Interviews

Hattie Pearson is the type of person who doesn’t just dabble in fitness (or most things…!) She dives in headfirst, often with no hand-holding (except, perhaps, metaphorically). From her first triathlon in 2021 to a series of jaw-dropping endurance feats in 2024, she’s been redefining what’s possible with determination, community, and a big ‘YES’ attitude.

Just say YES

Hattie’s ‘yes’ streak started when a friend and her decided to do a sprint triathlon together. “We had such a great time,” Hattie recalls, “and I was like, I want to do more of this.” That spark quickly turned into a blaze of ambition. By the following year, she was competing in Outlaw triathlons and even signing up for a full-distance Ironman—before completing her first half-distance event. “I didn’t give myself the choice to not carry on,” she says.

The Power of Community

For Hattie, discovering the 10IronWomen network—a group committed to gender parity in triathlons—was a game-changer. “It’s amazing to see a community encouraging women and non-binary folk to show up,” she explains. “Seeing others doing it made me think, I want to be a part of this.” That sense of solidarity and shared purpose has been a recurring theme, whether she’s lacing up for a winter triathlon in the Alps or a grueling ultra-marathon closer to home.

A Year of Big Goals

This year, Hattie set herself a dizzying list of challenges. She swam 500 kilometers (yep, that’s half a million meters!) and tackled a range of events, including a winter triathlon complete with ski touring, the Étape du Tour cycling challenge, and her first ultra-marathon. Each was hard in its own way—whether it was battling snowy trails with crampons or smashing out seven-and-a-half-minute miles for 13.1 miles. But for Hattie, the difficulty is the point. “Every time I achieve something I thought was impossible, I remind myself: I can do hard things.”

Balance and Burnout

With goals that ambitious, fitting it all in can be a challenge. Early mornings help. “I’m one of those people who can get up at 5:00 a.m,” Hattie admits, however it also takes a lot of discipline. With her work on Hits Radio starting later in the day, she carves out time for training, dog walks, and the occasional tantrum over broken goggles. “I’ve definitely had those ‘forgetting-my-swimming-costume’ moments,” she laughs. But her key to staying motivated is simple: keep it fresh and fun. Whether it’s joining her triathlon club for training or trying a completely new event, keeping it fun and different is the secret to staying motivated and on track to reach your goals. 

Advice for Aspiring Endurance Athletes

For anyone looking to follow in her footsteps (or strokes), Hattie has this advice:

• Be patient. Results don’t come overnight, and the journey is as important as the destination.
• Stop comparing. “Your journey is completely your own. Social media only shows the highlights,” she reminds us.
• Find your community. Whether it’s a running club, a neighbor for early morning jogs, or an online network, accountability and camaraderie make all the difference.

What’s Next for Hattie?

In 2025, Hattie plans to tackle her first multi-day event, the Monster Triathlon. Admittedly it is as scary as it sounds, kicking off with a 5K swim in Loch Ness, followed by a 1,000-kilometer bike ride to Windsor, and wraps up with a casual 50K run to London(!). Her goals also include more open-water swimming, trail running, and maybe—just maybe—an even bigger endurance challenge. (Though definitely not swimming the English Channel: “No way am I swimming through jellyfish without a wetsuit!”)

Hattie Pearson’s journey is more than a personal triumph. It’s a testament to the power of showing up, saying yes, and proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible. Whether you’re tackling your first 5K or dreaming of an ultra-marathon, Hattie’s story is proof that the finish line is worth the hard miles. And when you cross it? You’ve won your race—medal or not. 🏅

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After a 10-year professional rugby career, Lewis Robling found himself at a crossroads during lockdown. What began as simple lockdown running evolved into 'Why We Run,' a unique community combining ultra-distance running with charitable fundraising. We sat down with Lewis to learn more about his journey and the impact of bringing people together through running.

Can you tell us about your personal running journey?

My background is professional rugby - I played for 10 years until retiring as lockdown hit in 2020. Like many others, I started running because it was the only form of exercise available, but it quickly became much more. After completing David Goggins' 4x4x48 challenge and raising £10k for charity, I tackled my first ultra - a 125km race in the Peak District. I'd never run more than a half marathon before, but those two days in the Peaks taught me more about myself than 10 years as a professional athlete. It showed me I was capable of far more than I thought possible.

