Runner profile: Amy

Since my first school cross-country experience I’ve been hooked on running and with someone else doing my washing I enjoyed lots of muddy races and orienteering. Spinal surgery and university then got in the way of my early running career until I moved to the area and joined the Harriers in 2009.

I loved the sense of community, particularly at races, so it wasn’t long before I was persuaded to try my first marathon – a respectable 4:48! Long and slow seemed to suit me so I did my first ultra in 2010, coming 3rd solo female in TR24 with 75 miles.

Throwing 2 children into the mix I had to train smarter…. In March 2012 I was last in a fell race but by November, thanks to help from the club I had run a qualifying time for London Marathon. I also had an idea… the Bob Graham Round - a fell running challenge in the Lake District, 42 Lakeland Fells, 66 miles and 27,000 feet of elevation in less than 24 hours. In summer 2015, to celebrate my 30th birthday I tackled this with a support team consisting mostly of club mates and became the first (and to date the only) female Harrier to join the Bob Graham Club, my proudest achievement.

Since then I have followed structured training plans, racing distances from 5k to 105 miles. I’ve had the honour of representing Cheshire in both the inter-county fell championships and on the road and I have also qualified for the Championship start of the London marathon multiple times.

I used the “downtime” during my third pregnancy to upskill my coaching qualifications and have really enjoyed taking regular club interval sessions. Following the birth of my third daughter I’ve been working hard with my own training as well as continuing to make sure the club training sessions run smoothly and offer a variety of options for everyone.

I love setting and working towards a target and in my role as head coach I look forward to helping you motivate and challenge yourselves to improve and achieve your personal goals!