Melissa Webb: Runner and tube enthusiast

To get you inspired for your week of running I've got lovely Melissa from lissyruns.  When she's not running or apparently over-using brackets on her blog, she works as a food buyer (and gets paid to try food!) 

Melissa is a self-confessed Tube geek ("give me old maps and photos of disused stations and I'll be happy for hours!") and it was great to hear what she has to say in brackets and out.  Over to you Melissa! 

1.  I started running just over three years ago and it surprises me every day that I'm still doing it. I know a lot of people say this, but if my PE teacher at school was to guess who would become obsessed with running in their mid-twenties, I would be pretty near the last of their guesses.

2.     I run because I love it. I honestly can’t thing of a single thing that has enriched my life in so many ways as much as running has. I wear a pair of adidas Supernova Glide 6 boosts – snappy! They are the best pair of running shoes I’ve ever owned, I was previously quite a slave to the swoosh.

3.     The last run I did was a brand new route to me this weekend. I moved to East London fairly recently and I ran the canal and Victoria Park. I’m in love with where I live already.

4.     My current fave bit of kit is my new bright orange Sweaty Betty running jacket. I never would usually spend so much on one item of clothing, but I used money I got as birthday presents on it. It’s a great fit and it’s seen me through a fair few rain showers recently.

5.     I'm training for the Paris marathon in less than two weeks. OH MY GOD IT IS LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY.

6.  The last time running made me feel alive was a while ago now actually. It was in the summer before it got really hot and it was an evening run along the canal to Victoria Park in East London. I was running faster than I ever had and felt like I was flying. 

7.     I'm currently listening to the sound of myself panting when I run. I stopped running with music when I moved to a not-so-great area last winter and wanted to be alert whilst running on dark evenings. Now I don’t often run with music, but I am trying out podcasts on very long marathon training runs

8.  I run with Run Dem Crew and RDC West and it has helped me fall deeper in love with running.

9.  I started drinking chocolate milkshake after running and it stops the feeling of sickness (surprisingly!) that I sometimes get after a long run. I would recommend it.  

10.  I'm currently obsessed with the fact that I haven’t got any faster in three years (due to inconsistent training) and it's keeping my running addiction fresh because I've decided I'm finally going to do something about it. Watch out, track! 

11.  I'm bringing yoga to this blog, and throwing it down on the table.  I've discovered it earlier this year and it's awesome. I really want to become really good at it – I'm seeing quick progression when I manage to practice a few times a week.   

12.  I'm currently having issues with my lower back, as I have lazy glutes so my back and hamstrings are overcompensating and becoming tight – can anyone offer any tips? 

13.  Finally, here's my inspirational quote. I saw it on the Lululemon website and I love it as it completely sums up me as a runner. It gets me going. Now go, run!

You can follow Melissa on twitter, instagram and in Paris on April 6th! Good luck Melissa! You can do it. 

Tess Langley: Runner, mover and shaker

Tess sent me her answers twice.  I could feel her energy through the computer.  She seems to be one of those people who doesn't sit still.  I like people like this. They're usually always up for a run. Over to you Tess:

I'm Tess, I'm an ex-smoking, binge-eating fattie-turned-fitness-obsessive and over the last couple of years have completely turned my life around. I work as a social media account manager and copywriter for a design agency in Brighton and LOVE TO RUN. And go to bootcamp. And do HIIT classes. And ride my bike. And climb mountains and go hiking. And food. I love ALL the food.  

1.  I started running about 2 years ago and have slowly learnt to love it. I do a lot of bootcamp and HIIT classes and although I really enjoy these and they keep me fit, nothing beats the buzz of a good run. Saying that though, running doesn't come naturally to me and is really hard work so I love working at it and seeing improvements.  

2.  I run because I love the way it makes me feel afterwards (and mostly during, depending on the amount of vodka/gin consumed the night before). Sometimes, when the weather's great, I've fuelled well and my favourite dnb/trance track comes on, I feel like I can run forever. I currently wear a pair of Asics (soon to be Brooks Ghost 6 when I finally get round to buying them!)  

3.  The last run I did was a 10k PB at the Brooks Brighton 10k. My initial goal when I signed up for it was to come in under an hour but I've been working really hard on improving speed and stamina and finished in 54:54 so am mega chuffed! 

4.  My current favourite bit of kit is my Garmin 210. Can't imagine going back to faffing about with my phone on my arm now. 

5.  I'm about to start proper training for Brighton Marathon in the Spring. <insert petrified face here> 

6.  Running made me feel alive when I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon a couple of years ago. I literally couldn't believe that I'd ran that far.

7.  I'm currently listening to a mixture of trance and liquid dnb when I run, and am currently bumming Etherwood's new album.

8.  I regularly run with my local Sweatshop Run Community and also do my local Parkrun and they've helped me improve my speed and strength no end - I've shaved 3 mins off my 5k time since the end of May and now my comfortable base pace is finally under 10min/mi. 