What inspired you to start 'Why We Run'?

'Why We Run' was actually born by accident in 2022. I was planning to run five 250km ultras to raise £25k for bigmoose, the charity that supported me with therapy when I needed it most. When the final event was cancelled, we created our own multi-stage event instead. Seventeen runners volunteered to join in November, camping in the cold British winter, and together we raised £22k in just one week. The environment was so special - filled with love, purpose, and no egos - that we knew we had to do it again.

What does the name "Why We Run" mean to you, and how does it resonate with the community?

For me, Why We Run is a reminder that running helps us grow. I used to run to escape, but through therapy, I learned to face challenges instead. The name reflects that shift—running to push past limits, both physically and mentally. Everyone has their own reason for running, and that shared experience is what brings us together.

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The event combines running and camping—what inspired this, and how has it evolved?

I've always loved multi-day races and the bonds they create. I wanted to recreate that experience without the competition. From the start, Why We Run has been about supporting each other, finishing together, and raising money as a team. It's more about connection and growth than performance.

What does a typical day at the event look like?

Runners wake up about two hours before the start time, typically 7am. They gather in the main kitchen area for breakfast, get any necessary treatment from physios and medics, then head to the start line where our race director Cookie gives an inspirational speech. They complete three loops along the Welsh coastal path each day, returning to camp between loops for refuelling. Evenings are spent recovering, sharing meals, listening to inspirational speakers, and bonding in ways that only ultras can facilitate.

How do you maintain the community feeling with so many participants?

We've actually capped the numbers at 50 runners to preserve the intimate atmosphere. Everyone stays together in bunk rooms - it's more like a school trip than traditional camping! Creating an atmosphere that is supportive rather than competitive is incredibly important to us. This is why there is not cut offs, no racing and participants have the freedom to run as they see fit! One of our unwritten rules is that every runner stays to support the day's final finisher. The most common feedback we hear is that 'we arrived as strangers and left as family.' That's exactly the environment we aim to create.

What's one of the most rewarding experiences you've seen through "Why We Run"?

Watching people transform over the week is incredible. This year, a runner battled intense fear and self-doubt. She nearly didn't make it to camp and almost quit on day one, but she kept pushing through. Each day, she faced her fears, and by the end of the toughest stage, her mindset shifted. On day four, she said, 'All week, I've been waking up scared and had to be brave. Today, I woke up and I was just brave.' Her transformation was incredible, and it's just one of many powerful stories we've witnessed.

Why did you choose to support bigmoose charity?

bigmoose was there for me when I needed them most. Jeff and Chloe, the father-daughter founding team, are incredibly inspiring people. They use their profits to provide early intervention therapy for those who need it - £100 pays for an hour of therapy that could save someone's life. In three years, our runners have raised over £125,000, which is mind-blowing. Each year has exceeded our expectations, with this year's participants raising over £80,000 after Gift Aid.

What's next for 'Why We Run'?

We're still early in our journey, but we'd love to host more events and develop online educational tools while maintaining our core values: purpose beyond yourself, power in human connection, pursuits past physical and mental limits, together as one. We have a team of 7 now and while we plan to expand, including a single-stage ultra coming soon, our focus remains on creating environments that help people grow and connect. Running is just the tool - at its heart, this is about bringing people together and making a difference.

What started as one man's journey from professional rugby to ultra-running has blossomed into something far more meaningful. Through 'Why We Run', Lewis has created more than just another running event – he's built a community where personal transformation and collective purpose intersect. With over £125,000 raised for mental health support and countless stories of personal triumph, it's clear that this unique blend of endurance running, charitable giving, and genuine human connection is making waves in the running world. As 'Why We Run' continues to grow, it stands as a powerful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful journeys aren't about how far or fast we run, but who we become and who we help along the way.

Autumn race season is almost here, and whether you're doing something completely new or looking to shave seconds off your personal best, now is the perfect time to fine tune your training. To help you get race-day ready, we caught up with Olympic Heptathlete Chari Hawkins, who shares her top tips for maximising your training. Plus, we’re excited to introduce the newly launched Brooks Hyperion Max 2—a shoe designed to make fast feel good.

