Welcome to not another Runner podcast a running and health-related podcast created by a run-of-the-mill. Yes pun intended every day Runner join me for all things running health and well-being related for the highs and lows of Life Training and chasing girls. This podcast is designed to keep you motivated and enthusiastic on your journey to health and happiness. Every time I run I discover something new about me and about life be a reason why I run or a discovery of myself. IOnly find gratitude through running. I am able to stay healthy and fit through the execution of my passion, but furthermore I'm able to achieve peace presents growth and Discovery and I love to hear all your stories on how running has changed your lives and what it's brought to you. I want to connect like-minded people through the power of podcast. Times now that I do think a lot a lot of running as about mental strength, like I don't even you know, I don't even know who I was passing on the last bit of that Marathon. I just I just hit my head. I was just using every bit of mental strength. I had it was like it was almost as if I was just picturing that finish line and everything around me was almost a blur. I wasn't even looking at all the ladies or anything like that. I was passing. I didn't even think I'd ever dream of being second. I didn't think I could. So very quickly before we get right back to the chat with the lovely Lizzie for part 2 and I want to just say thank you for your continued support for tuning in weekly and your messages and your comments keeping me in the loop as to what you get up to whilst you listen. I love reading and seeing what motivates you and what activity it is that this podcast accompanies you it honestly keeps me motivated and inspired and I've been lacking a little bit in the motivation front. So yeah, thank you for keeping me going guys and for your continued support. Huge thank you as well to you guys for taking the time over the weekend with the little poll feedback that Iran regarding the podcast. You'll time is greatly appreciated and your opinion matters to me so much show. I thought I would give a quick massive. Thank you to as many of you as I can as possible. I'm going to do a thank you roll call in just 60 seconds just that I don't bought everyone with the intro apologies. If I don't mention your name, but a massive thank you to you for tuning in and for your continued support. So let's How many names I can get through in just 60 seconds? So thank you to Dan the caffeinated Runner fudgy run to run a Steve McNeely runs Drew Hugh's three nine nine zero for Lee and rumor 81 Jamie Dixon 80 run in Foody dimple 115 Fun Run and run run across Scotland running wild running Slimmer at got a Vinyasa and the crawly Sammy Howl's Isabel Johnson? 79 James? Murnaghan, do we run for running back nurse Mark running Ginger by reg 22 migrate North or engineer unfuck by run Dan be glad to run a health Life Fitness inspo. It's Runner that Mars and Dan are doubly Christie one mrs. G triple-eight Michael delahunty. Mummy mutterings piano Edinburgh spray and Specialists. Harry likes to run died twice run with last Market L. Watch. Yo, Chris X runs Gemma Brown ran a mummy 85 if I Jones Rich runs Run Fatboy Run 2017 chubs to Ridgeway life. Charlotte died walk run cycle miles with Katie. Ellie goes running west of UK don't goes running. Victoria runs wild see Jason. 898 Matt runs. You came over l&j Nikki jet a paying 115 the greatest sloman Snoop 66 Aiden Mill this Runs Lucy goes right in 3 2 1 go a lot ehealth the fat man run if Sophie GT structure runs ktj the run and that would get me some 0 311 Morita aisle, and that's it 60 seconds. It's not a long as it. But yeah, thank you everyone for that feedback. That was really appreciated. Enjoy this chat with Lizzie part to can't wait for you all to listen in because it was really a great chat. So yeah, enjoy and let me know what you think. So as you all already know today's guest is Lizzy Diamond. This is episode 11 part 2. If you haven't already you will want to go back and listen to part one. And but if you have listened in already, then you'll already know that Lizzie started running in 2017 and just seven months into it running despite having gone through an incredibly tough time with your family. She went on to run who first half marathon in. Eyes Lucy would go on for pregnant with her fourth child and continue to run during the pregnancy and she ran a half-marathon shortly after giving birth and Incredibly decided to train for her first marathon whilst only a couple months postpartum Lizzie run the great Welsh marathon in llanelli in April this year and came second lady in her debut Marathon completed in a crazy time of three hours 1204 in this installment. One and part two of the chat. You will hear more about the lead-up to Lizzie's first marathon and the training block that led her to a successful debut how she managed to fit in her training by having four kids and husband at home and whilst Toby was just a few months old and there's he tells us here Essentials to