Edinburgh Running School

Name: Lorna Howie (on the left)
Profession: Teacher
Age: 40

When did you start with Edinburgh Running School?
I originally started in November 2010 but then the snow came and we
missed a few classes so I came back at the start of January and did the
full 8 weeks.

What was your motivation to start with Edinburgh Running School?
Two things really - I was turning 40 in December and wanted to be able to run for 20 minutes, and although I had lost some weight previously, I wanted to boost my weight loss and get fit.

How does running make you feel?
The first ten minutes always make me feel as if I am going to drop dead, but after that I am learning to enjoy feeling like I am doing something good with my body. The best bit is knowing that if I have had a bad day or am in a grumpy mood, that I will feel much better once I have been for a run.

Who inspires you the most, and why?
My brother is my running inspiration. He regularly runs sub 4 hour marathons but jogged the whole Edinburgh marathon this year with our relay team so we could all do it together. His encouragement and pep talks keep me going!

Tell us about the best race you've ever done:
Definitely the marathon relay. Our team was me, my partner, my sister in law and my 72 year old father. My brother ran the whole marathon with us and crossed the line with my Dad in a pretty respectable 5:15. I ran 5.4 miles and enjoyed every step - something I never thought I'd hear myself say!

Tell us about your running goals for 2011
I'm signed up for the Great Edinburgh Run 10k in October. I'll be doing it with Lorraine, another Edinburgh Running School Graduate who I run with most weeks. It will be the furthest we've run so far and I'm excited already!

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of joining the Edinburgh Running School?
Just do it! Those 8 weeks have changed my life completely, they can do the same for you too.

Any pearls of wisdom?
It only occurred to me recently that those so called "real runners" who pass you when you're struggling are breathing really hard too. If you're out there running several times a week and you're getting better every time...you're a real runner too.