Q: As an athlete that competes across multiple distances and disciplines, how do you train to ensure you can perform at your best? 

Being a Heptathlete throws a lot at you – hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m, long jump, javelin, and the 800m. That means my training needs to be versatile to accommodate for each one of the events. However, there is a core part of my training that stays consistent! Drills.

Doing proper warm-up drills are so good for the body, running longevity and overall performance. It doesn’t matter where you are on your running journey, they are the secret weapon in your training arsenal. Drills may seem simple, but they build muscle memory, improve form, and prime your body for efficient movement. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time runner, incorporating drills into your routine will pay off big time on race day.

Q: How much do you taper for races? What does race week look like for you?

Race week is all about fine-tuning. Yes, I taper down on training volume, focusing on peaking for the race, keeping my body loose and ready to explode. It's a balance between staying sharp and not overdoing it on the track and in the weight room. Physical therapy is also crucial so I can show up on race day ready to go.

Q: How important is it to have a rotation of shoes for training and racing?

Using a variety of shoes has helped me stay healthy and enabled me to be more consistent with my training. Different shoes offer different benefits – some prioritise cushioning, others responsiveness. It helps prevent overuse injuries and keeps my training fresh.

My current go-to is the new Hyperion Max 2. It gives me impact protection and relief on my hips, knees. Shins and feet due to the amazing cushioning and support. Having a quality shoe is so important for any runner - staying healthy is the biggest advantage that you can have. 

As I do seven events being able to pick out a pair of shoes that is suitable for my specific training session, whether it is speed, endurance, jumping or weight training. The rotation of the shoes allow me to get the most out of the workout. 

Q: What is your morning routine for race day?

My goal is to always keep it the same. My focus is on staying consistent with what I do each morning before practice so that the competition feels the same as how I practise. Mornings are all about setting the right tone. Early wake up, at least 3.5 hours before I compete, grab a healthy breakfast packed with protein to fuel my body, and drink plenty of water/electrolytes. 

I get to the competition and warm up with my trainer for about 30 minutes before I hit the track and start getting ready for my first event, the 100M hurdles, roughly 1 hour before race time.

Q: Finally, what’s your one golden mantra you say to yourself when you’re standing on the start line waiting for the gun to go?

Here are a couple:

1. It doesn't have to be perfect to be good. 
2. See - Feel - Trust. (see yourself do it, feel yourself do it, trust yourself to do it!)

Final thoughts

As you prepare for your autumn races, remember that preparation is key to success. With the expert advice from Chari Hawkins and the fast and protective design of the Brooks Hyperion Max 2, you have everything you need to make this race your best yet.

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Running is often described as a solo sport, but for many, it’s the sense of community and belonging that turns a casual jog into a lifelong passion. That’s certainly the case for the founder of "Runners and Stunners," a London-based running club dedicated to inclusivity and empowering women of all paces. We spoke with Jenny Mannion the creator of the group about the journey behind the club’s creation, the importance of creating a community where everyone feels welcome (no matter their pace) and how she is inspires women accross the UK to get out and run.

How did you first get involved in the running community?

When I first started running, I really wanted to try out some London run clubs, so I was going to some quite frequently. However, I struggled to keep up with everyone else. I started posting running content in April 2023, which was when I truly began to connect with the broader running community. This journey of finding my place within the running world has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Have you always been passionate about running, or was there a specific moment that sparked your love for it?

So, in lockdown, someone challenged me to run a 5k. I did it and hated it. I often used running as a tool to lose weight when I was younger, but I hated every second. In 2021, I started a new job with a lot of fitness professionals, and one in particular loved running. I thought he was mad, but he took me to my first club. Later that year, I ran a half marathon but gave up straight after. In April 2023, I was at CrossFit, really not enjoying it, so I went on a 3k run and decided I wanted to do something epic. I signed up for an ultramarathon and started training straight away. The long, slow runs during my ultra training were where I really found a passion for it.

What was the initial response when you first launched the club, and how has it evolved since then?

So, I never really “launched” the run club. When I first started running and posting content about it, a lot of people told me my pace seemed familiar to them. I was really struggling to keep up at other clubs, so I thought I should host a run. I put out a reel asking if anyone fancied a run. The first run club, around eight people showed up, and I loved it, so I did it again the week after and the week after that.

