What is She Runs: Cardiff all about?
In September 2019 a group of 30+ women who share a love for running decided it was a passion to be shared with others. Too many women have barriers to running and exercise in general and we wanted to help! We came up with a name, a logo and a meeting place & off we all went. Our first official run was on the 13th of October 2019.
We wanted to offer something different to other running clubs. Our club is a social running group; we are not interested in pace, speed, time or even distance, we are into sharing the joy of running.
We came up with the name Run Buddy to describe our supportive role. For every social run we have a lead Run Buddy to support those at the front, Run Buddies in the middle to make sure no one is on their own and a tail Run Buddy for those partying at the back.
Collectively we want to encourage women to run, to find some time for themselves make friends, and most of all realise that anybody can be a runner.
If you have any questions, queries, concerns we are all here to help!
Thank you for joining She Runs : Cardiff!
Meet our Run Buddies:
Caroline
LiRF
I’m originally from Reading but came here for Uni and stayed. I now live in Rhiwbina.
I started running regularly over 10 years ago but wasn’t able to run much between having my children. I was then determined to get back into it after my second child to get some ‘me time’. Running is my stress buster especially useful whilst working in the NHS (as a physio) during a pandemic and juggling family life. I usually run somewhere between 3- 7 days a week depending on what challenge I am doing that month! My favourite race is a half marathon but I have completed one marathon so far and will hopefully do more in the future.
I enjoy running alone or with my hubby when we can but I find my involvement in SR:C helps to inspire and motivate me too on my running journey. It also gives me the chance to support others especially if it involves a chat, coffee and treat afterwards!
Sara
I live in Whitchurch, have two teenage boys and work within education, part time with Cardiff Universities Library service and independently with Usborne Children’s books.
I started running when I decided for my 50th birthday year of challenges I was going to run the Cardiff Half Marathon! Having a running buddy to share the experience with meant I was accountable and together we encouraged ourselves to achieve something I never really thought I could achieve.
This year will be the third time I run it!!!
When we are able to run together you’ll find me with the ‘party at the back’ enjoying a slow, steady, sociable pace with others. I love the support network, the joy of seeing others succeed and the fantastic women I meet.
Jo
I am Roath Park girl born and bred and I live with my partner Glenn and two daughters Meg age 24 and Mia age 14.
I am been a Slimming World Consultant for 4 years and run 2 local groups. Before that I worked in Cardiff Council Leisure Dept for 22years before taking voluntary redundancy.
I joined SR:C on their first ever run in Oct 2019 after deciding I wanted to attempt to run a half marathon before my 50th Birthday in March 21!!! I have now run 3 half marathon distances and I try to run 4 times a week and I love being part of the SR:C team.
Libby
LiRF
I’ve always lived in Cardiff, I spent the the first half of my life growing up in the Heath area, but currently live in Rumney with my husband and four children. The latest of which was born just after lockdown commenced. I’m a nurse and work in the local hospital. When in work I’m often seen running the local parkruns post night shift.
I started the Couch to 5k at the start of September 2017 to help me get some much needed me time and headspace whilst dealing with delayed Post Natal Depression and to also help get me fitter/healthier. Since then I’ve continued to run, taking part in many races up to half distance and even managed to run/walk/waddle through pregnancy until my body said enough.I enjoy running on my own but also really love the social aspect of running and all the new people I’ve come to meet through a shared passion. My favourite part of this is supporting and encouraging others in their own running journeys.
Catherine
CiRF (Coach in Running Fitness)
I live in Whitchurch but come from Hereford originally. I am a lawyer by day and a Mum of one. I started running in May 2018 and by September qualified as a LiRF.
My reason for starting to run was because I had signed up to do Cardiff Half to fundraise for charity and I needed to. It quickly turned into a love and I wanted to run further and better.
I used to hate running, I think because it was never properly explained or taught – at school you were either a good runner or you weren’t. I am passionate that running should be accessible to everyone. I used running to manage stress after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and it really helped my recovery to have goals to aim for – I ran my first Ultra 4 months after finishing my treatment.
