Allie Park-Crowne
Age
43
Occupation
I am a molecular biologist by profession and was working as a global product manager for an in-vitro diagnostics company specialising in rapid antibody diagnostic tests when I decided to ‘retire’ and set up my own business. How stressed would I be right now if I was still in my old role? looking to provide an antibody test for the global population against C-19…
I set up my own Personal training business 5 years ago and now has a team of seven PT’s and coaches. We specialise in online multisport coaching, strength and conditioning and pre and post-natal personal training.
Reason you started running?
I have always been very active. I captained the girls hockey team at school, started kickboxing in my teens (I hold a black belt) and went on to compete in downhill mountain biking in my 20’s. However, I always struggled with my weight so in my early 30’s I started running more regularly as a way to try and keep my weight down after being diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease.
Favourite race distance?
This is a tough one - I would give a different answer every time you ask me. Usually long distance (after many years of doing Ironman triathlons). I think 10km is a good distance for me currently, but I always love a good half marathon too - its long enough to be tough, but not short enough to really hurt (I’m definitely built for endurance not speed)!
Favourite running route and race?
I love the Ashridge boundary trail - I actually did that as my last long run away from home before the lockdown started. One of my dogs (Ginger the Vizsla) runs with me, and the Canicross club we run with is based at Ashridge.
My favourite running race has to be the Luton marathon - simply because it was my first (and only) stand alone road marathon, all my others have been at the end of an ironman or off-road. I paced it perfectly and it was one of those races where I felt so strong from start to finish and managed a great negative split with the last 3 miles being my fastest.
Running goals?
I have never trained for speed and I am keen to know what I could get my 5km time down to if I trained for the distance rather than doing them during Mara training or as part of a sprint triathlon. My current 5km PB (21.10 in 2015) is actually a triathlon 5km so I had already swim and cycled before doing it. I do hanker for a sub 20, but age is probably against me now, as is juggling training with a 2 year old!
How often do you train?
Pre having a child, I used to run 3 times a week. One long easy run, one efforts session and a third session that varied depending on time of year. I also have to fit in 3x bike, 3x swim and 2x S&C a week as a triathlete, hence having a toddler now means this has reduced massively. A good week for me now means 3 or 4 buggy run commutes to nursery, 1 longer run at weekend with the dog, and sometimes a speed or hills session. I have found running is the easiest thing to fit in around family and working life, so my cycling and swimming have definitely taken a back seat for a couple of years. So at this point in time, I would say my running is more important to me than it ever has been.
What motivates you?
I am MEGA competitive against myself. I love trying to beat my previous race efforts and since having my little boy Charlie, its been great getting all new PB (Post Baby) PB’s. My other main motivator is simple wanting to stay fit and healthy and to show my little boy that running is a great form of transport; great for the environment, and your physical and mental wellbeing. 90%+ of my running is now done with the running buggy and we chat as we run to and from nursery or on our dog runs. I am lucky that my husband runs with us too so running is a real family activity.
Most memorable run/race?
This one sounds a bit strange, but I met my husband via an online dating site - specifically for ‘Fitness Singles’. This was very much before online dating was a ‘thing’ so I had a few rolled eyes from my friends and family, so imagine their disbelief when I told them I had planned a first date with my now husband and it was going to be a 2hr run! So our first date, was a 2 hour trail run! We also did a parkrun on the morning of our wedding, and I did one for my hen party too… I love making running a way to celebrate other occasions.
Injuries?
I am currently waiting for stem cell transplant to both knees following years of pain and discomfort as my cartilage has worn away. I was told by one consultant last April to stop running and cycling, but thankfully after ignoring his advice, I’ve now found a consultant that understand how important my running and cycling are to me and I’ve managed to get back to 18 mile runs pain free (I just can’t get upstairs for a day or two after) and I’m hoping to do Brighton Marathon if it goes ahead in September.
Other hobbies?
In case I hadn’t already mentioned it - cycling and swimming and walking my dogs! I love open water swimming especially in the Sea.
Guilty pleasure?
None - life it too short to feel guilty about any pleasure!
I eat chocolate, drink red wine and watch whatever trash I want to on TV
without feeling an ounce of guilt!
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