Spotlight: Donna Gundry and Running for Beginners

Donna Gundry talks us through running for beginners and her favourite running gear.

@befmakesart

BE: So, most people know you as Donna Gundry, Head of Library Services but what they might not know is that you're an avid runner. When did you first get into running as a hobby?

DG: I started running in late 2018, having had a spell of not great health, nothing major, just repeated colds and sore throats. So I started by looking at my diet and wanted to take up a new exercise. Running had been recommended to me, to help out with lung capacity- having had pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs). So I started running very briefly on my own, each time I went out I saw dozens of other runners, all of whom were members of Looe Pioneers, the local running club. So I managed to find out about them and within a few weeks they were starting a Couch to 5K running sessions, which given my lack of experience seemed like a great entry to running.

I joined the running club and did the 10 week running course, meeting twice a week in the evenings and then once at the weekend. In our last week of the Couch to 5K session, I ended up running 5K and completely mistimed the run, finishing my run, just before the weekend couch to 5K group was meeting. So in joining them for their run, I ended up running 10K. Feeling immensely proud of my achievement, doing the final 5K run, I was joined by family members to cheer me on. I think for them it was pretty surprising, given my almost allergic reaction to fitness and running before doing the Couch to 5K, having missed every school sports day.

Following on from this, I happily ran 5 - 10K races, picking up medals along the way. Building up to half marathons, my preferred distance and 3 marathons. But, saying that I still have good and bad runs, when my legs feel like lead and I struggle to keep moving, whereas on other runs I feel like I could run for hours (some days I do).

BE: I started running this year and I have no idea what I'm doing really. I downloaded Strava which I find really motivating. It gamifies the act of running so it feels more like a game and less like a chore. What would you say are your top tips for people just starting out?

DG: My tips for starting running, would be to download the couch to 5K app, it provides great tips and techniques on how to start running. Running in intervals, 7 minutes running, 3 minutes walking is a great way of building up mileage and something I still do now 5 years on. Joining a club or joining some friends can be a great way to socialise and this provides a great level of support that you can't get from solo running. I would also suggest that whenever running, always take your phone. This can be useful to track your run, on an app - like Strava - or more importantly be able to phone someone should you get into any trouble. It's easy to trip when you are tired, or if your energy level drops faster than you anticipate.

BE: What's one piece of kit that you'd recommend investing in for those just starting out? I think mine would be a good pair of headphones that have some waterproofing and good sound quality.

DG: Decent trainers, and I don't mean flashy and expensive ones, I mean ones that provide support for runners. It sounds obvious but it's your feet that hit the ground, and if this is tarmac, then over time, with no support that can damage knees and hips. Start with a general running training, then once you become comfortable think about the terrain that you are likely to be running on.

The second piece of kit I would recommend is something to keep your mobile in, I use a runner's belt, but friends of mine have an arm phone holder. Plus a water bottle, hydration is really important to running. Not drinking enough the day before really impacts my ability to run. After an hour of running usually some additional fuel is needed, such as an energy gel, but those things come later.

BE: There can be a lot of fear surrounding running in public or being perceived as 'unfit'. I know i struggled with this a lot. But the benefits to running, even very slowly or doing a combination of running/walking can be huge, right?

DG: Running is a great way of clearing my head and forgetting my worries. Normally if I go out running, trying to resolve a problem, then whilst running I manage to find a resolution or find a different way of thinking about a problem. This has the added benefit that I am then physically tired but mentally more alert and ready for the day.

As my life is pretty busy, being able to take a few hours a week to run and have some well deserved me time, is really important. A time that is solely dedicated to running and not thinking about anything else. Running with friends on the weekend is a great way to catch up on how everyone is getting on, and usually a great time to chat and laugh with each other.

There are lots of times when we arrange to go on organised runs, sometimes Parkruns which are further afield, it ends up turning into either a morning out with breakfast or a night out, like the one to Bristol or a weekend away. Which can be a great distraction and diversion from everyday life. 

Best,

Beth Evans

Student Union President