A year on, I have qualified as a Coach in Running Fitness and I want to share the things I have learned and help people with their own running journeys. The running community really is the most supportive!
Sarah G
Originally from the midlands, I’ve lived in Cardiff for over 20 years now. I live by Roath Park with my husband, gorgeous young daughter Alice, and two cats.
I started running in 2019 using the couch 2 5k plan and quickly got hooked. When lockdown hit the following year, running became my sanctuary and really helped me to stay afloat. I can’t imagine my life without running now and recently completed my first Ultramarathon – something I would never have dreamed possible without the support and encouragement of the purple crew.
I can usually be found at the Wednesday night Roath runs and do most of my weekday running in the evenings. I love a long run on the weekends, especially an adventure along a nice muddy trail.
When not running or child wrangling I work for mental health charity Mind in their communications team, where we’re all passionate about making sure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.
Kat G
LiRF
I’ve lived in Cardiff since moving here for university when I was 19. I work for a local law firm in residential conveyancing which is usually very busy and fast paced. Running is so important for me to clear my head after a stressful day!
I started running a while ago but following a foot injury, I really struggled to get back to it – which is where She Runs: Cardiff came in! I’ve definitely got the running bug back now and I’m currently training for another Cardiff Half.
The best thing for me though is that She Runs is about so much more than running. It’s given me a brilliantly supportive community to be a part of and I’ve found that it is helping me with so much more than just getting out for a run! I’m really proud to be a Run Buddy and hopefully I can give others the same support, encouragement and friendship that I’ve received!
Jodie
I live in north Cardiff with my husband and cat. I’m originally from Ludlow but moved here for uni and never really left.
I started running around 8 years ago and completed my first half marathon in 2015, running for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
During the lockdowns I discovered trail running and love it! Shuffling through a forest and listening to the sounds of nature is so good for the soul. I’ve recently completed a couple of ultramarathons.
Running is a big part of my life and I enjoy anything from a chatty lap of Roath lake to a day out on the trails!
Siân
I am originally from Worcestershire but came to Cardiff for university back in 2003 and never left! I live in Cathays with my partner and his little girl and I work as a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences at Cardiff University.
I started running in 2016 because I wanted to get fitter and I set myself the challenge (whilst also roping in my boyfriend and brothers!) of running Man vs Mountain (22 miles over Snowdon). Once I started running I got hooked and gradually worked my way up from 10Ks to half marathons to full marathons and recently even ultra-marathons!! In 2021 I ran the faux-gum and VOGUM with two fabulous groups of She Runs: Cardiff ladies and the experiences were unforgettable! I am currently training for my greatest challenge yet… Race to the Stones 2022 (100km in 1 day!!). I love everything about running. I love what it does for me personally in terms of improving my mood and giving me much-needed headspace (nothing beats that post-run feeling!) and I also love the incredibly inclusive, supportive and motivating community you become a part of.
Sarah T
LiRF
I live in Penylan, born in Surrey, moved to Cardiff when I was two, over 50 years ago. Married with 2 children, Lily 26 & Sam 23, plus my fur baby Herbie the Frenchie. I work in banking.
I run because it helps me in so many ways mentally & physically. It’s my time whether I’m running solo or with company and I love it.
I started running in 2015 when I signed up for the 2016 World Half Marathon in Cardiff, followed by the Cardiff Half the same year. Unfortunately running had to take a back seat for a while in 2017 & 2018. I restarted mid 2019 and joined She Runs: Cardiff in October that year as well as signing up for the 2020 Cardiff Half, which I finally did in March this year. I struggled with my running in the early part of lockdown, but the online support from all the fantastic She Runs ladies and the wonderful C25K group really helped me get back in the groove. I love being part of this amazing group of women.
Deborah
I’ve been married to Rob for 8 years and am a very proud mum to Alex who’s 34 and a Doctor of Psychology. I recently retired and am now a full time carer for Hubby who has health and mobility issues. I’m passionate about food and cooking, and enjoy spin classes and the outdoors.