marathon training why she won't compare yourself to others and about picking up her first injury prior to the marathon debut and how she overcame this to still run such a successful race. Lizzie also tells us all about her neck. But go and challenge. It is a great chat and I'm so glad that you get to listen to the second part. So enjoy like what thing is people need to remember that you started that that training block for that marathon when Toby was around three to follow proper but properly like three months and then yeah the heat of the training that it would he would have been about six months. So, you know, you've got four children at home you working you've got busy family life of we got been there as well and you know tag team and looking after the kids and your traffic training in around when he's home from his shifts on Earth. Did you fit all the training them? Yeah. So basically I so a lot of planning in advance. So I'd say to Ben, you know, I'm planning on doing this on this day is this okay and if he'd ever say I can't work with that then we change it. So I'd make sure that it worked around us and the children's commitments and his commitment. And it was a lot of early mornings and potentially late nights. So I would just shove my hoodie on it because it was quite cold. Remember that really icy patch in December and I just I just go out and I'd run on the lit walkways because I don't have a head torch or anything like that. And I just I just do my running then when the kids were in bed and providing that then was okay with it basically and that's when I did it. That's when I just squeezed it in if I had Time so the girls do rainbows and brownies on a Tuesday and they did rainbows out of Dallas moved up now, but they do rainbows together. So I would drop them off and I'd have an hour. So I was like right I'm just going to thrash out a runner you okay to both the boys and then I'll pick the girl's up come back and then we'll do bedtime together and it was all about compromising and and making sure that there was that balance and that if I had any spare time, I would just fill it with some kind of run to try and get my My training in you know, yeah. Yeah and just look how you know that R obviously paid off so like, you know, like I mean family life and having children, it's always, you know, compromise and working together as a team like the ski obviously, so obviously, you know doing that was was you know, that's natural but I think maybe then sometimes I mean cause you know, you're there with the kids when Ben's working and when you're off so it is all about compromise, but it's It's trying to fit it all in isn't it? And I cannot like not feel guilty. That's hard. Oh, yeah, that is hard. That is hard. Yeah, it's funny at the same time. Like on the rare occasion Florence will say to me you'll go running again. Yeah again then but I have to I do have to say well, you know what, Mommy has to train hard so because I've got a race coming up soon and I had to explain to her but I don't you know, I'm like it's okay cuz you're going to sleep and obviously I don't do every time she's going to see if I make sure I read them stories. Raise or play games and you know to make sure that they're getting some mommy time as well. But yeah, the guilt is it is quite tough and so like this morning, for example, I was starting work earlier. So I just scrap the long run because I really wanted to spend some time with the family and it is about you know, sometimes you do have to sacrifice the run because if I had gone out this morning and then come back and be like I got to go to work now by I would have felt guilty. And it wouldn't have been Fair. It would have been part of been either so it is about knowing that the balance and you've got to get that balance right? Because otherwise it's not worth it. It's not you don't feel good. And it's about feeling good. Doesn't it? Yeah, and one missed run here and there is like that's you know, it's not going to make a huge difference at all. No, no, and I actually I actually went to the gym anyway as in after work in a bit in between talking to you, so I just squeezed a little one. Obviously it didn't Or two and a half hours like a long-run word. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, but definitely it's not going to hurt and actually I did really enjoy having a little cup of tea and biscuits in bed. I got to be honest. Yeah, and sometimes it's nice for you. It's good actually as sometimes as a positive for your body to have that rest and injury prevention taking the time. Yeah. Yeah, enjoy and like as you know training like for Marvin, it's so intense on the body. Is it puts your immune system under a great deal of stress. So it is good to take time off. It certainly does. Yeah. No, definitely. I think it's good. Actually. I mean, I think I think three, you know three runs and then arrest I think I did that before my marathon and I was okay with that and I quite enjoyed the rest week. I was like, yeah, I'm okay. I'm okay, and I've got a couple of races coming up. So