A Quick Cuppa With…Louise Prince

Louise is 44 and from Northolt in Middlesex.  She is married and works as a Strand Manager, Extending Learning. 

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

I’ve been running properly for about a year and a half now, but I ‘dabbled’ before with the Cancer research Race for Life events, which I’ve always enjoyed.  I used to just use the treadmill at the gym as a warm up, which was okay, but a bit boring, so I decided to try to get outside. I was a bit of a fair weather runner, until one day I’d made the decision not to go because of the rain, glanced outside and saw a man, in his 70s, running with his dog. Both kitted out for running in the rain, and both obviously enjoying it. So I thought, ‘if they can do it, so can I’.

How often do you run?

I run a few times a week.  Parkrun is a weekly fixture, and then I like to get out for at least two runs on a weekday morning (I work part time, in a school, so I can fit this in quite well).

What do you listen to when you are running?

I used to listen to music when I ran in the gym, and for the first few Race for Life events I took part in. Usually something with long records, like Meatloaf’s Bat Out of Hell – definitely the power music. But then, when I started running outside properly and I was a bit concerned about being able to hear the traffic so I ditched the music.  Now I find it quite relaxing to not be actively listening to anything, just running.

How do you stay focused and disciplined?

I’m not sure I do! I run for fun. I’d like to be better at it, but I don’t have the drive to get out of the house in the evenings and go and join a club or anything, and if I don’t feel like going out for a run, sometimes I don’t. Usually, though, I just remind myself that even if I don’t want to go out at first I never actually regret going out. That and a promise to myself that if I go out, and really don’t enjoy it, I can just turn around and go home!

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

I go to the gym, I cycle, and I do Pilates.

What is your favourite place to run?

I like to run along the Grand Union Canal locally, but I think the place I enjoy most is probably Black Park. I go to Parkrun there, and it’s a lovely route in all seasons.

How long have you been a member of Running4Women?

A year or so, I think.

What do you like most about the site?

I like the supportive nature of the forums.

What are your goals for the coming year?

To get my Parkrun 50 shirt! I’d like to get my 5K time down to sub-26 minutes (my best is 26’26”, but usually its closer to 27/28’) and my 10K down to sub 60’ (current best is 64’).

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