King Logo

Club news

On the run with Pet Hedges

September 16, 2016 by Martin Lawrence
Frontpage Article, Headlines, News Specials, Press Releases, Redway Runners Stories

Name: Pet Hedges

Joined Redway Runners: 6 March 2015

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 Pet Hedges

Thanks Pet

19 September 2016

**********

CLUB

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

  • March 2015

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

  • Not run with another club.

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

  • The unconditional love, help and support that everyone gives all the time – I feel part of a big green family.

How much does running with RR mean to you?

  • It means everything to me – I would never have achieved all the things that I have done so far without the support and encouragement from everyone in the club.

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

  • I was a bag of nerves when I got to David Lloyd as I had no idea what to expect, and I was truly terrified that I was far too slow and would hold everyone up. So I chose Leigh’s step up run….and loved it. Loved the fact that no one got left behind, and that everyone was so chatty and friendly. I haven’t looked back.

When and who do you run with the club?

  • I try and do Monday evening club run, Tim’s Explorer run on a Tuesday, Neil’s Wednesday 6pm run if I get out of work in time, and some of the Sunday club runs.
  • The list of who I run with is too long to list here – there are so many lovely people who I run and chat to – special mentions to Janet and Paul who I do most of my training with – and also everyone who comes out on a Thursday evening at Woburn woods, where we are guaranteed to get very lost and to laugh!!

YOU

Tell us your history of running?

  • Just over 2 years ago I had a prolapsed disc in my spine which meant that I was in agony every time I sat down. If some of you wish to know the case of injuries,  click here to find out what causes neck and back pain, here!The physio that put me back together pointed out that due to my height, unless I did some exercise that would build up my core strength, the disc would prolapse again. So I chose running. I had never run before, but set myself a target to run a half marathon in the year I turned 50 (which was last year). Somehow 1 half has turned into 16 so far, and also 2 marathons and 1 Ultra. Loads of 10Ks, a Wolf run and the Paras 10 run (which is the run that the Parachute regiment new recruits have to do as part of their training). I have more marathons and ultras planned this year – and still need to decide on next year’s challenge.

What has been you best running achievement?

  • Being able to run over 50 miles a week regularly!! I never dreamed that this would be possible when I first started. An immense thank you has to go to Jen Sangster – she is always there for me with lashings of encouragement, help, advice and training plans!!

What is your running ambition?

  • To carry on enjoying my running as much as I do at the moment. Still need to decide on next year’s challenge J

Why do you run?

  • Because I can!! It has become part of my life. I get to see my friends a lot, stay fit and healthy, and it’s a brilliant way to de stress after a hard day in the office.

What would you do if you were not running?

  • I would probably be out and about walking my dog, or horse riding. Phoebe (my dog) comes out running a lot with me now, and I fit in horse riding as and when I can.

Favourite place to run?

  • Anywhere off road!

What do you love to see while running?

  • Beautiful scenery and wildlife

Funniest running moment?

  • Too many to mention, and they generally happen on our Thursday evening runs around Woburn woods.

What is your favourite running track and film?

  • Don’t have either!

Tell us about your worst run?

  • This has to be the Oakley 20 earlier this year. It was very warm, very hilly, I was running with a shin splint issue and it seemed never ending. Never again!! Nice hoodie though!!

Best running phrase?

  • Run the mile you’re in – don’t worry about what’s still to come.

pet-hedges-1Favourite running photo and why? (please send it as well)

 

  • Even though the Oakley 20 was my worst ever run, I did get my favourite photo from it – Janet and I crossing the line together. We had both struggled at times through the race, but somehow we managed to catch each other up and get us moving again. There was no way I was going across the line without her!!!

 

 

 

Have you ever lost your running mojo and how did you get it back?

  • No – luckily I haven’t.

Best route around MK?

  • I have a 10 mile route around some of the bridleways from Bottledump roundabout, up round the prison, round Crownhill and back.

Who would be on your wish list to run with?

  • I’m lucky, as I get to run with everyone on my wish list all the time – all club members J

Do you always round up?

  • 99% of the time – yes

Worst/Best advice you’ve ever been given?

  • Running, nutrition and resting should form the 3 points of an equilateral triangle. It doesn’t matter if it’s a big triangle (if you are covering a lot of miles) or a small triangle (a smaller number of miles) – but the triangle should always be equilateral. And the importance of stretching properly!!

What did you learn from your first marathon, and what would you change?

  • That you must listen to your body and go with what it tells you. And that it’s ok to walk.

What do you think about when you run?

  • Anything and everything

What cross training do you prefer?

  • I go to sweat yoga 3 times a week

What type of running do you prefer and why?