I think we all know I got to give these legs a rest because it like you said I'll be prone to injury and I need to be sensible. Hmm exactly. Yes. About 50 runs in really early and late. So I was just wondering what was the earliest time that you had to head out all the latest time whilst you are doing that marathon training first time around well good question. So I think that Harper's five. I was five six am kind of thing. I'd have to get up and and get out if I was going to do a morning when and then the evening was perhaps maybe eight o'clock maybe quarter. I like that it got you know, it gets dark really quickly. Doesn't it in the winter? So sure. Yes Taco clock. I know there's no to earliest there. But yes, I made sure that the kids were kind of settled and we done the bath time and their been didn't really have much to do we could just kind of chill out and watch TV or you know, he could catch up on his programs Game of Thrones for example, and and then I would just go and do my run. Yeah, so it would usually be those times so good. Bird catches the worm. Yeah, and then the night time for yeah, what would you say like during that block of trainer? And what were your Essentials to your training for the marathon? All right. Okay, so firstly I had to keep telling myself to be kind to myself because I was only whatever it was. You notice it before five months postpartum is you say Ted and I had to keep reminding myself of that because I was like it's really hard and I'm really tired and I just hadn't been and he was like, you've got to remember like your body has been through a lot and and so I had to tell myself be kind to yourself Lizzie and just you know, just you know, if you don't want to go for a run just don't go for a run. And if that's hard sometimes I'm so competitive with myself that I was like, okay then all right, then also it was to not be a slave to the training plan. Kind of goes in line with what I just said really just you know, sometimes if a run doesn't work then don't do it just you know, go another time instead or what I what I did do a few times was you know what I really don't fancy running tonight. So I'll go a little bit longer tomorrow night instead. So that kind of made me feel better about missing a run and I'll add like maybe three runs onto my five mile or tomorrow or something like that. So I just did that for myself to make sure that I was still enjoying kind of like relaxing and resting and and not being so tired. Yeah also as well I had to tell myself to to not not be too hard on myself and not compare myself to anybody because I needed to remember that. This was my journey and I'll just do the best that I can and I'm not going to be doing two hours 25 and that I am going to Higher because I am only human so I just had to keep remembering just just don't be so hard. I actually did suffer a little bit of an injury. Like I can't really feel like I shouldn't be to call it an injury because it didn't last very long but it was it was iliotibial band strain. Basically I so I pulled it during my training so it was a minor setback, but I did learn to look after myself a bit more. Then and stretch more and and rehabilitates the injury a bit and I did Newport half. I set myself some goals by doing some races in between the marathon training which I think did really help because I could see myself reaching certain goals and getting a little bit fitter over time. So I did what the Liz worry 8 which was a lovely 8 Mile ER, you know, it's it wasn't quite a 10K but it wasn't a half marathon. So I really enjoyed that and that was the January so few months for the marathon. And then I did and then unfortunately February was around the time. I pulled my IT band so I did look after it and I did get a sports massage. I got a few actually and I did Newport half marathon and that was 133. So for me that was my new PB which was exciting and then and then I did what I do, then the sounds loss and on some Dom there was March the 24th. And then obviously March 31st was my Cardiff Bay 10K, which was which for me was a new PB of 40 minutes 59 at that time. And then I did the marathon. So setting myself those race goals really really helped they were like my targets just to see because obviously you can't rain until the cows come home, but it was nice to do especially sound on like I mentioned earlier it was nice to kind of see where you are in race Pace putting yourself in that. - in in the race to see you know, which female were you and and how will your splits and how do you paste that? And do you think you could have done better? And I didn't I don't really I don't really drink or eat anything on my long run. Just even my 20 milers. I didn't I didn't drink or eat anything until I came home obviously and then I kind of refueled and that was fine during training but Then when I did the marathan, I literally felt like I had a full course buffet and I would actually pay for it. I learned I learned On The Run Nat. Yeah. I ended up like having to take Imodium instance because the amount of gels that our