Emmie Collinge: Snow Runner!

I have a fellow liquorice appreciator for you this morning.  You can thank me later (in liquorice!)

Meet lovely Emmie!  Originally from Nottingham, this 26-year-old freelance translator of German, Dutch and Swedish loves cycling, stroopwafels and the Dutch - so it's pretty fitting that she currently lives in Switzerland. When I originally spoke to her about coming on the blog over a year ago she was planning her move over there so it's really awesome to hear that running most definitely went with her! Over to you pal:

1.  I started running 20 years ago (not long after I started walking) and it has been a love-hate relationship for two decades.

2.  I run because it’s quicker than walking, taking me to places I’d never see otherwise and I wear multiple pairs of VJ sport shoes, a Finnish orienteering specialist, who make the meanest and grippiest trail shoes.

3.  The last run I did was yesterday’s lunchtime meandering and I ran my favourite local route with some of the steepest, sharpest hills. It was exciting and energising because spring has finally sprung and the Swiss flowers seem so much brighter than in the UK.

4.  My current fave bit of kit is my new Ashmei top – although admittedly I haven’t ran in it yet. It’s far too nice to sweat up.

5.  I'm training for a 128km race across Norway’s Hardangervidda Plateau – however, ‘plateau’ is definitely not the word I’d choose to describe this landscape. 

6.  Running made me feel alive when I first realised (accepted?) how much I love being outside, recognising that the times I run on the road and track aren’t so important and how entire days spent running with my boyfriend and a picnic are unbeatable.

7.  I'm currently listening to bird song and sporadic bursts of conversation when I run.  It sets me free to be away from constant noise, screens, technology.

8.  I participate in all kinds of races, donning my local club vest on a weekly basis, be it road, trail, mountain or track. It has helped me keep the momentum and improve my Italian!

9.  I started choosing liquorice and homemade crispbread as fuel for running while we were in Norway last year and these have proven far more worthwhile and efficient than anything else for entire days spent on the trail. I would recommend it.  

10.  I'm currently obsessed with progress – particularly when it comes to downhills – and the Strava proof of this keeps my running addiction fresh and new.

11.  I'm bringing Italian snow mountain running and retro Italian tracksuits to this blog, and throwing them down on the table.  I've just done my first snow race and found it better than any other terrain.

12.  I'm currently having issues with choosing races, far too many out there and prices seem to be on the rise - can anyone offer any tips? 

13.  Finally, here's my inspirational quote, embarrassingly taken from Emma Watson’s UN speech last September and watched the day before I ran a storming 10km PB. Hearing it go over and over as I watched the kilometres tick by, I repeated “If not me, who? If not now, when?” It gets me going.  

You can find emmie on twitter.  Now go, run! 

Peter Buchanan: Adventure runner and submergathoner

Having taken 9 months off, it seems very fitting that we hit the ground running so to speak - with our second ever male contributor on We Do Run Run.  You're in for a treat!  Peter Buchanan, a 52-year-old self-employed painter and decorator from Edinburgh has got some serious mileage under his camelback.  His career allows him to 'take days off when the sun shines to go running.'  We like this kind of career.  Over to you Peter...

1.  I started running in the late 90's to offset the middle aged spread after giving up 20 years of smoking. I began to remember I had always run as a child and in no time it was the largest part of my spare time.  I began to race regularly at the weekends. I would appear to have some natural ability and was very pleased to notice that.

2.  I run because with a bit of effort and training I have some success – something that has eluded me in the art world.  I wear Hokas for long flat stuff, Salomons for trails and Inov8s for hills.

3.  The last run I did was a cycle! When I am not racing at the weekend my fave rave is to go for an adventure – catch a train or bus somewhere and run 30 miles over a few hills with a map and a sandwich in a backpack. Sometimes with friends, sometimes solo but ALWAYS with a camera, which has become the replacement for doing paintings that didn't sell.

4.  My current fave bit of kit is my off road bike - cycling is very much on the menu this year, although I have always cycled. (I don't have a driving licence.) I don't really have the patience or flexibility for yoga, preferring boxercise and circuits.

5.  I am involved with 2 challenges currently:

Number 1: my girlfriend dared us to keep doing open water swimming once a week throughout the Winter. So we have been putting on the wetsuits, gloves, socks and hoods at the weekend and doing about 15 minutes (before your face goes numb and you can't speak) at the beach along the coast. The water is around 3 degrees at the moment (about the same as in your fridge) and it takes longer to get in and out of the kit than we spend in the water. Several times recently we have done an immersion without wetsuits. It's one of these experiences that isn't wholly enjoyable while it's happening but exhilarating. I haven't found I am building resilience against the cold yet, but there is a real near-death-experience vigour about it, that is equivalent to recreational drugs as a twenty year old.

Number 2: to mark 100 years since WW1, a (slightly eccentric) friend proposed a group of us run a 30 miler once a month for 4 years, passing a different war memorial each time. Initially I thought this was unrealistic but so far, 7 months in, it is going well and my blog is filling up with a collection of war memorials, previously hidden in plain view.

6.  I feel most alive running down the beach in new trainers

7.  I am currently listening to Mix 8 (see link) when I run. However most of the time I don't run with music.

8.  As mentioned above, I participate in a weekly submergathon. A weekly splash and dash along the coast. It helps because it wipes your mental slate clean.

9.  I started eating Star Bars and Boosts on long runs. They keep me going as well as any overpriced sports bars but taste better.  I have a fairly healthy diet although the battle with the bulge is constant. I don't eat junk food. I have reduced alcohol consumption to modest amounts. I did all the bad habits in the first half. You have to put a line through them in the second half. Running is a fair swap. Fitness in youth is optional, later it becomes imperative.