We have evolved so much since then. We have a team of ambassadors to assist on the runs, and we’ve worked with some major sportswear brands like Lululemon and Gymshark. The run club has grown to nearly 8,000 members on the Strava group, and we see turnouts like 300 women showing up weekly.

Runners and Stunners is focused on inclusivity and encouraging women and girls who may not run at a fast pace. Can you share more about why this mission is important to you and the club?

This is really important to me because I was that girl at the back, losing everyone, gasping for air, and struggling so much. I know what it’s like. Run clubs I’ve found in London tend to have their slowest pace be 6:00 min per km, yet the average pace for a woman to run a 5k is over 7 mins per km. So I believe there is a huge blocker in getting more females into the sport. Also, knowing that running slower than a 6:00 min pace is actually normal is crucial.

When people accept this and find a community they feel like they belong in, it encourages them to continue, sign up for races, and feel the joys we all feel from races and achieving our goals.

We are also constantly shown the best of the best online, with brands, etc., and I think it’s important to have that representation of what most of us are doing, which is what I really strive for with Runners and Stunners!

How do you create an environment that supports both new and experienced runners in your club?

I think it’s important to be super transparent with the pace. For example, people that have been coming to the run club for a while may have gotten a little faster but still come to the club for the social aspect and to enjoy themselves. As a leader, I think it’s important to understand we can’t please everyone, and when we are transparent with what the run is, people can decide what is best for them.

I also think with the messaging put out by myself and Runners & Stunners, super experienced runners may decide it’s not for them, and that’s okay. As long as everyone has an environment to thrive in, that’s what matters most.

Can you describe the community vibe at Runners and Stunners? What makes it different from other running clubs in London?

The vibe at the run club is so supportive, sometimes a little wild in the best way. Running through London, we’ve almost become a tourist attraction with people cheering for us and us cheering back, and everyone is just having such a good time. I think the main reason we’re different is because we truly don’t care about the pace. We take stops and whatever we need—the focus of the run is to be able to chat and enjoy it.

We are also female-only, which I think makes us different. A lot of social media trends have made out like people should go to run clubs to find dates, but a lot of people don’t want that—they want to exercise in a comfortable environment.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in running the club, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge has been learning how to manage such a big group running through central London, and I have definitely benefited from other members of the running community in similar situations to me. I find when I reach out asking for advice on the best way to handle things, people are super helpful, and the running community just wants to help each other.

Can you share a proud moment or achievement for Runners and Stunners that stands out to you?

A standout moment for me was the first big week of runners coming. We went from 20 runners to 150 in a week. It was this moment that made me believe I had something really special and something that was really needed in the running community.

With so many women & girls across the UK inspired by what you're doing what are your future goals for Runners and Stunners?

I want to grow Runners & Stunners around the UK. We recently launched in Bristol, and I’m currently navigating how to expand! Having the club in lots of different places around the UK would be really amazing while I focus on the London club as a real long-term goal.

I’d also love to have cheer zones at different major races in London, start going on international trips to run races—the sky is the limit, I guess! I definitely envision us being the biggest female running community in the UK. Hopefully, within the next few years, we’ll have several locations all around the UK!

What advice would you give to anyone hesitant to join a running club?

My best advice would be to know so many others are in your situation—scared to go—and it’s actually completely normal to feel really nervous showing up to a run club alone. In my run club and the other run clubs in London, I find most people actually show up alone and are in such a similar boat.

Putting myself out of my comfort zone with run clubs has given me an entire friendship group and so many opportunities, and it’s so worth it!

You’re currently training for the NYC Marathon. Do you have any tips when it comes to training motivation?

My best motivational tip is not to rely on motivation to get you out the door. Plan your runs like they are meetings in your diary. Show up, have a good time, and the feeling on race day—knowing you’ve done what you can—is like no other, and you’ll be so proud of yourself!

Do you have a dream event—either one you want to take part in yourself or one that the Runners and Stunners crew can do together?