hearts just take your just shoving them shovel and a my neck think, you know, get through it Lucas AIDS like I was literally having a great time. Make it a lot of time. I'm doing a long run and I don't feel like I need to take the fuel on but I remember someone saying no you really really need to train your body to adjust to it. So even though you're doing long and slow you still need to be able to trade in like because it's hard to digest stuff even like taking a job which was to be easy. It is hard like you have to like get used to that is trial and error. So obviously if you haven't done that in like you 720 milers that you've done in your training, you know that That would have been a shock to the system on Race to it because the thing is you run so much harder on race day. So a lot more fuel. It just gets bent so quickly. Oh my goodness yet. So that was a really really good lesson that I learned. Yeah. I was I was burning out I was and it's a really really lovely guy that I met who almost ended up passing me. To be honest for this this Marathon. It was like his billionth Marathon. He did he'd done loads. I think it Like I said time you don't and Ashley so he knew the route and he was pacing and he was spot on and I was like, I'm just going to try and stick with him. So he was he was again giving me like these shells and jelly babies Haribo anything I get my hands on. I was like just give me more and then it got to a point at 18 miles when I was like listen Rob. I don't think I can take any more jails. My stomach's having a bad time over here and he was like all have these Imodium instance, which I didn't know. Listed by the way, the ones that just melt on your tongue. Yeah amazing. So I had those and to be fair. They absolutely didn't work good thing. They didn't work at all. I think the damage had been done. Oh my God, so it had a lot of gels and my tummy is not good with jails are certain jowls anyway, so I'd had these gels and I was having a party needed the fuel needed that that caffeine. And then that's when I thought you know what the stomach cramps are. Absolutely hideous at Mar 23 2014 2 crack on I'm going to I'm going to push through to the end and I've got to I've got to go because I can't I can't take this tiny cramps anymore. I've just got to go. I got to push through this pain. So that's yeah, that was a lesson learned. So now I do feel and I do take a drink even to sip of especially with the Heat of the Moment as well. But yeah. And I do and I end up actually having gels before short races and especially the half marathon the Swansea half marathon, even tho the gel pretty much ended up all over my face. Mostly honestly the best trying to run an open up this gel and get it down me was a nightmare. But yeah, that was a big learning curve for me and that's good that you've got that you've taken away because now when you do your Marathon next spring and uh, no actually, you know, I think you've got one coming up in I've been there my goodness. Yes, I do. Yeah Talent so that Snowden I've got snowed in Marathon. It's I'm really excited about this one. This is again another new challenge. It's Hills obviously and and I I'm nervous I am nervous because I love running on Flats any incline. I'm like, oh, so it's going to be a challenge for me. I'm just going to do my best on the day and and Trust the process and just remember that just remember that done the town. Yeah, get it in my brain. Look absolutely hashtag mouth and talk do says I'm talking here. I just love it. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah again learning so much stuff on that as well. Yeah. I'm just going to trust the process and know that I've done the training I'm going to do some hilly 20-mile has as well basically do as many So I can the local races are helping with that because then unfortunately for me, they're not flat it wish they were but they have very hard. So yes, I'm doing Snowden and I'm really looking forward to that. What is the course like to have you looked at her? I have looked it up. Yes. It was actually it is a lot of people assume that when you say you're doing you know, just no damara. They think that you're climbing climbing the mounting and in this mixed Terrain. but it's not it's if it's pretty the majority is tarmac and it's like gradually uphill and then it kind of plateaus for a while and then you go maybe downhill a little bit and then there's another big hill so it's very much an undulating but then there are some some vicious climbs but everybody I've spoken to who have done it or who want to do it say that it is just so scenic and so lovely and And I've seen photos and the view I mean are like the mountains behind you and around you. It looks I'm actually genuinely excited to take it all in as well as think goodness gracious. What am I doing? Yeah, because I have just looked it up because I couldn't remember to my head. I know it is silly. I knew it was mainly tarmac. So it's 838 meters total elevation and in feet, that's 2749. Just in case just to keep it fresh in the memory. Yeah, in