Running Unplugged!

26 NOV2010

Jenny Chambers has been a runner since finding she was better at it than the boys at primary school! Now a seasoned runner with plenty of races under her belt, Jenny is particularly passionate about the merits of running sans music, iPods are a big no no for this runner, nature's sounds are all she needs ...

How long have you been running? I started at primary school, when I found I could beat all the boys. I had a very supportive teacher, who encouraged me to join my local athletics club when I went to grammar school, and things went on from there. I won English Schools medals at sprints and long jump (and also cross country!), but didn't start running distance until I went to university when I began orienteering. I continued to race on the roads as well as orienteer, but after some injury problems I now just enjoy running on the road.

How often do you run each week? Now I'm older I run five times a week, and do a pool or gym session on the sixth day. I also make sure I have a complete rest day as well.

Do you train alone or with people? I enjoy running by myself. Occasionally I will run with a friend, but I find the benefits of running alone are considerable in terms of my mental state! It calms me down, gives me 'me-time' and I enjoy letting my mind do its own thing.

What is your favourite distance/race? I enjoy 5K races, but also like the challenge of a half marathon. It's long enough to still be a challenge for me now I'm getting old! I try and run in the Sheffield Half Marathon every year because coming down Ecclesall Road is awesome. I also love the Nice 10K as it goes along the prom, and it's usually bright and sunny being in the south of France.

What has been your running highlight? So many good memories. I often use running as an excuse to visit new places, so I've been to Prague for the half marathon, Nice for a 10K, and I've also really enjoyed racing in the States on Independence Day - that was exciting.
What do you do to motivate yourself to get out training? I work out goals for myself and always have a race to aim for.

Where do you like to train? I am very lucky as there are plenty of lovely places in Sheffield - lots of parks; and we live right on the edge of the city so I have the moors to run over. My favourite run is around Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs, which you can do on a road that is closed to traffic.

What other things do you do to keep fit? I do a session in the pool, and use the bike and cross trainer in the gym. I also walk 55 minutes to work every morning.

Do you have any training tips for our readers? Run without your ipod! It's much nicer to listen to the birds singing and the wind blowing through the trees - you can listen to music any time, but it is important to escape from the world sometimes to give yourself a mental break.
If you have a particular problem or thoughts nagging away at you, go for an hour's easy run in particularly nice surroundings but leave your ipods and earphones behind. By running in the countryside, a park or even a different route to usual you will find it easy to let your brain gently mull over things as you look at the scenery, listen to unaccustomed noises like birds singing and generally indulge your senses!
I find that water is a big stimulant for me; I am fortunate to be able to run around several reservoirs close to my home, and my town also has several parks which follow river valleys.
By getting in touch with your senses of sound and vision, your brain finds its own space and you will more often than not be able to solve that problem, find the creativity that sometimes gets buried under the humdrum of everyday living, or even prepare shopping lists, menus for the week ahead!

If you could run one race in the world what would it be? New York Marathon - it is one of those races that you just have to say you've done.

Do you have a dream running buddy? I'd love to go on a run with Kara Goucher, or Liz Yelling as she gave me some advice once and it would be lovely to meet her.