My dream event was actually the New York Marathon, so I’m very grateful this is happening. I’d love to run London at some point, as this is the city that made me fall in love with running. I’d love for the Runners & Stunners crew to be able to do London, as I can imagine it will be so special for everyone.

The journey of building Runners and Stunners has been nothing short of inspiring. From overcoming the struggles of keeping up with other clubs to creating a supportive, inclusive space for women runners, it’s clear that the community has found something truly special. As the club continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains certain: the heart of Runners and Stunners lies in its commitment to making every runner feel like they belong, no matter their pace. With exciting plans on the horizon and a vision to expand across the UK, the future looks incredibly bright for this remarkable community.

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Imagine cycling 200 miles a day, for 7 consecutive days across Europe from Hackney to Rome whilst on holiday. For Tait, embarking on this epic journey from Hackney to Rome—a 1300-mile adventure was fueled by the desire to visit his sister and the thrill of a long-distance challenge. Tait’s story is one of determination, resilience, and the joy of exploring new places on two wheels. Here’s how he prepared, persevered, and found joy in the journey.

What made you decide to undertake such a big challenge?

I've always dreamed of biking to visit my big sister in Rome, but the 1300-mile journey felt unattainable due to both distance and time constraints. Last year, everything changed when I managed to bike 250 miles in a single day—a round trip from London to Weston Super Mare for fish and chips by the sea. That ride sparked an idea: I could reach Rome in just one week if I could average 200 miles per day. And so, the challenge was born.

How did you train in preparation?

Preparation was a bit unconventional for me. Apart from completing the NC500 in February—a grueling 500-mile loop around Scotland’s northerly coast—I hadn’t done much specific training beyond my usual gym routine and some running. The NC500 was tough, but it gave me a taste of the endurance required for the journey ahead.

Have you ever done something like this before?

Not quite on this scale. Over the years, I’ve done some backpacking and wild camping, but the thrill of tackling the unknown and gaining a sense of control in challenging situations was a major draw for me in attempting this journey.

Did everything go to plan once you set out, or were there unexpected challenges along the way?

Absolutely not! Things went awry from the start—bad weather, and receiving my new bike late meant it was set up incorrectly. Even the slightest misalignment can cause significant issues when cycling 200 miles a day. Despite these challenges, I pressed on.

What was the peak and pit of the trip?

The toughest moment was giving up on my initial goal of making it to Rome in just 7 days. The realisation came after staying on track the first 3 days and cycling 600 miles but ultimately that mileage per day was not sustainable. However, this setback led to a new adventure that turned out to be even more spectacular even if it took a little longer than anticipated. It may have taken longer to make it to Rome this time around but now, I have a new challenge ahead: Rome 2.0, which will happen later this year, a second attempt to make it there in just 7 days!

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Did you have a favorite part of the route?

The entire journey was visually stunning, from the canals of Belgium to the Dolomites’ mountains in Italy. A unique highlight was biking across Luxembourg in the pitch black. Experiencing an entire country in darkness was surreal.

What was your favourite training route at home?

I love the ride from my flat in Hackney to the Cathedral in St Albans. It’s a 45-mile round trip mostly on peaceful country lanes with minimal traffic. Besides that, racing London taxis and buses provides excellent high-intensity training!

How did you pack for the trip?

Over the years, I’ve perfected a streamlined bike-packing setup. My kit included a Big Agnes Copper Spur bike-packing tent, a Primus boiler set (which I broke during this trip), a Canyon waterproof jacket, a 66 North puffer, and a Buff snood. To document the trip, I brought a Sony FX3 camera and a DJI Mini 4 Pro drone.

Best advice for anyone wanting to set a goal or challenge for themselves?

Aim high, but stay safe and listen to your body. It’s okay to re-try a challenge if you don’t succeed the first time. And always bring cable ties—they can fix almost anything!

As a chef, how did you find planning meals for the trip?

When biking like this, it’s all about quick, grab-and-go eating. Unfortunately, my cooking skills didn’t come into play much—it was more about consuming calories through local delicacies. Pizza in Italy, saucisson in France, and plenty of chocolate in Belgium kept me fueled.

Any other challenges you would like to do in the future?

First, I need to complete the London to Rome trip in a week. After that, I’m eyeing a bike ride across Iceland’s interior. This adventure would test new skills, including bike rafting down the many rivers flowing from the mountains to the sea.

