Striders Spotlight : Sue Edwards

Next up in the Striders Spotlight is Sue Edwards. Sue has been a Strider since 2015 and is currently on the clubs catering team. 

Sue Edwards

Age 

48

Occupation

I’ve been Head of Geography at HABS Boys in Elstree since 2017 where I’ve also been able to get involved with school athletics and cross country.

Reason you started running?

Initially to lose weight after my youngest was born (he’s 13 and I can’t use that excuse any more!) – I started doing short runs from home and did a couple of parkruns. I joined Striders after a ridiculously hideous few weeks at work and decided I needed to do something for me to keep me sane. A quick search online and I came across the sign up to Run with Striders 2015. Never looked back!

Favourite race distance?

10k – not to long, but long enough that it’s worth travelling to run a nice route and have a trip out with running buddies.

Favourite running route and race?

The Stampede. Great atmosphere and lovely route. Catering means you sometimes miss out on running, but not at the Stampede! Loved being able to run a couple of laps while taking a break from keeping everyone fed and watered all day. Fingers crossed we can do it again this year. 

Running goals?

A sub 28 parkrun (never managed this) and a sub 60 10k. My goal is just to get quicker. (Need to stop chatting and just run).

How often do you train? 

I try to run a few times a week. In a good week this will be both Striders sessions, parkrun and a Sunday run. I tail “run” at our school equivalent of parkrun every week – it’s not really training but it’s one of the best sessions of the week encouraging the boys at school around the course and pacing some of the slower ones to PBs.

What motivates you? 

My kids motivated me to start with. I always enjoyed watching them run and decided I would give it a go. Now it’s my running buddies, and the support from other Striders. There are always people who will wait until near the end of a race to cheer me in. So, my motivation is feeling included, even at the slower end of the club.

Most memorable run/race?

Two races come to mind. The London Marathon 2018 was a fantastic experience. Loved the support and hugs from Striders on the course, but not the heat! Unfinished business on the time so will persevere with the ballot. The second is the Olympic Park 10k in December 2015. My only sub 60 10k ever and a great day out with the gang! My favourite running photo!

Injuries?

Relatively few – probably don’t run often enough or try hard enough!

Other hobbies?

I enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes – don’t mind being in the kitchen. I guess that’s why Striders catering seemed a natural thing to do!

Guilty pleasure?

Gin, wine and Star Wars films. And Top Gun. Definitely Top Gun!