Theresa Gunnell

Stopsley Strider Club Member Profile – Theresa Gunnell (64 years old and 8 years a Strider in 2026! I think)

Occupation:Semi-retired Business Analyst in the finance department of a magic circle law firm.  I have been here since 1998 and went down to two days a week in 2024.

Did you do sport at school?

No, I was not sporty at all.  I would not even run for a bus.

When did you start running & why? 

In 2018 the friend I spent most Saturday with moved to Exeter.  Shopping on your own is ok in the short term but I needed to do something with some social interaction.  Luton Parkrun start is half a mile from my front door, and the finish is a quarter of a mile nearer my home.  Prior to 2018 I had completed a few Parkruns with my niece, so I manned up and started to take myself down on a Saturday morning.

What made you come to Stopsley Striders?

Parkrun gave me the introduction to Striders.  Kate Neale spoke to me about the beginner course, but I made excuses. Then she told me about the Monday social run.  I ventured up one Monday evening, Helen introduced me to Trish and Sylvia. I realised I recognised some faces from Parkrun, and I have never looked back.

What is your favourite run/course?  

I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity of taking part in the London marathon twice.  I’m a Londoner born and bred so any race that takes me around London is a winner for me.  At London the crowds and the noise running over Tower Bridge, back to the correct side of the river is an experience I will never forget.

What is your best run?

Back in April 2021 my niece suggested a ‘Run Through’ event at Kempton Park horse racing track. The distances on offer were 5k, 10k, half marathon or full marathon. To my nieces surprise I volunteered to run the half.  She ran the four laps with me, getting me pb’s for 10k, 10 miles and the half.  For me, running with others always make the run better.

What was your worst run?

I have just completed the London Marathon.  I followed a 16-week training plan. During the training I included some races, however, a lot of the runs were around the streets of Luton, up and down Old and New Bedford roads, around Bramingham and out along the River Lea to Leagrave.  Week 11, Twin lakes 20 was a good run, Week 12, 18 miles around Luton and I enjoyed it.  Week 13, 15 miles around Luton and I hated every mile.

What was your most memorable run?

I must come back to the London Marathon 2024.  My first experience of the crowds and the noise.  My cheer squad was awesome. I stopped 22 times for hugs and pictures from family, friends and my strider family.

Do you like Cross Country?

I enjoy runs over the local hills but have never taken part in the cross-country series.

Assuming you have spare time, what are your other hobbies/interests?

I love my garden. So as long as it not raining, I potter in the garden most weekends when I’m home.  I try to get to the theatre a few times a year and I love to travel.  Touring for Parkrun is an excuse to visit more places in the UK and cities and towns in the Parkrun world.

What is your average weekly mileage? 

Prior to the marathon training I’d say my average mileage was between 10 and 15.

Do you do speed work or specialist training?

I love track and that is the only speed work I do.

Do you follow a diet regime before competing?

Not for a 5 or 10k race.  For half and the full marathons that I have done I try to drink water in the days leading up to a race.  I use Tailwind in my water when racing, so in the few days before a race I add it to my water.  And of course, for the marathon I had pasta

What piece of your kit do you think is the most important?

A good support sports bra and I will say not just for the well endowed of us.

Who is your hero?

Any and every club member who pushes themself to run marathon after marathon and the ultra-runners who run for over 24 hours with little to no sleep. I am in awe of all of them.

What do you like about the club?

The team spirit of the club at races, and the encouragement given to all members of the club to push that bit harder, try that new distance and the support that I have received and seen when things are going well, not just at races.

What would be your advice to a new club member?

Try track, try the Thursday coaching session, go to the socials when you can and don’t be afraid to sign up to your first race. It will be the first of many.

What is your running song to get you over that line? 

I don’t run with music but a song for crossing the line of any race must be Daft Punk ‘One More Time’.