I am a very active recently retired DT (textiles) teacher who began running nearly 20 years ago. Daily 5k distances lead to a few 10Ks and half marathons which were run in aid of Alzheimer’s.
In 2015 I joined my first running club (Ware Joggers) and in the last six years have run over 20 half marathons, and 5 marathons as well as many other distances and participated in numerous cross country events. Alongside my running I love to organise events and became a very active member of my club organising social events, writing press articles, helping with coaching and co-managing many activities. I then took on the role of Race Director for the club’s annual Ware Festival of Running for 3 years. This event comprises 10K and 10M races as well as children’s races. We usually have over 800 runners. The funds raised, often in excess of £10,000, are donated to Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and other local charities. I have volunteered at many parkruns and for five years as a marshal at the London Marathon. This year I also worked at the bag drop for two days. I absolutely love having opportunities to be on the ‘other side of running’ in particular as a marshal you have so many memorable experiences which make the commitment worthwhile.
Since retiring last year I have moved to Nottinghamshire and have worked for several months as a volunteer for the NHS helping with the vaccination programme. I joined a new running club in Southwell and am a regular attendee at training sessions as well as club press officer for our local paper.
In my spare time I still tutor adults who wish to learn to sew and obviously love to design and make clothing. I like to travel and going overseas to run marathons has become quite a passion. I love to swim and also participate in core strength sessions to help support my running. I am currently completing my LIRF training in order to help with coaching at my new club.
I have visited the National Running Show a few times and it is a fabulous event which really supports the running community. Working as an ambassador would be yet another opportunity for me to become more widely involved in, a help promote, the sport I love so much.
Carol Hayward