10.  I am currently enjoying spin classes which are useful low impact workouts in addition to the running.

11.  I'm bringing primal scream to this blog: If you are flagging horribly in a long race have a good bark at yourself and those around you who seem to be in need of a pick­me­up. It often does more good for the shouter than the shoutee.

12.  I don't have any issues (suitable for discussion here!)

13.  I am not really an inspirational quote person. However I did smile wryly when I saw the following quote, though it is more in line with the hardcore competitive me than the more relaxed person taking photos of the sunset:

Now I am not trying to sell myself as a tiger but I do think there are far too many sheep, slumped on the sofa, watching dreck on the telly, shovelling crisps and chocolate into themselves, wondering why their lives feel empty. I would encourage them to get out and walk/run/bike/swim NOW. It quickly becomes enjoyable and will save your life.

If that didn't make you feel inspired to go and run 53 miles well you're reading the wrong blog. There's more of where this came from, just head over to the aptly named 'Best part of the day' Peter's online running journal.  Thanks Mr Buchanan for getting We Do Run Run back in action! 

Elinor Butler: Runner, rapper, half the trouble double the smiles.

I'm excited to introduce you to Double Trouble Running - best pals who love running and talking about running (I know, good combo right?!)  Gilly works for a large social media software company, and Ellie works for a medium digital media software consultancy. Together they want to provide a view of running from two sides of the world! 

Today you get to meet Ellie, an Aussie running and living in Durham, UK. 

1. I started running 7 years ago and it’s helped me settle into my new town after moving to the UK from Australia.
2. I run because I am not coordinated enough for team sports, and I wear an old pair of Asics.
3. The last run I did was a trail run on Sunday and I ran 10k in Hamsterley Forest.  It was uncomfortable because there were midges everywhere and I now look like I have the measles.
4. My current fave bit of kit is my new running shorts because I feel like a dude in them.
5. I'm training for a Total Warrior in August – I think I’ve completely underestimated how tough it will be! I only entered cos I liked the title!
6. Running made me feel alive when I ran over the Millenium bridge during a lunch time run at work. It wasn’t the same as Sydney Harbour, but it was still fantastic.
7. I'm currently listening to Dizzee Rascal and Jay-Z when I run.  It helps me learn rap so I can look awesome at karaoke.
8. I participate in the Elvet Striders, a local club in Durham where I live, and it has helped me increase my mileage and enter races.
9. I started drinking/eating chocolate milk after long runs and it feels like an awesome treat and is apparently great for recovery. Definitely recommend it.
10. I'm currently obsessed with trail runs and it's keeping my running addiction fresh and new.
11. I'm bringing drills to this blog, and throwing them down on the table.  I've just discovered them and they’re making me aware of my own style and how to improve.
12. I'm currently having issues with my left hip flexor - can anyone offer any tips?
13. Finally, here's my inspirational quote.  It gets me going when I feel like the run is beating me and I want my revenge:

Stay tuned to meet the other half of Double Trouble, Gilly! She's a Brit, living in Oz. It's confusing right? Like they both swapped places.
Lovely to meet you ladies!!!

Louise Poole: Runner and HR manager

I'm excited to introduce you to Louise, she's a lovely HR manager and she sent me so many pretty photos of where she runs I think I actually breathed fresh air through my computer screen.  Look at her beautiful running route... how can you not want to get your trainers on and go running?  

1. I started running about 7 years ago after I met my husband (then boyfriend) and discovered he ran.  My first run was 11 minutes long and I nearly died I was so unfit.

2. I run because it makes me feel happy and good about myself and I get to feed my massive appetite without feeling too guilty.  I have always ran in Asics but have just bought a pair of New Balance trainers – still not sure I like them as much but I’m persevering with them!

3. The last run I did was yesterday morning before work and I ran 6k.  It was great because it was such a beautiful morning & I was just pleased to be running, but hard because I’ve not been able to run properly over the last couple of months due to an injury and I felt tired and unfit.

4. My current fave bit of kit is my new running tights.  It was my reward for being able to run again so I bought 3 new pairs.  I even purchased my first pair of patterned leggings and I love them!  

5. I'm training for the Great North Run in September and the Glasgow Half Marathon in October.  I’m praying that I actually make it to the start line with these two! 

6. Running makes me feel alive whenever I’m out, and especially when I return to it after being injured.  I just feel lucky that I’m able to run and that it’s so simple to stick on your trainers and end up somewhere you wouldn’t have done if you hadn’t been running.  

7. I never run to music, I just get carried away with my own thoughts and surroundings.  It’s funny as I’m someone who can get bored easily but I never ever get bored when out running – even on longer runs.

8. I participate in Penicuik Harriers and it has helped me improve my 5k & 10k times.  It will hopefully help me get a pb in my half marathon time this year as well!

9. I started eating porridge this year after spending years moaning about not liking the texture.  I’m not sure that it helps me with my running but I’ve become addicted.  Porridge with banana and cinnamon is the best.  

10. I'm currently obsessed with reading running blogs online!  It makes me excited about running and I really enjoy reading about people’s running achievements/goals etc.

11. I'm bringing trail running to this blog, and throwing it down on the table.  I've just discovered it and it's brought a new found passion for running.  I just need to find some more trails close to where I live so I can make use of my new trail trainers!

12. I'm currently having issues with lots of things!  My calves are much tighter since I’ve been back out running and I’m a bit worried it’s the new trainers not agreeing with me.  I’m also working on my nerve pain.  

13. Finally, here's my inspirational quote:

If you want more of Louise's green run updates, find her on twitter!