EMILY HIRST

How did you get into running?
I’d never run anywhere at all in my life until I was into my ‘40s. I’ve been married to a keen runner for over twenty years but for seventeen of those years, I refused point-blank to run anywhere at all.  However, during a period of very poor mental health, encouragement to try running came at me from all quarters.  My sister-in-law prompted me to sign up for the Basler Stadtlauf in December 2019; a 5.5k run through the streets and along the Rhine in her home city of Basel, Switzerland (think; European Christmas markets, twinkly-lights, Gluhwein on the finish-line…).  A few months prior to this, I realised I was going to need some support to reach this goal, so I rocked up to MileShy’s first-ever Couch to 5k course to be held in Old Trafford, and the rest, as they say, is history.. 

 What is your favourite event and why? 
It has to be ParkRun.  I just love the joyous, welcoming, community feel, with the added bonus of living less than five-minutes’ walk from Alexandra Park so I can practically roll out of bed to the start line. I can push myself for a fast one, or jog along and chat with friends pushing prams, or support new MileShyers just starting their own running journeys; it’s totally up to me.  As a close second, you can’t beat a local 10k race with loads of companions and supporters from MileShyClub.

 What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I have a range of hobbies – which doesn’t seem to leave me with much spare time at all! I play cricket for the Women’s XI at Ashton-on-Mersey Cricket Club (hint; we’re always looking for new players – no prior experience necessary)! and I play my violin in both Sale and Lancashire Chamber Orchestras. I spend a lot of time gardening; I run my own gardening business, and volunteer for one day a week in the new RHS Garden, Bridgewater, in Salford.