She Runs: Committee

AJ (Anna-Jane), 47.

Role: Social Media Team, Treasurer and Fundraising Team.

Originally from Pembrokeshire and now living in Whitchurch with my husband (aka The Bearded Running Pixie), our 2 teenagers and Charlie, our dog.

I’m a GP in Risca, Newport and I also teach Pilates.

I’ve been running for over 10 years but have never enjoyed it as much as I have since I’ve been running with She Runs. I get out 4 times a week if I can, especially during lockdown.

Kate, 38

Role: Social Media Team & Run Organiser

Cyncoed – originally from Aberystwyth

I began ‘properly’ running three years ago whilst on holiday in Majorca, tentatively running along the beach as the sun rose each morning. I hadn’t a clue what I was doing but just knew I loved it! Since then I’ve completed two marathons, my favourite being London in 2019 for Tommy’s, tha baby charity, which was simply extraordinary and utterly epic! I’m Mum to three young children, including a little lockdown baby girl, and I’m currently enjoying a gentle return to running postpartum; you’ll see me round Roath Lake a lot as I slowly build back up the distance, please wave hello if you do!

Being part of She Runs: Cardiff is a privilege; I’ve met so many lovely, inspiring women who share my joy for running. I’m part of the social media team on the committee for SEC, as well as one of the run organisers, sharing the organisation of the weekly group runs and virtual run club. And in ‘real life’ I work at Velindre Cancer Centre as a nurse specialist.

Gemma, 30

Role: LiRF Coach and Parkrun Co-ordinator.

I started running just over 2 years ago by doing the couch 2 5k spurred on by a broken arm putting a stop to my professional wrestling training and power lifting. 
My favourite type of running (aside from She Runs) is Parkrun and I have done 50(ish) runs now at 22 different locations and it’s one of my favourite bits of the weekend.
I am a mental health & addictions nurse by trade but I am also LiRf qualified and am currently undertaking my Personal Training Diploma.

Nia, 41

Role: Committee Chair

I live in the Heath. 
I am originally from Barry but have lived in Cardiff for 12 years. 
I have a 5 year old son called Efan who keeps me on my toes. 

I started running in 2016 after having Efan. I had always been into fitness and going to the gym but couldn’t find the time to get to the gym whilst balancing work and motherhood. So I started running instead. I signed up to the 2017 Virgin London Marathon and haven’t looked back since. 
I always like to challenge myself, so marathon distance, albeit painful and a huge commitment is definitely my favourite so far. But I am hoping to add ultra to my list of running achievements soon. 

Why do I run – I have been running consistently now for 4 years and I think it’s just part of me now. I need it for my sanity!

Sam, 39

Role: Secretary to the Committee

I’m originally from Basingstoke but came to South Wales to go to university and ended up staying.

I started running back in 2012 inspired by the Olympics and the Paralympics. When we’re able to run together I organise our unofficial 6am run club (yep some if us are actually crazy enough to get up that early by choice to run). My favourite race was the Cardiff Bay 10k in 2019 as I ran with two others and helped them reach their goal. There’s something special and inspiring about helping people achieve more than they thought they could through running.

Andrea, 48

Role: Welfare Officer

As well as being a SRC run Buddy, I am half of your Welfare team, with Coleen. I am an NHS doctor, and have two boys. Life is a constant juggle! I enjoy running. It’s good for my health and well-being and I love being able to share this and support others, which SRC enables me to do. It’s also great for my work:life balance and as I’m very good at chatting, SRC Social runs are ideal for me! 

Coleen, 41

Role: Welfare Officer

From North Devon but have been living in Wales for over 20 years – I met my husband at university and didn’t go back home!
I work in financial services.
I’m one of the Welfare Officers and was interested in this role as I wanted to ensure women feel safe and valued as part of the SR:C community.
I started running by completing Couch to 5k about 9 years ago, but didn’t start running on a regular basis until around 3.5 years ago, this was after I had my two sons and I discovered running as part of a group which gave me the motivation and confidence I needed to run the Cardiff half marathon – something I’d always said I wanted to do before I was 40. Since then I’ve done two more half marathons and I still enjoy taking part in races but my first love is a social run with plenty of chat, laughter and the opportunity for cake afterwards!

Tanya

Role: Social Media Team & Challenge Co-ordinator

I have lived in Thornhill for the past 10 years. I was born in Rugby, Warwickshire and lived in many places before settling here with my son.

I left my position as a Cinema Manager after 15 years, being a single parent and a 50 hour working week just didn’t work! I now work part time for a small family company in Cardiff, not glamorous or exciting but I enjoy it! 

My running journey started with the C25k in April 2016, 2 years later I ran a marathon – I totally believe your body will complete any challenge, you just need to convince your mind! 
Running is my release and has benefitted not only my physical but more importantly my mental well-being. It’s my time, doing what I enjoy. I exercise 4/5 times a week and love running in the mountains. 