Tait’s journey from Hackney to Rome, though fraught with challenges, was a testament to the power of setting ambitious goals and pushing personal limits. With a new adventure on the horizon, his story serves as an inspiration to all who dream big and strive to turn those dreams into reality. Rome 2.0 is just around the corner, and with Tait’s determination, there’s no doubt it will be another incredible adventure.

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How did you first start fundraising? What was your motivation?

My brother, Graham, passed away from a rare strain of meningitis in 2019, aged 20. Since then, life hasn’t been the same for myself, my family, or  his friends. This is  something that will never make sense. Graham didn’t have any of the usual meningitis symptoms; he was fit, healthy and young. The illness took him within hours.

Why did you choose the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF)?

Since Graham’s death, I’m committed to raising as much money as I can for the Meningitis Research Foundation and for me, raising awareness is equally as important. When you’re at university, you think you’ve got your whole life ahead of you, but meningitis can strike very quickly. I encourage everyone to look up the symptoms of meningitis. It can affect anyone at any time. Being knowledgeable about this killer disease could help save the lives of those close to you.

What support do you get from the Meningitis Research Foundation? 

The MRF are very supportive. They offer  regular fundraiser check-ins, training webinars, a Facebook group for fellow marathon runners and  of course, massage and plenty of food and drinks at the end of the marathon!

What do you get from fundraising?

The key benefit for me personally is raising awareness, so I feel like I’m making a difference. There are also other benefits I’ve found such as meeting other people who have sadly suffered similar loss. I’ve made lots of friends through running and it’s given me the chance to spend time with like-minded people.

For people starting out, what are your top tips?

You don’t have to be a runner to run a marathon. Running events are about bringing people together and doing something positive. The main thing is to enjoy it. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone also gives you a great sense of achievement and is great for building resilience.

What are some of the most memorable ways you’ve raised money for MRF?

The Richmond Half Marathon was the first event I ran in Graham’s honour. Lots of Graham's friends and family ran it too. Most of us had never ran 5k prior to this, but everyone completed it. It was the first time I realised I could use running as a ‘force for good’, and since then I’ve ran in five events on behalf of MRF.

What are your goals for this year?

My personal running goal is aiming for a PB of sub 3hrs 25 in the 2024 TCS London Marathon . I’d better continue with the training!

My ongoing life goal is to raise both money and awareness for the Meningitis Research Foundation. So far we’ve raised over £36,000 in memory of Graham and I will continue to fundraise to defeat meningitis. If I can help raise awareness and it saves another family from going through what my family have been  through, then I will have made a difference.

I think Graham would be really proud of us. My just giving link is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RyanW2024

Learn more about MRF and how you can get involved here.

Triathlete and Hits Radio DJ Hattie Pearson is here to share her best triathlon tips for beginners. From her top hacks for gearing up without it costing a fortune, to keeping motivated and of course, crossing that finish line, here’s the lowdown on setting yourself up for triathlon success. Over to you, Hattie. 

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1. Set your goal and go smash it!

Choose an event that’s suitable for you and that you think you’ll enjoy. Book something that’s challenging enough that you’ll feel you’re pushing yourself, but nothing too difficult that you’ll end up injured because, where’s the fun in that? Find an event that’s local to you to save on travelling and additional stress. There are hundreds of events nationwide. 

After doing one sprint distance triathlon in 2021, I knew I wanted to up the distance; that’s when I applied to be part of Team Outlaw and got a place to compete in my first ever middle-distance triathlons at Outlaw Half Nottingham and Outlaw Half Holkham. I loved every minute!  

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2. Beg/borrow/buy second hand

Triathlon can be — but doesn’t need to be — expensive and very addictive. I’m telling you now, because once you’re in, there’s no looking back! Starting out, you definitely don’t need all the gear. Think of people you could potentially borrow from if you don’t have specific items. There is so much second-hand kit available online too; think of all those now-unwanted lockdown purchases. You could find an absolute steal and save yourself a fortune. I did my first triathlon on a hybrid bike with a rusty chain!

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3. Safety first 

Make sure you’re safe! Open water swimming comes with risks, and that’s why it’s always important to do it as part of an organised group. 