In Lockdown 1 and with the gym closed I decided to take on Couch to 5k as my “daily exercise” having never run before as I believed I couldn’t (I have dodgy knees from one too many hard landings as a young gymnast). I hated every minute of it but by the time I’d “graduated” I found myself hooked. I loved the headspace, buzz and freedom running gave me.
I “stalked” She Runs on Facebook for some time but hesitated to join as I didn’t consider myself a “proper” runner. I finally took the plunge in 2021, participating in our then “virtual” world before joining the Social Runs and haven’t looked back since.
I’m incredibly proud to be part of a group of such inspirational women of all ages and abilities, some of whom I have never met, who have supported, encouraged and motivated me to run in the rain, the dark, up the tallest sand dune in Wales dressed as an elf, across the Severn Bridge, whilst litter picking and to raise funds for some very deserving charities.
My favourite distance is 10k and last year I completed 6 half marathons. I split my time between East Devon/Dorset and Cardiff and have had to learn to embrace hills and discovered the joy of trail running. This year I completed the Grizzly Cub, a tough 10 mile trail/cross country run on the South West Coastal Path… I’m aiming for the full 20 mile Grizzly next year to mark my 60th birthday!
My running isn’t fast or pretty but I simply love it. I run for my mental and physical wellbeing and so enjoy the social aspect of being a She Runner. As a run buddy I hope to “pay back” some of the support and encouragement that has spurred me on and to motivate and inspire others on their own running journeys.
Gemma
Qualified CiRF and Personal Trainer
I started running a few 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 CiRf qualified and have completed my Personal Training Diploma.
Kali
Raised in Wales most of my life, though from English and Scottish parents, it’s been hard to decide where you’re really from. However, Cardiff has been my home for a long time and will continue to be!
I live with my husband-to-be and miniature dachshund that believes he’s the king of the house. I’m a manager for a digital marketing agency and have been working in the SEO industry for many years, including having the privilege to travel the world.
I have been running since I was about 15, coming from a family that have done ultra runs and marathons aplenty. It was also a recommendation to combat my mental health. My first race was the Cardiff Half Marathon, which fully progressed to Manchester Marathon a few years later.
I then finally plucked up the courage to try ultra marathons, with a greater appreciation for trail running. I feel a lot more disconnected from the world on a trail run and they are my favourite runs now!
Running is what keeps me going and gives me a focus. I have learnt more about how I think and function through every step I’ve taken on a run. I have my downtime, in between races, but then I will pick it back up again with a new goal to reach. I’ve made the greatest friends through running and especially through She Runs, who have cheered me on every step of the way through my running progression in the past couple of years.
I also discovered in my mid-late twenties that I’m very neurodivergent, with both autism and ADHD to juggle! Running has supported me through that in clearing my head and giving me an outlet to push my energy into.
I can’t wait to see what is in store next in terms of my running journey. And I look forward to inspiring the next person that attends a She Runs club session, now as a fully-fledged Run Buddy!
Clare
I moved to Cardiff to come to uni from rural Herefordshire and stayed here when I graduated because I much preferred living in a city!
I started running in 2016 and after running the London Landmarks Half in 2018 I stopped completely despite really enjoying the race I’d found the training really boring. I had this feeling that I could enjoy running I just needed to work out how.
I intermittently tried to start running again but I fell running by myself which really shook me up and then I hurt my ankle badly at the start of the first lockdown which took a very long time to heal.
I’d been a member of the SR:C Facebook group for a while but didn’t feel I could cover the 5k of the social runs so when the walk to run course was launched at the the end of 2022 I immediately signed up.
I absolutely loved doing walk to run; the commitment of having signed up to something and seeing the same people every week all with the same purpose was fantastic. And I achieved what I was aiming for a genuine love of running. I now regularly and comfortably run the 5k that felt impossible at the start of 2023 and I really enjoy the chatty friendly atmosphere on every run.
