Kicking off our Meet the Members slot for 2020 is club runner and group leader Cheryl Duck.
Q1: When did you start running?
CD: I started running around 8 years ago. I did a few half marathons but then stopped for around 5 years starting again about 3 years go but feel I can only really class myself as a ‘runner’ for the last 12 months.
Q2: How long have you been a Macclesfield Harrier?
CD: I started running with the Harriers 3 years ago with a bit of a ‘break’ during my two pregnancies
Q3: What has been your favourite race and why?
CD: It has to be my most recent which was the Chester Marathon, I trained whilst on MAT leave and at times with the kids in a double buggy, the sense of achievement at the end was overwhelming and it was more than just a race to me, of course I also got to tell anyone that would listen, “I JUST RAN A MARATHON!”
Q4: What does running mean to you?
CD: Running is my time, I don’t have to be a mum, answer questions or care about anything else whilst my trainers are on. I found MAT leave with two kids under 3 hard and running was my savior and still is. It has also introduced me to some amazing people that I would never have crossed paths with. I am unable to do much at the minute due to injury (did I mention I ran a Marathon?) and it’s driving me crazy!
Q5: Do you have a top tip for other runners?
CD: My tips would be to the people starting out or coming back to running, set yourself a goal, whether a 5k, 10k or more, them tell the leaders you will be joining them for that run, I found if I said I would be out I’m made sure I was. In the early days I always found it too easy to find a reason not to run, now it’s the opposite rain or shine I want to be out.