9.  I recently started drinking a protein shake after running to refuel and help recover my muscles and it's really improved my recovery time. I do have whey protein at home but have started to make my own protein smoothies (eggs, bananas, a few raspberries, Greek yoghurt, milk & cinnamon) and they're much cleaner/nicer.  

10.  I'm currently obsessed with signing up for races to keep my running addiction fresh and give me something to aim for. I train much better when I'm working towards a goal and have already roped a few friends into some races with me. 

11.  I'm bringing fartleks, intervals and hill work to this blog.  I always knew speed work and hills would produce results, it was just a case of getting on with it. I'm also looking at starting heart rate training as I've heard good things about it improving aerobic and anaerobic thresholds. 

12.  I'm currently having issues with my knees. I've got a marathon to train for and am praying not to get injured - can anyone offer any tips? 

13.  I have a few favourite inspirational quotes, but the one I've kept in mind whilst learning to run faster is: 

So get out there and RUN!

You can find Tess hanging out on twitter, over on her blog, at instagram and Pinterest too. Thank you Ms FitBits!

Lucy Turner: Tempo Runner and occasional Nap Taker

My next runner is an instagram buddy of mine, Lucy Turner.  She's a fellow lover of outrageous running tights and she's running a half marathon this weekend after completing some serious tempo training.  Over to you, Lucy:

Hello, I'm Lucy and I live in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.  For work I'm a Marketing Team Leader for a local company. I'm a 25 year old figuring out my little place in the world, in between work, workouts and wine...oh, and the occasional nap.

1.  I started running 1.5 years ago and it's shown me a new side to the area I live in, as well as race locations around the country!
2.  I run because it relaxes me and I wear a pair of Saucony ProGrid Jazz shoes. So far I've collected the 14, 15 and 16 releases, and I love them all.
3.  The last race I did was the Bacchus Half Marathon. It was exhilarating because it combined wine tasting with fancy dress and a whole lot of hills.
4.  My current fave bit of kit is my newest Buff, which does a good job of keeping my short hair out of the way when I exercise.
5.  I'm training for a great race at Gosport Half Marathon this weekend, the first race I'll be doing for the second time.
6.  Running made me feel alive the first time I ran outside instead of a treadmill - I couldn't believe I was doing it without keeling over!
7.  I'm currently listening to Gift Horse by Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers when I run.  It makes me smile.
8.  I participate in the BOSH running group on Facebook and it has helped me stay excited about running and meet likeminded people. 
9.  I started eating sweet potatoes instead of pasta after running and it's finally stopped me being ravenous all day after long runs. I definitely recommend thinking outside the box on the carb front. 
10.  I'm currently obsessed with getting focused and calm using the Headspace app and it's making me want to tell others about it.  It's nice to sometimes achieve the quietness I get from running while on the sofa in my pyjamas.
11.  I'm bringing Body Pump to this blog, and throwing it down on the table.  I've just discovered it and it's making me stronger all over in a way that running alone has never done.  
12.  I'm currently having issues with one side of my hip (I think it's my piriformis) - can anyone offer any tips? 
13.  Finally, here's my inspirational quote.  It reminds me that in a week's time, or a month's time, I'll be glad I got off the sofa and started something today.  Now go, run! 

You can find Lucy on twitter, instagram and over at her blog.  Thanks dude!!!

Charlotte Watson: Naked Runner

Our next We Do Run Runner is Charlie Watson.  She's part of the Women's Running Write this Run 10k team and has a soft spot for 13.1-milers.  In her non-running life she works for a magazine and doesn't like pickles. She wants to run a sub- 2 hour half marathon (we think she can definitely do this) and run the NY marathon (we think she can definitely do this also.)  Over to you, Charlie... you pickle-hater, you! 

1. I started running three years ago and it's kept me fit, allowed me to lose weight and make some awesome friends. And mostly stops me eating chocolate for breakfast.

2. I run because I love/hate it and I wear a pair of Brooks Ravennas or Asics.

3. The last run I did was last week and I ran my usual route - 3.5miles  It was awesome because I ran naked (aka without a watch) and just enjoyed it regardless of pace.

4. My current fave bit of kit is my garmin.

5. I'm training for the Ealing Half Marathon in Sept and eyeing up a full next year.

6. Running made me feel alive when I crossed the finish line of my first (and only) marathon. I felt invincible.  

7. I'm currently listening to Naughty Boy La La La when I run.  It makes me sing along out loud.

8. I participate in occasional Nike and Sweaty Betty Runs and it has helped me meet people and speed up - you can find more information here on my blog!

9. I started drinking Nuun hydration before and after runs and it's changed my need to complete every run with water. I would recommend it.  (Although you may need to pee 2-3times before the race!)