I’ve been part of the She Runs : Cardiff committee since the start & have enjoyed watching how we have evolved since October 2019. 2020 has been a huge success and as part of the social media team we’ve delivered many virtual challenges to keep our ladies motivated during a difficult time. 

I run for fun and love nothing more than supporting others on their adventure. 

Myfanwy, 39

Role: Social Media Team & Website Co-ordinator

Born in Newport but raised in Cardiff. I work for Rondo Media a TV production company doing admin & finance. I am part of the She Runs: Cardiff Social Media team and look after the website.

I’ve always kept fit but I didn’t start running until 5 years ago after a friend persuaded me to give it a try. I was reluctant! I have arthritis so it never occurred to me that I could do it! Fast forward a few years and I’ve run 4 marathons, and countless half marathons and 10k races (but never a 5k race!).

I’m a mum of 3 (12, 11 and 6 years) so running is my time; for headspace, for exercise and of course for socialising.

I’m a firm believer now that ANYBODY and EVERYBODY can run. We are all designed for forward motion and sometimes all we need is a confidence boost. I love supporting others to catch the running bug.

Rhian, 36

Role: Social Media Team & Run Organiser

I live in Roath.

I love to be Outdoors ideally in the sun but will take whatever weather’s going (don’t really have much choice!) My job in “real life”: Dietitian.

I organise Wednesdays’ runs – either in “real life” or virtually – hopefully it gets everyone geared up  for a great run day!
I started running 2005 – thought that maybe I should get fitter, running was good to fit in around work, cheap, could do it anywhere – one thing it was not ….. easy! My favourite run is now a run with people!! Never thought I would say that! I’ve been running now with company for over a year and it’s totally the way forward, chatting totally makes the time go quicker – result! Plus you get so meet so many fab people!
Roll on real runs coming back

Amy, 42

Role: Legal Advisor & Network Co-ordinator

I’m from Staffordshire originally but have been living in Cardiff since coming to university here.  I live in Roath with my husband and 2 sons.
I started running originally to complete the Medoc Marathon ( the one with the wine!) before I was 30 with my dad. I had a break from running but came back to it in 2018 to complete the New York Marathon and the Cardiff half that year and have been running ever since. 
I like running on my own for headspace, often early in the morning to get some calm before a busy day.  However,  I also really enjoy the social side of running and love being part of the She Runs: Cardiff Community.
On the committee I help with legal stuff and  networking and since lockdown, I’ve been posting the weekly treasure hunt. Its been great to see that even though we can’t run together, the group continue to support and encourage each other.
Depending upon whether I’m training for anything I run 3-4 times a week. In July a lot of this was uphill as I completed the month long Tough Runner Trifecta challenge as well as clocking up the miles for Run around the world. I’ve completed 5 marathons and I’d love to run/walk an ultra. 

Elaine, 45

Role: Committee member 

I am about to turn 46 years old and live in Rhiwbina (where I grew up). I am married with two children (age 14 and 11) and work as a nursery support worker at Cylch Meithrin Rhiwbina. I am also one of the Welsh speaking Buddies (not quite fluent but almost!). 

I started running several years ago and have mostly run for fun and fitness. I have been fortunate to develop many close friendships through running and I am hugely grateful for that. 

The support provided by everyone in the She Runs:Cardiff group (on issues often not connected to running) is amazing and humbling. Running and chatting seems to provide a safe space to talk about what’s on your mind – it’s helped me over the years and I hope it will help others too. It’s a unique environment and one which I cherish.  

I look forward to meeting, running, walking, chatting and having a cuppa with all of you. My specialist subjects are Christmas and bobble hats (don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Dani, 33

Role: Designer

Originally from Holywell, North Wales, currently live in Pontypridd with my husband, 3 year old daughter Alexis and miniature schnauzer Ramsey. 

My role within the committee is design, so all the lovely merch you have, our logos and many social media posts have been designed by me. 

I started running in 2008 when I lived in Connecticut for a year whilst in uni. I started running to help me lose weight, quit smoking and stop drinking cider! 

Now I run because I love it. I love the headspace, the freedom, the ‘Me’ time and most importantly the wonderful people it has brought into my life. And of course coffee #1 on a Sunday morning.

I try to run a few times a week and participate in a number of races a year (pre lockdown), varying from parkrun to Cardiff Half. I was supposed to run my first marathon (Liverpool) in May 2020 but this was cancelled so I’ll be running in May 2021, hopefully.

My biggest running achievement so far would have to be the virtual race to the stones, 100km in 7 days. I absolutely loved the challenge and hope to do the event for real one day. Another achievement has to be She Runs : Cardiff. Together with a group of wonderful, likeminded women, we have built a hugely successful brand and community in such a short space of time, and I am super proud to be a part of that.