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.
Since the beginning of lockdown we have not been able to meet for our social runs but we continue to support you online to help keep you motivated.
If you have any questions, queries, concerns we are all here to help!
Thank you for joining She Runs : Cardiff and whilst we are physically apart, socially we are closer than ever.
Meet our Run Buddies:
Ann
LiRF (Leader in Running Fitness)
I was given a bracelet for Christmas that says ‘A Runner with Rhythm’ on it – I think it sums me up perfectly.
I’m married with 4 children, one of whom is autistic and 2 of which have already grown up and left home.
When not running or being mum I visit primary schools to teach children to play flute, clarinet, saxophone and piano.
In any spare time I can be found crafting toys and gifts by knitting, crocheting and embroidering.
I started running in May 2019 after deferring a London Marathon place to 2020 (hubby entered us on a whim, I got a place but he didn’t). Now running is just a part of who I am. I found my happy place in running and then found She Runs which made it even happier.
I run for time alone,
I run for times with friends.
I run because I still have a marathon to do!
Zoe
LiRF
Also known as WoWo. Working as a junior doctor in emergency medicine. She Runs for me is not just about running, community and friendship but also family! My big sister Gem and my Mum, Beth are both also Run Buddies. I live in the Rhondda with my wonderful mum and step dad and my cat, Bella. I started running nearly 3 years ago and haven’t looked back! Did my first half marathon in Cardiff in 2019 and now training for my first ultra marathon. Lover of gin, crime dramas and the seaside.
Gruby
LiRF
I am married with 3 children, Benjamin (29), Elin (25) and Lottie (19). I manage a small team of speech and language therapists who work with children with disabilities. I am passionate about wildlife and enjoy crafts.
I started running 5 years ago when I finally admitted it was time to get fitter. Running from my front door seemed like an easy win so I downloaded Couch 2 5K and set off in an old pair of trainers. It wasn’t easy, but after a year or so I realised that running made my troubles somehow seem more manageable. I was not just physically but also emotionally stronger. I love the freedom of running outdoors and exploring new routes through the fabulous parks in Cardiff. I joined SheRuns Cardiff in October 2019, initially running with the group and since the first lockdown enjoying the challenges and camaraderie on social media. I am so proud contribute to such a positive and supportive group.
Ceri
I am a native Cardiffian and busy mum of two who spends my time running away from them as much as possible! I have run off and on for most of my life but the habitat properly formed about 4 years ago. My favourite type of run is through the woods with the purple crew. I’m also a Biology lecturer and enjoy reading, cooking and getting sand between my toes.
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.
Rosie
I am a student midwife who splits her life between Reading and Bridgend. I am currently on a leave year from university after donating my kidney to my best friend in March 2021.
Started running in 2017 as a way to deal with anxiety and depression. Running gave me the time and space to think and process everything that was happening in my life and it continues to do so now. Ran my first half marathon in 2018 and swore I’d never run again after hating every moment of it… fast forward 3 years and I’ve just completed a 100km ultra marathon! Running has changed my life, it’s now a massive part of who I am and what I do.
Elaine
Siaradwr Cymraeg
I live in Rhiwbina, where I also grew up. I am married with two children and work in Cylch Meithrin Rhiwbina as a nursery support worker. I am also training part time to be a Counsellor. I am one of your Welsh speaking buddies having learnt over the years – I’m not sure I’ll ever consider myself fluent but I’m getting there! I have been running for several years, almost always just for fitness and fun. Some of my closest friendships have developed through running and I will always be thankful for that. I am so grateful to be a Run Buddy with She Runs:Cardiff. The support that everyone in the group provides to each other (often on issues nothing to do with running) is amazing and humbling. Something about running and chatting allows people a safe space to share their troubles – as someone who has benefitted countless times from this over the years, I know how important it is. It is a unique and wonderful environment and I am enormously proud to be part of it.
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!
Rachel
I’m originally from England but moved to Cardiff early 2019 with my boyfriend, and I’m a mum of a toddler.
I started running in January 2021 with the Couch to 5k app (C25K). I started this completely solo until I stumbled across a She Runs Cardiff member that told me about the C25K group and joined at the start of February 2021. From the moment I joined the C25K group I felt part of a little supportive and inclusive family. It’s seriously changed my life and I’ve grown in confidence ever since.
Over the last 18 months, I’ve gone from struggling to run for 2 minutes to completing the C25K app, to doing my first event (also referred to as races by others), 10k’s, some half marathons and now a marathon at the end of May 2022. Not every run is easy but with the support of the group, my determination (or stubbornness!) and some amazing friendships I’ve achieved things I never thought possible. I’m looking forward to seeing what my next running achievement will be.
In my opinion, any run (including the run, walk running/jeffing method) someone does is still a run and should be celebrated no matter how far they ran or the time they did a run in. I’m all for the experience and soaking up the surroundings and atmosphere.
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
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
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 7 years and am a very proud mum to Alex who’s 33 and a Doctor of Psychology. I work in our businesses and am a carer for Hubby who has health and mobility issues. I’m passionate about food and cooking, enjoy spin classes and the outdoors and love to travel and explore the world.
In 2019 I joined a gym, worked hard on my fitness and lost 3.5 stone. Lockdown 1 saw the gyms close, so I decided to take on Couch to 5k 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 believe I was 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 I’ve now completed 3 half marathons, with the Great North Run in September next on the horizon. I’m hoping to try some trail running this year and perhaps to complete an Ultra Marathon to mark my 60th birthday in 2024!
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.
Vicky
I live in East Cardiff with my partner, 2 dogs and my 3 teenagers (blended family – I now have a step-dog!). I am always either working at my stressy-ish job or doing something for other people and running is the one thing that is ALL MINE!
I have been gently plodding along for what will be 18 years this Autumn. I’ve kept going – seldom quickly, seldom epic distances, but always consistently – ever since. I started running after having my second child, Maddy. I felt out of shape, depressed and like I had nothing left for myself. I started doing one min on, one minute off and gradually worked up to doing Race for Life (in the very early years!!) to Cardiff Half Marathon that same year (that year had a marathon too and I kept getting lapped!). I haven’t looked back since then.
I’ve had many periods of anxiety and depression in the past (and doubtless there will be some in my future) and I know that without the ability to put on my trainers and head out on my own, they would have been much harder to navigate. It’s definitely top of the list of “why I run”. It helps to keep the black dog at bay and harness the endorphins I need to help maintain good mental health (where possible). Sometimes it’s not possible, then running can be part of my medicine too.
When I joined SR:C – I had NEVER run in a group! I loved running for the headspace and solitude and I didn’t think I would like it. A couple years on and I adore chatting with other women and making connections. I’m so happy to have found the SR:C community and to have the opportunity to plod along with some of you!
Dani
Role: Brand designer
Originally from North Wales, I currently live in Pontypridd with my husband, 3-year-old daughter Alexis and miniature schnauzer Ramsey.
My role within the committee is brand design and I also help on the social media team. 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.
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.
In “rea-life”, I work for the educational resources department at WJEC as a digital learning officer.
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.
Nia
Siaradwr Cymraeg
I live in the St Brides Major.
I am originally from Barry but lived in Cardiff for 12 years until recently.
I have a 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. Last year I was able to add ultra-marathon to my list of running achievements too.
Why do I run – I have been running consistently now for a few years and I think it’s just part of me now. I need it for my sanity!
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 