case people needed to know but I mean, you've got a really really big hill like after I think it's on your second my like really really big like the biggest one I think and then you go a nice downhill and you pretty much done for a long long way until you get to Half Marathon distance. You've got and little Hill compared to the first tell at mile to down again and then your mom this is so Evil so that your mile 22 to 20 must be 24 and a half mile 22 to 24 and a half is a big climb it just climbing and then home straight 25 to 26 lovely down rolling into the Finish Line. Yeah. You know what? Yeah, there is nothing better than a downhill on the Finish Line when I did what I did Rach grade this year. The end was a massive Hill and I was panting so hard that somebody from st. Johns Ambulance came beside me and was like, are you? Okay? Do you need assistance on the downhill? This is something uphill and I was like, listen. Listen, I don't need assistance just yet. But stay close by the end. He had to climb this massive hell and then through this little gate and then into like a little castle the castle grounds and that was the end but it was Vicious so we're pretty brutal to end on an uphill. But so yeah, I know it will be tough to do a marathon and you know the snow de Marathon but ending on a downhill I'm hoping we'll just we'll just be nice the legs will definitely be like jelly, so I'm just going to let them fly hopefully but no take the gravity. I've known a few people to do that marathon, and I've known them to get really really good times actually. So yeah, I'm going to I'll get after it. Get back to you on it because I'm going to quiz them as to what their PB is from Martin anyway, because when I've seen that I know like a girl lady from our club she did it in I'm sure it was around 3:30. Wow, I'm sure I might be wrong there, but I'm pretty sure and I know I know a guy from school. He did it and around that time as well. So I'm gonna have to go back and just check what the p b flat listen just to get handouts and that's amazing. Yeah. Yeah, but incredible, yeah. Let me know. Yeah, I was going to ask after the great Welsh Marathon. How did you feel afterwards? Because when I had a little look Instagram stalk, I noticed that you did a 16 mile run literally two weeks after the back of that Marathon. Like how did you even do that? Why don't you know what happened? To be honest? I was just I was on a high I was honest. Serious. Hi. Like I just want to like stop people in the street and be like guess what I just did my first marathon I can iI but but generally I wanted to just make sure that I was cured my fitness ticket over things that I'd lose it in like two weeks. So I don't know really what caused my mind's do a 16 mile ER but the legs they did they genuinely felt they felt good and even I was shocked and surprised but I did I did keep it a couple of days between H run so I run for a little bit and then I not run 48 hours and then I just do a few more miles and then the 60-mile is just crapped in there. But yeah, I just kept taking over and taking it easier and then yeah, I felt good and then I asked you know the people in the club was it what what should I be doing next and really and they're like right now you need to start working on your speed and then that's when that came and I booked you know doing because I was just like I need to in the mouth and I want to do one straight away. I want to do it tomorrow, but obviously I can't down a bit and I talk to myself and said stop being ridiculous. And then that's when I was like right snowed in because that's a good you know period of time to train again and some is always a nice time to train it's good to have goals. I love having something to aim towards and when I didn't have anything I felt a bit lost I thought well, yeah, I've got a card of half but But the sages away so I thought yeah, I think so. Yeah, I did I need to sub. I like having something to work towards and then you think boom another goal here, you know tick tick another Marathon done. Yeah, definitely what maybe not so much about the Madison but I mean, I had thoughts of that after when my Martin experience didn't go right, but then I thought no not quite ready. So I'm still have to work. What one is my next one. I would like one this year, but Been a lot going on outside of so it's a bit like well that's taken a backseat for now, but it'll come back. We're working out. Yeah, cuz it well when it happens or trust the process as they say, I love that saying and over to see it. I have to say and Tom and Martin's voice from Martin talked they still I wouldn't want it any other way. I really want a t-shirt need to get one. It's a I've been wanting to get one as well. Actually I have to do that. We should get one. Let's get one. Yeah packed. I'll Trust you that you could wear it on in can't you've got away or Club? First can't do that. Oh, we're now for the spoon. