It’s been quite the year for Macclesfield Harrier, Steph Wood. In June, she successfully completed the Bob Graham Round and is now the (un)official holder of the title ‘Most glamorous person to complete the BGR’. She warmed up for the BG by forming part of the winning over 50s team at the Fellsman and cooled down by taking 2nd place female at the Peak Skyline race.
Steph is extremely passionate about running and favours endurance running over the shorter distances. She became a TikTok sensation last year after a friend captured her declaring “I’d rather do 50 miles than 5k” went viral!
Over to the lady herself to tell us, exactly what running means to her;
Q1: When did you start running?
SW: I started running as a young teenager and ran the 800 and 1500m for my school and Cheshire. Unfortunately, by the time I got to Uni I had discovered boys and cider and gave up. I didn’t start again until I was 38 after a breast cancer diagnosis. I felt that running would help me prove that my body hadn’t let me down and would stop people asking me how I was! I haven’t stopped since.
Q2: How long have you been a Macclesfield Harrier?
SW: I joined the Macclesfield Harriers around 14 years ago, initially road running and training for marathons. I enjoyed (and needed) the discipline that came with group training sessions!
Q3: What has been your favourite race and why?
SW: My favourite race is Lakes In A Day. which I first ran in 2017. It’s a 50 mile ultra run from the top to the bottom of the Lake District. I had finally found my favourite distance, and terrain. I love the solitude of the hills, being in remote places and being self sufficient. Well I can’t read maps but I often swap snacks for route information! If you enjoy running in bogs and gales then this race is perfect.
Q4: What does running mean to you?
SW: Running is the time to sort through the thoughts in my head. I once said that it was my therapy, my HRT and my Prozac! When I’m running I’m happy. It makes me feel unstoppable.
Q5: Do you have a top tip for other runners?
SW: On a very personal level my running tip would be to ditch your running watch and your Strava and just enjoy running! I don’t follow training plans or wear a watch. It helps that I dislike technology and can’t understand those gpx watches. And I suppose a more general tip would be to practice eating on the move! But this applies to long distance running really.
Q6: What’s your favourite running memory?
SW: My favourite running memory is my recent Bob Graham attempt. Coming off Scafell in the scree and dropping down into Wasdale was beautiful. I was overwhelmed by all the Macclesfield Harrier support that weekend and it made me so proud to be a part of the club.
