Kerry Dear

kerrydear

Stopsley Strider Club Member Profile – Kerry Dear 

Occupation – Funeral Arranger 

Did you do sport at school?
Hardly any I would do anything to avoid p.e at school.

When did you start running & why?
I decided to start running in July 2016. I have Crohns Disease so running and core work always made my stomach hurt. With the help of Martin physically having to push me down the road I started my running journey (kicking and screaming). We started with short local runs where if needed I could turn back home should I feel unwell. We heard about Parkrun and have been regular visitors to Wardown Park I’m on run 69. 

What made you come to Stopsley Striders?
It’s all to easy after work to go home and settle into a couch and tv routine and tell yourself that you’ll go out tomorrow. When you join a club you have accountability and look forward to meeting your group.

What is your favourite run/course?
Oakley 20. Not only does it have a great hoodie the course is beautiful and the marshals are so supportive. I felt really strong on this run. 

What was your worst run?
Harpenden Half Marathon was horrendous. The weather was awful and there was cross country early on. The t-shirt was tiny and I got a coaster instead of a medal. I definitely won’t do this one again. 

What was your most memorable run?
Brighton Marathon. We spent the weekend in Brighton with other striders preparing for the marathon and sharing our experiences and comparing aches and pains. It was a really emotional run and was lovely to have others to share this with. 

Do you like cross-country?
NO I have really weak ankles and running on the grass really hurts them. 

Assuming you have spare time, what are your other hobbies/interests?
I like getting out with my dog Doris it helps to destress from work. I love to box and let off steam and also eating out (this is the real reason I run). 

How many times a week do you run?
I run around 3 to 4 times a week. 

What is your average weekly mileage?
I don’t have a weekly mileage but I have a target of 100+ a month.

Do you do speed work or specialist training?
I have attended a couple of speed sessions. I am considering attending track as I’ve been told it can help in achieving PBs 

Do you follow a diet regime before competing?
I have to be careful with the food I eat on a daily basis and tend to eat quite healthily. I used to train starved but after talking to fellow striders now use a two hour window before a race to have a small bowl of porridge. I will miss carbs with carbs with carbs on the side now marathon training is over. 

What piece of your kit do you think is the most important?
My Garmin. If you don’t track your run does it even count ? 

Who is your hero?
Anyone who overcomes difficult circumstances and those who refuse to be a victim of their surroundings. Unfortunately in my profession I see a lot of heartbreak and sadness but when I get updates from families I’ve helped during their grief and see that they have taken on new challenges and have turned their grief into something possitive it’s fantastic. 

What do you like about the club?
I really enjoy the social aspect of striders whether it be chatting on a club night or social to going for a well earned breakfast after a longer run. 

What would be your advice to a new club member?
Start in a slower group untill your confident with your running style and speed. There’s nothing more demoralizing then being the one trailing behind in a faster group. 

What is your running song to get you over that line?
I’ve stopped listening to music on runs as I found it isolated me from other striders and my surroundings. There are some great conversations to be had on a run. 

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