  • Slow gentle trail running – you still cover the distance but you get the chance to enjoy the scenery.

Loop backs, love them for the social?

  • I don’t mind a loop back or two on a social run. It’s a fantastic way to keep everyone together – but I generally choose to do a Club run on a Monday so I don’t have any loop backs after a busy running weekend.

Would you change your job if the hours didn’t suit running?

  • No, as I would always find alternative times to run.

Run to time or distance?

  • Distance!

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?

  • My runs are shared uploaded to Strava – if it’s not there, it didn’t happen J

RACE/EVENTS

What was your favourite race and why?

  • New Forest Half last year – stunning scenery, brilliant organisation with lots of local support, ran with the ponies….literally…..and the miles just seemed to disappear.

Favourite race distance and why?

  • Ultras – you get fed every 10K!!! Yes – I love food!!!

Tell us about your pre-race rituals and food and drink

  • I always have a high calorie breakfast of granola and porridge with fruit before a long run. Apart from that I’m not always very organised, so can usually be found running around in a panic hoping that I haven’t forgotten anything.

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

  • I don’t really have an answer for this, but I tend to try and take opportunities to run in different countries as and when I find them. I am running in Berlin this year and Paris in 2017 so far – there will be more J

Favourite parkrun and why?

  • I have only ever done Willen and Blickling (in Norfolk). I would have to say that Blickling is my favourite – it’s around the grounds of a National Trust property, and is so pretty.

What’s your one race essential?

  • My Camelbak – lots of pockets to fill with snacks!!

Would you run a marathon without getting a medal?

  • I might do if it was cheap to enter, and had alternative freebies at the end!!

Have you ever cried because you couldn’t get time of work for an event?

  • No

Have you considered joining the cross country team?

  • Yes – but don’t think I am good enough!!

What would you prefer, a PB or a win?

  • Considering I have never won anything (and am never likely to) – a PB!!

 

Archives

2025
January 2025 (5)
2024
January 2024 (5)February 2024 (2)March 2024 (5)April 2024 (4)May 2024 (1)June 2024 (5)July 2024 (5)August 2024 (8)September 2024 (17)October 2024 (3)November 2024 (6)December 2024 (5)
2023
January 2023 (6)February 2023 (4)March 2023 (4)April 2023 (6)May 2023 (7)June 2023 (6)July 2023 (4)August 2023 (5)September 2023 (6)October 2023 (4)November 2023 (6)December 2023 (4)
2022
January 2022 (7)February 2022 (4)March 2022 (4)April 2022 (5)May 2022 (7)June 2022 (5)July 2022 (4)August 2022 (5)September 2022 (7)October 2022 (7)November 2022 (4)December 2022 (6)
2021
January 2021 (2)February 2021 (6)March 2021 (6)April 2021 (4)May 2021 (5)June 2021 (6)July 2021 (5)August 2021 (3)September 2021 (3)October 2021 (5)November 2021 (3)December 2021 (7)
2020
January 2020 (4)February 2020 (1)March 2020 (8)April 2020 (15)May 2020 (11)June 2020 (7)July 2020 (5)August 2020 (2)September 2020 (1)October 2020 (3)November 2020 (3)December 2020 (6)
2019
January 2019 (3)February 2019 (1)March 2019 (4)April 2019 (5)May 2019 (2)June 2019 (2)July 2019 (4)August 2019 (4)September 2019 (3)October 2019 (5)November 2019 (3)December 2019 (5)
2018
January 2018 (5)February 2018 (1)March 2018 (6)April 2018 (5)May 2018 (4)June 2018 (6)July 2018 (5)August 2018 (7)September 2018 (6)October 2018 (8)November 2018 (5)December 2018 (3)
2017
January 2017 (7)February 2017 (5)March 2017 (6)April 2017 (3)May 2017 (4)June 2017 (6)July 2017 (8)August 2017 (6)September 2017 (4)October 2017 (8)November 2017 (5)December 2017 (9)
2016
January 2016 (5)February 2016 (1)March 2016 (6)April 2016 (7)May 2016 (1)June 2016 (5)July 2016 (9)August 2016 (11)September 2016 (8)October 2016 (6)November 2016 (9)December 2016 (6)
2015
January 2015 (6)February 2015 (4)March 2015 (2)April 2015 (12)May 2015 (5)June 2015 (1)July 2015 (5)September 2015 (6)October 2015 (6)November 2015 (7)December 2015 (7)
2014
May 2014 (2)June 2014 (4)July 2014 (2)August 2014 (7)September 2014 (9)October 2014 (4)November 2014 (14)December 2014 (7)