A lot goes into the effective ‘running’ of a running club. At Macclesfield Harriers we are lucky to have an excellent club committee. The committee meets to discuss current and future activities in the club, to organise the work that needs doing behind the scenes and to take decisions about our club’s future direction. Presiding over the committee is our Club Chairperson Emma Beveridge.
Emma is passionate about the club and its ethos. She has kindly set aside some time to share with us what running means to her;
Q1: When did you start running?
EB: I’ve always loved to run, when I was little and in my teens I ran everywhere, running gets you where you want to be quicker. I ran cross country and track at school which I loved! I had a gap whilst I was bringing up my girls and focusing on my career and then got back into running in my mid 30’s.
Q2: How long have you been a Macclesfield Harrier?
EB: I’ve been a Macc Harrier for about 11 years. I joined because I wanted to meet other people who liked to run and I wanted to meet like minded people. I ran on the roads for a few years with Dave Jacksons C group sometimes with B’s if I felt fit.
I raced all distances from 10km to full marathon. However I’ve always loved off road running and eventually found myself drawn to the fell section and started running with Dave Tucker’s Sunday group. This introduced me to what has become one of the great loves of my life – Fell Running. Fell running has bought some incredible human beings into my life and given me the most wonderful adventures and experiences.
Q3: What has been your favourite race and why?
EB: This was quite hard to decide, so I chose three ( oops sorry). The Ridgeway which was my first ultra and I ran it on my 50th Birthday, 100km over 2 days. Made me realise what my body was capable of. Age is just a number. The Anniversay Waltz which was my first Lakeland fell race, I ran in the same race as Jasmin Paris and Wendy Dodds and Joss Naylor gave out the prizes. There is nothing quite like that first time when you experience something new and exciting. My little Forest 5 race which I’m very proud of, the money its raised for local charities and the pleasure its given to the people running it. That makes me very happy.
Q4: What does running mean to you?
EB: Running is my therapy, it clears my head and frees me from the constraints of every day life.
Nothing makes me happier than lacing up my fell shoes, grabbing the one and only PDog and heading for the hills on my own or with like minded friends.
It makes me smile.
Q5: Do you have a top tip for other runners?
EB: My top tip would be never to be afraid to try new things or see how far you can push yourself. Challenge your body and your mind. If you put your mind to something you can achieve anything. It will give you self confidence and empower you in all aspects of your life. Always keep smiling and spread the word that running is great!