Sarah W
I’m originally from the Midlands but ended up in Cardiff (via Bath, Manchester and a few other places) for work about 15 year ago. I’m relatively new to running – and exercise in general – having spent much of my life thinking it wasn’t something I’d ever be able to do (I’d always been more of a books, beer & bands kinda person). But, after a couch 2 5k during lockdown, finding some fun fitness classes, and realising that exercise was not only good for me but actually enjoyable, I took the plunge and joined a She Runs social. It’s been amazing to discover that running is much easier when you have someone to chat to, to be inspired by a wonderful bunch of women and also to find other people who think running at 6am in the morning is perfectly reasonable…
I’m now running 3 or 4 times a week and love the mix of having lovely bunch of other people to have a chatty run with and knowing I’m capable of knocking out a nice long run by myself if I need some time alone in the outdoors. I’m super proud to be a She Runs buddy and look forward to helping other people find the joy of running.
Kat W
LiRF
I live in Canton but spent most of my ‘growing up’ years in Whitchurch. I’m currently a PhD researcher and postgraduate researcher tutor at Cardiff University. I’m also a mum of two boys, 11 and 15.
I have had several running lives over the years, but I never felt like a runner until I joined She Runs Cardiff during the first big Covid lockdown in 2020. I needed to get out of the house, my rheumatologist had given me the go-ahead, and I put on a really old pair of running trainers from 2016 and just went for it. The shoes fell apart, but my subsequent post on Facebook prompted a comment from (fellow SRC buddy) Sara, who suggested I join the Facebook group. I’ve never looked back!
I am a trail runner at heart and love nothing more than getting muddy by running through puddles, stomping up hills, and doing some cow dodging (unless they’re on a tiny path, but that’s another story). I’m an ultra runner, but only once so far. Next year’s 40-mile VOGUM will make it twice.
Ruth
I live in Llanedeyrn with my husband and two children. I’m a graphic designer and all round creative girl. I love sewing in my spare time and getting to the beach as much as possible.
I’ve always enjoyed keeping fit with bodypump and spin classes but I started running seriously after a friend raved about her Cardiff half marathon experience and I signed up to do my own.
I love running, I feel like it’s my super power to combat bad mental health days. I also love bright leggings, trail running and running up hills – it makes me feel strong!
Mari
Siaradwr Cymraeg
Yn wreiddiol o’r Tymbl yn y Gorllewin, symudais i Gaerdydd yn yr 80au hwyr! Heb symud o Dreganna ers hynny a wedi magu dau o fechgyn yma sydd yn oedolion erbyn hyn. Wedi cael gyrfa amrywiol yng Nghaerdydd o S4C i’r byd addysg. Bellach yn defnyddio’r sgiliau hynny wrth weithio dros Menter Caerdydd fel Swyddog Datblygu Gwasanaethau Plant.
Dwi wedi cadw fy hunan yn weddol ffit erioed drwy gyfrwng pel-rwyd, rhedeg a threcio, a chyflawni Marathon Llundain, nifer o Moonwalks, hanner marathonau, rasys 10km, a threcio i Everest Base Camp a Machu Pichu. Ymunais â Mae Hi’n Rhedeg ym mis Mai 2023 ar gyfer Walk to Run, er mwyn cyrraedd fy mhenblwydd yn 60 ar ddiwedd y flwyddyn mor heini â phosib! Ers y sesiynau hynny, wedi llwyddo cwblhau 10K Caerdydd, 11 milltir Castell i Gastell dros Ysbyty Felindre, a Hanner Marathon Caerdydd. Dwi hefyd wedi mwynhau rhedeg llwybrau o gwmpas Mynydd Caerffili a’r Garth dros yr haf, gyda’r criw ysbrydoledig hwn! Fy mwriad yw parhau i fwynhau rhedeg pellteroedd byr, ond ymestyn i ambell marathon ultra maes o law! Bydd rhedeg yn fy 60au yn gymorth mawr yn gorfforol a meddyliol.
Fyddai ddim yn siarad llawer wrth redeg, ond dwi’n wrandawr gwych!
Originally from Tumble in west Wales, I moved to Cardiff in the late 80s! We haven’t moved from Canton since then and have raised two boys here who are now adults. I’ve had a varied career in Cardiff, from S4C to the world of education. I now work for Menter Caerdydd, as a Children’s Services Development Officer.
