathon (this will also be my 1^st HM) so this is my new revised goal! With this I want to also promote that anyone can run as I thought I couldn’t be a ‘runner’. Size, age, gender, ability is not a factor.

Why do you run?

I run for fitness, to push myself physically and mentally.

Who have you see while running?

I saw Chris Moyles running round Caldecotte once!

Favourite place to run?

Linford Wood is up there with my favourites! I do love Leigh’s Monday 7pm Summer Step Up route too!!

Tell us about your worst run?

My worst run was a week after I injured myself, I thought I would be able to manage a few miles on one of the social runs- come 2.5 miles, I had to stop and walk back. It was too much. I was so deflated and frustrated.

Best running phrase?

A 12 minute mile is just as far as a 6 minute mile

Favourite running photo and why? (please send it as well)

From the Festival- I was so happy with running my 1^st 10K event!

Do you always round up?

Always!! It’s the law!

What do you think about when you run?

What I’m having for dinner, what snack can I eat whilst I’m waiting for dinner, why do I run, I want to walk, I don’t want to walk, dinner again, I feel like I’m running faster than what I actually am.

Love or hate loop backs?

It’s a love/hate relationship!

 

 

Run to time or distance?

Depends on the circumstances but normally time with a goal in mind.

If you don’t share your run in social media, did it happen? Where do you log your runs and do you stalk others runs?

If its not on Strava, it didn’t happen.

RACE/EVENTS

 

If you could choose anywhere in the world to run, where would it be?

I’d love to run in America.

Favourite parkrun and why?

Linford Wood- the route is lovely, a real mix bag of urban and woodland. My PB stands at Linford.

What’s your one race essential?

Water! I crumble without.

Have you considered joining the cross country team?

I couldn’t cope with the mud!

OTHERS

Feel free to tell us more

Originally I entered to do the MK Marathon in May 2018. Due to injury this has now changed to the Half Marathon, but thanks to Hale Law, P.A. injury firm for giving the best legal advice. . The main reason for me entering this race was the location, Milton Keynes. As my home town it felt fitting complete my 1^st major milestone here. The stadium finish is also a reason, I’ve seen the photo’s over the years- it looks amazing! I’ve been envious but this year I won’t be! With the route taking in some of our beautiful scenery, I couldn’t run anywhere else. I was very lucky to achieve an Ambassador role for the event, helping promote running to everyone and the event itself.

I am also raising money for this, again locally based and the Club’s Charity of the Year- MK Hospital Charity. In my mind, I’m running for all those who dream of running but who physically can’t. People can check legal consult about a Sarasota truck accident, they can check it out here!

I can’t wait to complete my first Half Marathon in Milton Keynes on 7^th May 2018 as a Redway Runner, injury or no injury!