
Jo Gilliver
Runner of the Week – Jo Gilliver
Time as a Member – Few Weeks
Reason for the Award – For embracing the Ripley Running Club spirit. Which is essentially… Running! Since checking out the club, Jo has been ever present on Tuesday evenings as well as embracing the annual hill run.
Getting to Know you in 5 Questions:
Most memorable running experience:
I’ve had many pleasant running experiences. I’ve spent countless hours exploring trials and routes and discovering new places. The most memorable experience was running my first marathon I can still remember how nervous I felt at the start line , how strangers cheered me on , the pain in my knee for that last mile and the emotion and tiredness when I crossed the finish line and the horror when my toe nails fell off .I have so many memories and all of them are good, even if some are painful!
If you could compete in one event what would it be?
The Polar Night half in Tromso , Norway . I have never raced in snow , the race takes place in the middle of that day but its January so the sun never rises above the horizon . it’s a torch-lit route and the chance of running underneath the aurora borealis.
Favourite local running route:
There are so many places to run in my area , one of my favourites is to start at Fritchley and take the trials up to Pentrich and back or down through Crich chase to Cromford canal which is just about the only flat to place to run near me.
Best bit of advice you could give to any one about running?
Most people think running is solitary activity but when you are a runner you belong to this incredible club full of people – almost all are strangers, but they have your back, and everyone will support you. The running community is great .
What got you into running?
I entered a half marathon with some friends , we just wanted to get around the course it was nothing to serious but I felt the benefits to my physical and emotional health and it was a sense of achievement. I carried on running after that and have never missed a week .
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