I have always kept myself reasonably fit through netball, running and trekking, and completed the London Marathon, several Moonwalks, half marathons, 10km races, and trekked to Everest Base Camp and Machu Pichu. I joined She Runs Cardiff in May 2023 for Walk to Run, in order to reach my 60th birthday at the end of the year as fit as possible! Since those sessions, I have successfully completed the Cardiff 10K, 11 miles Castle to Castle for Velindre Hospital, and the Cardiff Half Marathon. I’ve also enjoyed trail running around Mynydd Caerphilly and Garth over the Summer, with this inspirational group of ladies! My intention is to continue enjoying running short distances, but to prepare for the occasional ultra marathon! Running in my 60s will be a big help physically and mentally.
I don’t talk much while running, but I’m a great listener!
Berni
I grew up in Pontypridd and after working in London and abroad for many years, found myself back in Cardiff. I started running in my mid 30s and worked up to half marathon distance. I stopped in 2010 and only came back to running via long distance walking. I walked 2 marathons, the VOGUM and a 100km and then decided that it would make much more sense to run them and get them done quicker!
I’m passionate about making ultramarathon distances accessible to older women. If I can then you can!
Anita
Siaradwr Cymraeg
Cymraes sydd yn enedigol o bentref bychan yng Nhwmtawe, Cwmllynfell. Yn chwaer i dri o frodyr, symudais i Gaerdydd ar gyfer swydd fel athrawes cynradd. Dechreuais rhedeg ar ôl i mi gael fy mhlentyn cyntaf Elin Haf yn 1999 ar gyfer fy iechyd meddwl a lles. Rwyf erbyn hyn yn fam i dri o blant ac yn bennaeth ysgol Gymraeg llwyddiannus yn Sir Caerffili, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwm Gwyddon. Mae rhedeg a chadw’n heini wedi helpu achub fy mywyd wrth i mi frwydro yn erbyn triniaeth cancr y coluddyn cam 3 yn 2022. Deunaw mis ar ôl y diagnosis, rwyf yn ddiolchgar iawn fy mod wedi goroesi ac yn medru ailgydio yn fy mywyd unwaith eto yn iach ac yn gryf. Mae bod yn aelod o Mae hi’n rhedeg Caerdydd wedi fy helpu cymaint wrth i mi frwydro yn erbyn cancr. Rwyf yn berson sydd yn mwynhau cwmni eraill, yn berson cyfeillgar sydd yn hoff o helpu eraill. Rwyn edrych ymlaen i rhoi o’m gorau i gefnogi ac ysgogi aelodau o’r clwb rhedeg fel un o’ch Bydis Rhedeg newydd.
Born in a small village in Twmtawe, Cwmllynfell. The sister of three brothers, I moved to Cardiff for a job as a primary school teacher. I started running after I had my first child Elin Haf in 1999 for my mental health and wellbeing.
By now I’m a mother of three children and head of a successful Welsh language school in Caerphilly County, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwm Gwyddon. Running and keeping fit has helped save my life as I battle stage 3 bowel cancer treatment in 2022. Eighteen months after the diagnosis, I am very grateful to have survived and to be able to get back on with my life once again again healthy and strong. Being a member of She Runs Cardiff has helped me so much as I battle cancer. I’m friendly and enjoy the company of and helping others. I look forward to doing my best to support and motivate members from the running club as one of your new Run Buddies.
Bethan
LiRF
I live in Heath, originally from Mountain Ash. I’ve been living in Cardiff since September 2016 with my husband, son and dog. I work as an accounts manager in our family business, when I’m not doing that I’m juggling being a Mum, running a house and of course running!
I started running in 2016 originally to get fit; I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much. My first race was the Caerphilly 10k in May 2016 and I haven’t looked back. I try to get out 3 or 4 days a week. I love the social aspect of running and also the fact that you can just leave the house as soon as I’m changed. I also enjoy Pilates in addition to running to build my strength.
For info on our Committee Run Buddies who perform various roles to run the group click here – She Runs: Committee
She Runs: Cardiff - Mae Hi'n Rhedeg: Caerdydd 