Our next ‘meet the team’ article features Mary Armitage. If you’ve visited The Running Works it’s highly likely you’ve been given some good advice by Mary.
Mary Armitage is a member of the Orion Harriers running club. She competes regularly and is no stranger to track, road and cross country races. Mary also has a number of cycling events and a Half Iron Man under her belt!
Why did you start running?
I started running simply due to growing up in an active family. I’ve got two older brothers who both run. I started running too and just enjoyed it so much.
What distances have you raced over and do you have a favourite?
I’ve taken part in races ranging from one mile up to marathon distance. My preference is for off-road races, anywhere between 5km and 10 miles.
If you could go back in time to when you started running and give yourself advice, what would it be?
That’s a good questions! Believe in yourself and don’t set limits, find them.
What has been your biggest achievement in running?
I really enjoyed my experience of the Frankfurt Marathon. Everything went right and I even sorted the weather out to be sunny but nice and cool. The Cape Wrath Challenge up in the Highlands of Scotland was an amazing event and stunningly beautiful.
What’s the best / strangest thing you’ve ever discovered in a race goody bag?
The best thing I’ve ever found in a goody bag was a chocolate milkshake. It was very tasty and chocolate milk is a great post-race recovery drink. The strangest thing I’ve been given is a frisbee in the City of London Mile goody bag.
What are you favourite running shoes and why?
I love to wear the On Cloudsurfer as my everyday training shoe. My choice for off-road running is the Saucony Peregrine for racing I wear the adidas Adios Boost.
And your favourite item of kit?
I adore my Gore base jacket as its windproof, breathable and great to wear both before and after a race. I bought an OMM Kamleika jacket recently and I’m looking forward to trying it out.
Do you use any mental techniques to get yourself through a tough race or training session?
I use positive rhyming mantras that I repeat to myself in rhythm with my steps. For example, one of the mantras is “Feeling good, you know you should”.
What are your future goals / bucket list races?
I plan to do more trail runs and races as a way to explore Britain. At the moment I’m contemplating my next challenges!
If you’d like to ask Mary a question about her training, post in the comment section and we’ll find out the answer!
