Every Month we now feature one of the Sportlink team for a Q&A.
This month it's Karen Hamilton.
When did you first start to run?
I have always exercised. I taught aerobics back in the day when it was all leotards and slouch socks! Running first started in my mid-twenties when I lived in Sheffield. I was a teacher at the time and rather than travel across the city to an exercise class after work, I decided to don a pair of trainers and give running a whirl. I lived right on the outskirts of the Peak District so running involved a lengthy climb up followed by a much quicker run back. I loved it, the freedom, the scenery, the challenge was unlike any other exercise I had done before. Then for many years life got in the way a little and I did not start running again until four years ago. My son was then starting school and I had a little more time on my hands. It was then that I fell completely and utterly in love with the sport. A couple of years later I joined Waveney Valley AC who I run with currently.
What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about running?
I prefer to run in the morning. You can guarantee that whatever the day throws at you, things always seem a little easier if you have run. The rewards come when you know you have worked hard. One of my favourite sayings being ‘If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you’ve always got ‘. This stands true with running you get out what you put in!!
What’s your biggest running achievement?
I like to think it’s yet to come! Having sustained an injury two years ago that left me unable to even walk pain free for 6 months I am still battling daily pain. I would hope when I am able to train properly that I will get some good times for the longer distances which I much prefer.
What in the world motivates a person to run long distance?
Well why not? In my book if you love something why wouldn’t you want to do something for longer. To run for longer and at great pace well that’s something completely different! I completely admire all the runners out there that are pushing the limits of what their body can achieve.
What kinds of things do you think about as you run?
Haha love this one. When not running my mind is constantly off in a million different directions at once. I would like to say when I am running it thinks of nothing at all, but in fact I am still thinking of a million things, only that those things are more to do with what my body is doing. I think of my pace, my breathing, how far I am going, how my legs are feeling… That is why I love running so much, it reminds you of your physicality. When you hit a spot where your mind and body are in unison, that in itself is pure freedom.
One the day of the big race…how are you feeling? Are you performing any superstitious rituals (like wearing the same unwashed socks you trained in for months)?
I haven’t entered too many races of late, mostly due to the injury that has plagued me the last two years, but the races I have done I get very nervous just before. My very first race was the Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half marathon. I had flu, had been up all night and it was torrential rain. I was so nervous that I thought I might pass out on the start line but like I always say to anyone scared of their first race, as soon as you take your first step the nerves just go. The only pressure is what we put on ourselves everyone else is just focused on their race. I still get ridiculously nervous but I do like to heap the pressure on myself!
What’s your next race?
Bit of a sore subject at the moment as I’ve had to withdraw from so many the past year, but I am lucky enough to have a place in The Great North Run 2018. Also Run Norwich 10K in August. The Ekidon is always good fun to do as well.
What’s your favourite running shoe?
Hoka Vanquish, although I am very much looking forward to trying their new Elevon.
Who’s your running hero?
I was lucky enough to run with Ben Smith when he came to Lowestoft, as he ran his 401 marathons in 401 days. Ben uses his running to make people aware of the impact bullying has on people’s lives after being horrendously bullied at school. Anyone who uses running to the greater good or to carry a message gets my vote.
What’s the best thing about working at Sportlink?
Everything. People continue to surprise me every day with their achievements and aspirations. We talk about running all day and have a good laugh with it. We are all so passionate about what we do and the fact that we all run at different levels means we can relate to every runner no matter what their ability. When I first started working in Halesworth I didn’t realise what a positive impact Sportlink would have on my life. As I say now Sportlink is not a job, it’s a way of life!!!