Hi Liz! You live in scenic Dorset. Where is your favourite place to run – somewhere near home, or further afield? I love running off-road and I love mountains, so one of my favourite places to run is the Alps. We go to Alpine ski resorts quite a lot in the summer, and it’s great to explore new routes.
When did you start running? I ran in races on sports day at primary school. We only did sprinting and I was rubbish – I felt so frustrated that I couldn’t go any faster. Then at middle school I did my first cross-country run, and I remember running effortlessly away from the rest of the class. I knew I’d found my niche.
So when was your first race outside school? It was a Fairlands Valley U-11s cross-country event. I think I came sixth. Running for a club was a totally new experience and I loved it.
Was that when you really got the bug? Yes, I enjoyed pushing myself. I discovered a real passion for running.
What’s your greatest achievement since then? I’d have to say winning a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games. It came after a year when I’d suffered from overtraining fatigue and had to take three months off. I overcame a lot to win a medal – it felt like I’d really come a long way.
Do you have a training tip for runners hoping to follow in your footsteps? For people new to running, my biggest tip is: take your time. Don’t run too fast, too soon; run very slowly and build up gradually. That’s the best way to avoid getting injured and maintain your enthusiasm. People think running is supposed to hurt – it isn’t! Sure, there’s a time to push yourself, but not when you’re just starting out.
Are you a fan of running gadgets? I prefer to run gadget-free and get lost in the beauty of the hills … But if someone forced me to choose one, I do enjoy the Garmin occasionally.
In that case, I guess you don’t run to music? I don’t. I like to listen to the sounds of the countryside, to sound of the birds, to be alone with my thoughts. Having said that, I do sometimes listen to podcasts – I like my husband’s Marathon Talk podcast. That sounds a bit sad I know, but it’s really good!
And what sort of kit do you wear? I’m sponsored by Adidas so I wear their gear. I like the three-quarter-length leggings and fitted tops; I like to feel feminine when I’m running. If it’s cold, I just add layers. My preferred trainers are Adios lightweight running shoes.
What is the best thing about running? It can give you such a buzz. When you get back from a run you feel so at peace with yourself and you can get on with your day.
Aren’t there any downsides? I just love everything about running. Even running in the rain is nice because it can feel so liberating – you feel even better when you get back after a run in bad weather. You just have to persevere.
What’s your favourite post-race indulgence? I used to really crave chips! But I’d only have them after a marathon. After a long training run I’d have scrambled egg on toast – not much of an indulgence! But I’d just crave savoury things. Oh, and maybe a chocolate milkshake.
What do you eat on the morning of a race? Jam on toast and a coffee. Just a really simple breakfast.
What’s the furthest distance you’ve ever run? Have you ever been tempted by an ultra? Yes, I’ve been tempted – it’s part of my six-year plan for the future. But so far the furthest I’ve run is marathon distance, about 27 miles.
Do you ever run barefoot? Only on sand – we live near the beach. I love the idea of barefoot running but I don’t think it’s a practical solution for the modern runner.
What about barefoot-style running shoes? I like lightweight shoes but I’m not sure about the barefoot styles. Again, I love the idea of it, and maybe if you’re running entirely off-road it’s OK, but on roads we do need some protection. We wear shoes the rest of the time, so our feet aren’t conditioned to put up with it.
Who would you choose to watch – Mo Farah or Usain Bolt? Mo, definitely. Partly because he’s a distance runner, and he’s British. Usain Bolt is amazing but it’s all over in seconds. There’s nothing like the thrill of watching a race drawn out over time, like watching Mo at the Olympics. When endurance races are close, they’re incredibly exciting.
Who is the greatest runner ever? That’s a tough one … I think I’d have to say Paula Radcliffe, with her world record in the marathon. I know she trained supremely hard and she was at her peak, but it’s just such a monumental world record. To beat her own previous record by two minutes, and the one before that by three … that’s an incredible achievement.
Liz Yelling is an ambassador for Lucozade Sport. Lucozade Sport hydrates and fuels you by replacing the electrolytes you lose in sweat. It’s the official sports drink of the Virgin London Marathon and will be on course at miles 5, 10, 15, 19 and 23.
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