10. I'm currently obsessed with the FIRST training plan- (only running 3 days a week) and it's keeping my running addiction fresh and new/making me want to tell others about it. And wanting to push for a sub 2 hour half!

 11. I'm bringing speed sessions to this blog, and throwing them down on the table.  I've just discovered them and they're doing interesting things for me- getting faster whoop! 

12. I'm currently having issues with motivation and inflexibility. Can anyone offer any tips?

13. Finally, here's my inspirational quote. Now go, run!

You can find Charlie on twitter and over on her blog.  Also check out her 10k blog on the Womens Running website. 

Jen Jahn: Runner, writer, and needer of training buddy

'Dear running, I love you. Yours sincerely, Jen' - She wrote it on her blog and it's clear to see she's not lying! Meet Jen, a run-aholic blogger with very clean feet and a lovely orange coat. 

Hi. I’m Jen and I write over at Two Itchy Feet. No, don’t worry; I don’t suffer from some fungal foot condition. On my blog I get to indulge in my love for writing and my passion for running and other sporty-attempts (like my first pathetic go at doing a duathlon), and top it all off with an inimitable (some would say insufferable) ability to go on and on and on about myself. I’m currently training for my fourth half marathon (Brighton) and third-ish attempt at running it in sub-2-hours.Oh, and a marathon-thingie in April.

When I'm not running or writing about running, I still run around chasing authors and academics to send me their writings (in a strictly professional manner!) but as I'll soon be relocating to the lovely south of England, who knows what kind of life and job will be in store for me. I might just become a beach bum or a surfer dudette (though I hear the channel is rather cold this time of year). And when I'm not running or working or blogging, I'm most likely sat in a corner reading a book or roaming the globe or stuffing my face. There, a simple life! 

1.    I started running almost three years ago and it's saved my sanity, saved my figure and probably saved my relationship, too (ok, maybe I’m a tad bit overdramatic here).

2.    I run because it really does keep me sane, fit and healthy and there’s just no better feeling than the feeling you get after a run, especially if you really didn’t want to head out into the cold/wet/dark in the first place.  I wear a pair of Brooks Glycerin that are in dire need of replacement if I want to survive my first marathon next April!!! If there’s any sponsors out there, help a poor gal out!

3.    The last run I did was a freezing cold running club session last night and I ran 8 x 200m sprints followed by a 200m relay (teams of three, four legs each) with my Sweaty Betty running club. It was one of the coldest running experiences of my entire friggin’ life (I’m not exaggerating for once), hypothermia, anyone????  

4.    My current fave bit of kit is definitely my Saucony high-viz running jacket. The only thing to keep me semi-warm and visible this time of year.

5.    I'm training for/eyeing up a sub-2-hour finish for the Brighton half marathon in February (fingers xed, I really want to smash those two hours, finally!) and then my first marathon: the Manchester one in April. Can you say scurrred….?!

6.    Running made me feel alive after I finally defrosted and recovered from my hypothermia last night following a 20-minute hot shower, lots of food and a glass of wine. What? I’d worked hard….

7.    I'm currently listening to nothing but nature when I run.  It makes me more aware of all the crazies roaming the streets in the cold and dark. And we all know: safety first, right?!

8.    I participate in the Sweaty Betty running club, which is totally free and friendly, at least the one here in Cambridge (though I’m leaving at the end of the year and am in dire need of a new running group down in Brighton/Hove, any suggestions?!) and it has helped me improve my running all around, I’ve gotten faster, more confident and it’s a great social way of running and making new friends. As far as I know most Sweaty Betty boutiques organize free running clubs, though I’m sure they are as good as Alan’s! ;)

9.    I started drinking chocolate-banana-peanut-butter milkshakes as my recovery drink. I love it and totally recommend it. The only thing I wouldn’t recommend is having a big fat burger half an hour before setting off for a run… never a good idea!

10.    I'm currently obsessed with Blogilates workouts. It’s short Pilates workouts that you can put together as you like, make it long, make it tough, or just throw in a quick 10-minute workout and it's keeping my running addiction fresh and new/making me want to tell others about it. What better way to supplement you running or stay active on a no-running day?! Try it. You’ll love it.

11.    I'm bringing ice baths after a 10+ mile run to this blog, and throwing it down on the table.  I've just discovered it and it's totally working. Yes, a seriously unpleasant experience, but it does the trick. Hand on my heart. I don’t even bother with ice but just fill the bath with cold water from the tap. Sit in it for 5 minutes, your legs will thank you the next day!!!

12.    I'm currently having issues with…me, issues? Seriously? NEVER. Then again, if you headed over to Two Itchy Feet right now you’d know I was lying and I do, indeed, have issues with my tibialis anterior and also with the fact that I’m moving down south and I’ll have not a single running bud to train with…. (let the pity party commence).

13.    Finally, here's my inspirational quote.  It gets me going.  Now go, run!