A Quick Cuppa With…..Rachel Humphrey

April 20, 2017 0 0

A Quick Cuppa With…..Rachel Humphrey

Rachel is a 44 year old Human Resources Director from Forest Hill, London. She is married to Jonny and a mum to Lara (9) and Mia (5)

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

I have always liked keeping fit and used to run on the treadmill in the gym as part of my regular routine. Plus I enjoyed running when on holiday as it was a good way to explore beautiful scenery. The great thing is you only need to take trainers and you are good to go!

I started to run outside and more regularly after I signed up for the London Marathon in May 2016. Whilst I wasn’t guaranteed a ballot place, the charity for whom I intend to raise money for confirmed I could have one of their places if I didn’t get one through the ballot, so I knew I would be running in April 2017 for certain.

The motivation to run the London Marathon was to raise money for Dreams Come True who help very sick and seriously ill children . They helped me take my son Myles to London Zoo when he was suffering from terminal cancer and it was a truly special day, memories of which will stay with me and my family and friends for a long time to come. Myles tragically died 3 weeks after that trip so those memories are even more precious.

How often do you run?

I have followed a marathon training plan, although I have needed to adjust it due to a couple of injuries. So I have only been running 1-2 times per week but one of those being a long run of up to 18 miles at the peak of distance training. I have however been supplementing with lower impact cardio such as cross trainer, bike or rower 2-3 times per week in addition to ensure I was doing sufficient intensity to build muscle strength.

What do you listen to when you are running?

I have a mix that I downloaded which includes great running tunes spanning the last 20 years! Music of a certain upbeat tempo really does help me keep going and also distract on those longer runs.

How do you stay focused and disciplined?

Having the goal of the marathon to train for does keep you focused and disciplined to stay on track with your training plan. Plus I also joined a running group on Saturday mornings and had some 1:1 coaching that also kept me focused.

I also had a great running partner who I would go out with perhaps twice per week and knowing someone is relying on you to pitch up and run with is also helpful to keep you motivated especially through the winter months!

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

I go to the gym 2-3 times per week and do a mix of cardio and strength based training. I also do the odd spin class and boot camp to mix it up a bit. I really enjoyed yoga for a time and really want to get back into this but just need to find a class that I can fit around my work and other commitments.

What is your favourite place to run?

I have done a couple of shorter 10k and 5k races around central London and they are just fantastic as you can really take in the sights of the city, plus it is quite flat.

What are your goals for the coming year?

Completing the London Marathon on 23rd April will be a huge achievement for me. To be honest I haven’t thought beyond this right now but know I will carry on running now I have got a taste for it.

To donate to Rachel’s marathon challenge and help to make more dreams for children and young people come true, visit: http://dreamscometrue.uk.com/36/regular-and-one-off-donations

A Quick Cuppa With…..Rachel Humphrey

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