Meet Rochelle

After successfully completing our Learn to Run program at the end of 2016, this lady has gone from strength to strength including not 1, but 2 half marathons this year! Some may call her the ‘quiet achiever’ of the group, but her dedication has definitely shown via fantastic race results this year and we cannot wait to see what she achieves next. Meet Rochelle…

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a mum of two, wife of one(!), primary school teacher, church goer, book lover, variously successful, but happy gardener.

Tell us a bit about you and running – How? When? Why?

I actually really disliked running when I was younger – I dreaded and loathed Cross Country each year at school! I spent 20 years thinking that I really should get more exercise. Then I hit 40 and I decided it was time to stop stuffing around, so I started an indoor netball team and joined Rachel’s Learn to Run group after a friend invited me along.

I definitely didn’t love running at first, but really enjoyed getting out and knowing that I was doing something worthwhile for myself. It’s been so great to meet lots of like-minded people and be part of such an encouraging and supportive community. I didn’t imagine that I would ever enter a half marathon and my family were quite shocked too! I feel really happy with where my running has taken me so far and am looking forward to 2019 which will include both a half marathon in Hawaii and UTA22!

What’s the best thing about running for you?

So many things – being fit, great run-chats with beautiful people, knowing I’m pushing myself, and there’s nothing like running and seeing an amazing sunrise!

What’s your favourite piece of running equipment?

I love a nice head buff – awesome for soaking up the sweat and keeping crazy hair in place!

What’s your biggest challenge with running?

I really don’t like running in hot weather, so summer is hard to get through.

If you could invent a running or fitness tool or toy what would it be?

Hmm not sure. Maybe something to ensure that magpies stay far away from me!

Any tips for fellow runners?

It’s never too late to get fit and anyone can run if they put their mind to it. Be like Forrest!

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