Kate Holah
I was the girl who wouldn't run at school, the girl never picked in PE, the girl the PE teacher laughed at during a netball game and told she'd never amount to anything in sport. These things stay with you and for years I avoided anything "sporty", believing I couldn't do it and it wasn't for me. Post-university, I tried running. I found I quite liked it - it was perfect for me as I couldn't possibly let anyone down by not being very good. Although I enjoyed it, I didn't make it a habit so only ran sporadically. During some of the "on" times, I ran the London marathon in 2010 and 2011 but, again, I didn't really stick to it. After having my daughter 7 years ago, I needed to get fit and lose weight so started running again, and, this time, I stuck to it and haven't stopped since (apart from to have baby 2!) I started running and volunteering regularly at parkrun and this is now part of our weekly family routine - I was back volunteering a week after my son was born 4 years ago. By running regularly, and making it a habit, I have grown to love it and have found I have got a lot better at it too. It's not something that comes naturally to me, but I work hard at it. Now, I can't imagine not running. As well as being good for me physically, it's so good for me mentally. Running is a bit of an escape, some headspace and time out. It definitely keeps me sane and is cheaper than therapy! In September 2018, I decided to combine my love of teaching and running to set up Earlswood Running Club and it has been one of the best things I've done. I love bringing running to people who think they can't and to see so many new runners out and about is awesome. I was so proud to be awarded Reigate and Banstead's Coach of The Year at the end of 2019, and have since qualified as a Personal Trainer. I am constantly thinking about how to improve and develop Earlswood Running Club, and very much see it as my third baby!
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