A Quick Cuppa With…Ann Brown

Ann is an actress from West Yorkshire. She is 49, a mum to three sons, grandmother to one grandson and in a relationship with Lee. She is relatively new to running and runs for fun, fitness and weight loss.

How long have you been running and why did you start?

I have been running for three months now. I went to Japan in January to meet my new grandson and I was so looking forward to seeing all the photographs we’d taken but was horrified to see how much weight had crept on without me noticing. I immediately changed my diet and quickly lost 10 kilos but then the weight loss stopped. I knew I needed to exercise to see more weight loss and so the obvious choice was running. My partner has been a runner for many years and was only too happy to help me get going.

How often do you run?

I aim to run five times a week.

What do you listen to when you are running?

I usually run with Lee so I don’t often use an mp3. On the odd occasion that I do run alone I listen to Elvis because I haven’t got around to putting anything else onto my mp3 yet!

How do you stay focused and disciplined?

I set myself targets and each time I reach one I set another. The thrill of reaching a goal is very addictive and the thought of feeling that thrill again is what keeps me going. My first target was to run the Race for Life and I am doing that this coming Sunday. I have run a couple of practice 5k’s since I started so I know I can do the distance. I also bought a pair of size 10 Capri pants and I aim to get into them before the end of the summer!

Other than running what else do you do to keep fit?

There are miles of canals and acres of moorland near where I live so I walk a lot. I don’t yet run far enough to see the weight dropping off but my body shape has definitely changed. I guess the fat is shrinking and the muscle is growing. I have recently started using kettlebells to help burn more of that dratted fat and to help define my shape. It’s working too!

What is your favourite place to run?

My local park as it’s safe, convenient and very pretty whatever the season. I also like to do Parkrun, I love being in the midst of so many people who all love running; it’s very inspiring.

How long have you been a member of Running4Women?

Since May this year.

What are your goals for the coming year?

One circuit of my local park is a quarter of a mile. On my first day of running, I ran less than one circuit and thought I was going to throw up and pass out. At that point I could not even begin to imagine being able to do four circuits (one mile) yet here I am, three months later and I can now run 3.2 miles without too much trouble. Right now, a 10k feels like a huge challenge but if I can do a 5 then I will be able to do a 10 eventually and if I can do a 10 then who knows what could happen long term. I shall be 50 in April next year and I’d like to be able to do a ‘biggie’ by then. Maybe a half marathon?

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