In terms of the cycling element, you’ll see bikes that are worth thousands of pounds that look like spaceships, but as long as yours is road worthy and safe, it doesn’t need to be anything special — put a baguette in a basket on the front of your bike if you really want to! Oh yeah, and don’t forget your helmet! You don’t need to spend thousands on a new bike; just hop on the saddle, give it a peddle and see whether you get the bug.

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4. Group training FTW

Whether it’s your local park run, your regional triathlon club or some colleagues from work who like riding their bikes at the weekend, try to find others to train with. Triathlon is a solo sport when it comes to race day, but when you’re putting in the hours of training, you want to have fun and making it social makes it less daunting. From joining communities like 10IronWomen and Manchester Triathlon Club, I’ve made friends for life and learned so much from more experienced athletes who are willing to share their tips.

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5. Smile for the camera!

Don’t worry about your time or pace on your first time out. You’re a newbie to the sport and there’s no need to put added pressure on yourself to be doing as well as Colin from accounts whose been doing triathlons for 30+ years! Bring supporters along with you. Recruit your friends or family to be there cheering you on and soak up the atmosphere. You’ve put in some hard work and the very least you deserve is a hug at the finish line and a lift home! 

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Hattie Pearson is a HITS Radio DJ and an ambassador for Outlaw Triathlon. You can use her discount code  – HATTIEXOL24 – for 5% off your race entry and Outlaw will donate a further 5% to Hattie’s chosen charity, Fund Her Tri.

https://www.instagram.com/hattiepearson/

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Shining a light on you – our incredible community members. We’re sharing your amazing stories, training tips, hacks and more. These inspire us all to keep showing up on the track, road, bike, or in the water.

This month we're talking to Esme - a runner from London, who rekindled her love of running in lockdown and has never looked back.

A bit about you:

What’s your story? How did you get into running?

I have a similar story to a lot of people - I started running during lockdown. I was a keen runner as a kid, competing in athletics and cross country at a regional level, but I only fell in love with the sport when I was older.

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What’s your favourite thing about running?

For me, running is a huge part of my life and allows me to be a happy, functional person. I love many sports, but the runner's high is incomparable to anything else.

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What’s your favourite running route? (We’re always looking for new recommendations!)

Running around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford

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What’s your best piece of advice for anyone starting out with running?

Variety! It’s really easy to fall into the trap of running the same distance, at the same pace every time you lace up.

Run to how you’re feeling and don’t limit yourself to the same 5k route!

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Best running training hack?

Have your running kit laid out (or easy to find) for the days when you don’t feel like it. Don’t overthink it. Just get dressed and soon you’ll be out the door.

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What’s in your training belt / backpack?

I love running with a vest for any longer runs and you can guarantee it will always be filled with snacks, and an emergency packet of sweets.

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Any pre or post-training rituals?

I’m still working on my post-run routine and I am by no means perfect at it but I do have a couple rules. E.g. don’t sit down when you get back from a big run or you won’t be moving for a while.

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You and events:

What event(s) are you most looking forward to doing next?

My next big event is UTS (a UTMB race in Snowdonia). I’ve covered the distance before, but the biggest challenge will be the elevation — over 3000m 😳

If money and distance were no object, what event would you love to take part in?

If money were no object, I would gather my friends and set off to run around the coast of Europe, just for the adventure. I'd love to see how far we'd make it and raise money for charity along the way.

Best event you’ve done?

My favourite ever event was Cambridge Half! It was the perfect race for me and I achieved a big personal best as a bonus.

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Quick-fire round:

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Best running song?

Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen

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Favourite pre or post-run snack?

Pre-run: Bagel, peanut butter and a banana.

Post-run: Protein shake and anything / everything in the fridge.

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Morning or evening run?

Evening

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Trainer of choice?

Vaporfly 3 Nike

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Best running product or accessory?

The COROS watch

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Music, podcasts, or nothing at all?

Nothing at all!

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Favourite supporting exercise for running?

Calf raises

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Favourite running app?

Strava

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Describe your ideal rest day in emojis… 3,2,1, go!

☕🚶🥐🐶🧑🍳🛏️

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In one word, what motivates you?

Achievements

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