Fresh from The mean streets of LA … Isla takes us through her Marathon Spotlight. Self proclaimed as “not” a runner we have worked on changing the mindset to achieve unbelievable goals and she has been able to raise a staggering amount of money in the process. Isla is a star, an inspiration and a warrior… being injured so close to a marathon yet digging deep to claim a PB over the 26.2miles is, like the lady herself, phenomenal… take it away Isla.
Tell us a little about you?
I am an account manager at Mearns & Gill. Work can be super busy, and running is an amazing way to empty my head at the end of a hectic day. I took up running about 10 years ago, doing my own version of couch to 5k by running around the pitch at AFC, which is where I worked at the time. I like to combine running with raising awareness and money for a good cause, and thanks to the amazing and kind people that I know, we have raised over £25k for charities including Parkinson’s UK, NSPCC, MND Scotland, The Eve Appeal, DKMS and most recently Mental Health Aberdeen.
Marathons completed?
4. London x 2, New York and Los Angeles
PB Marathon time?
5 hours, 17 mins and 13 seconds – In LA in March
Favourite marathon and why?
I want to say LA, because I still have the recent magical memories in my head, but I think the answer is London (the second time for me). I have never, ever, ever experienced anything like the kindness of the crowds and the atmosphere there. Thousands of people, all running their own race, and charity vests everywhere you turn. If you want to be reminded of how good people are, go and run or watch the London Marathon.
Worst marathon memory and why?
Oh god, I have had loads and loads of moments of despair, but luckily you forget them pretty quick and the nicer memories take their place.
What made you take up running?
I just wanted to see if I could do it. I spent most of my life thinking I wasn’t athletic and couldn’t run, but it was more that I hadn’t ever bothered to try. Once I got past a 5km, I started running to fundraise for charities. Running for a good cause makes you feel like you are making a tiny difference in a crazy world, and it really helps to motivate me for the long training runs. It is also great for my mental health. I am a born worrier, and running really helps to clear my mind, allows me to work through things, and gives me a little head space when I need it.
Hydration & Nutrition snack of choice on long runs?
Lucozade Sport and sour jelly beans from Aldi. I gave up on gels a long time ago, possibly because I don’t run fast enough to need the extra energy J
Aberdeen Mental Health – Great cause tell us more about them?
Mental Health Aberdeen provide a range of free counselling services across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.They offer counselling services to adults over the age of 16, and to children over the age of 12, at their head office. In addition to this, they have youth counsellors who are based in a large number of primary and secondary schools, offering support for children aged 8 years and above.
Their mission statement is to meet the needs and improve the mental wellbeing of the people in the North East of Scotland by providing effective, accessible services as well as promoting mental health to all.
Shoes and fav running gadget?
Asics GT 2000 6. I stick with those, and get the slightly older version for cheaper every time a new one comes out. I over pronate, and whether it’s psychological or not, these shoes seem to be the best for that.
My favourite running gadget is my Garmin VivoactiveHR. It is way more fancy than I need, but it has built-in GPS and an amazing battery, and it looks real retro.
Favourite running book / podcast?
Just now I am reading an amazing book by Bella Mackie called Jog On. It is about how running genuinely saved her life, after struggling with severe depression and anxiety. There is a perfect of mix of science, honesty, humour and sassiness in the book, and she is great on social media too @mackie_bella
Terrain – trail, track or tarmac?
Well, I almost always run on tarmac, but I would love to do more terrain. I have never run or a track, mostly out of fear, so maybe that’s something to tackle next!
Funniest running memory?
Oh god, I am sure most of my funny memories involve needing a pee and having to get creative, although those memories are not funny at the time!
Los Angeles marathon – top 5 points of the experience?
Top tip for #projectRUN for London Marathon ?
When you make it to the start line, take a moment to reflect on all of the hours of training that you have put in, and the nights out that you have missed for early runs the next day, and the obstacles that you have overcome to get there. If you can, really try to enjoy the race, because you have earned it!
I’m sure you’ll all agree – *proud voice Isla is one in a million… to learn more about Mental Health Aberdeen stop by their page and even better donate a counselling session… it’s good to talk.
Thanks as always
Run Long and Prosper
James