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah while you train then it might help you to remember to trust that person. I got to take a picture and send in so I sent away. Yeah definitely will do it. Yeah. So you've started documenting this running journey of yours is very new run Ingenuity on Instagram. How did that? Come about like where you following others on like a personal accountant. Like I'm going to do this. Yeah, I watched you know, what I was I was listening to Marathon talk and I was genuinely genuinely just following the guests. Mostly Terry Griffiths one that I was always following. I mean, he's just incredible isn't it? And yeah, wow like inspiration Central he just ridiculous. The times are amazing. See the Welsh Runner and then because of the Welsh render then Kellogg's on the road. I do actually really love following her as well. She's just so real and I love that about her. So that's lovely the runner beans, you know, I think yes. I follow her project Marathon GE all these I followed and they were great. And actually I was just doing my thing and I was just enjoying following them and it was my friend Matthew. He's training for an Ironman at the moment. He's really into his cycling swimming. Got a little bit of running. I think it primarily it's cycling and then this woman and then running for him if we're going to put in an order and he was like, you know another he was so supportive and and it was like another round only see like but he was like, I don't think you realize how good you are and I was like, I don't stop this absolutely do to saying it because you're my friend and he was like no, but what you will do is you'll inspire people like you to start playing but I didn't you know, No, and he kept on saying it and I was like now I just know I don't think like no, I don't think so. I just don't I don't know whether I can do I'd rather have the confidence to do it and I don't think anyone would really care and then it got to the London marathon and he was like this is it now? He's like I am fed up of telling you he was like, I'm going to help you start an account and he was like you're going to do it and and I was like, okay. Okay. So just and I was again absolute nervous. So I was like, right. So what should I put here then he's like, well you need to make a Camp so the running people aren't spammed with your family and your family and friends aren't spammed with your running and I was like, okay. Yeah sure. So then he was like you the name of Runner of for my sister actually came up with like, I don't know what to call myself and she was like, well, I've looked at this one and no one else has it and it has a ring to it because you are a runner or four children and I was like, well actually yeah, that's pretty pretty simple yet effective. Yes. Oh, so she Help me with that and then so he had me initially like set up the very basic. So what we put my profile should don't, you know, don't put silly things. Just put very simple bio. Like you're just a man who has a passion for running and I was like, okay. Yeah. So basically the truth and kind of a few things that you've done recently your times and then just just go from there and then he did so he got the ball rolling and then I just took the bull by the horns and just documented everything really so Because you haven't been doing it for that long. Have you no no, I started it. I think it was a week after the London Marathon this year. So three months. Yeah. It was on the same day as London Marathon die with the same day. So yeah. Yeah that was that was the inspiration of the London Marathon. Yeah. I come in. You're right. I can picture it. Now as I opened my bedroom getting ready watching it upstairs watching haidee Carruthers just one agent like oh my goodness. He's just getting over that line. Did you listen Carrie here episode up some job because she's just been on this. She's been on the Ramblin Runner recently. So you'll have to check that out because that was a really good. Oh, yeah. She was really funny. I'd really enjoy listening to action. This is actually what happened and what I found really interesting is that she didn't wear a watch. Yes. I know Justin and she trains literally oh and singer around her work like she's a full-time job. hops trains twice a day I mean she is just again out of this world. I mean so your friend Matt. I'm just trying to work out which Matt is it on? Oh, he is M James 27. So he's here we call it. We actually call him a throw because his name's Matthew and he's got an afro to be call him a throw. Like he's been our friend forever family friend and he is so now he's training for the Ironman in 10 B, and he and I mean he's got Coaching he's just again. He is another level like he says to me. Oh, you're so good. I think hang on a minute like you need to look in the mirror. I couldn't I couldn't read I couldn't swim like he does especially in Open Water like that. So underestimated and I want to see my sister. In fact, he's really inspiring and my sister did her first triathlon the same day. I did my Swansea half. She did card a triathlon with Matthew so So I think I think both of them are amazing I think cycling as well. That's a whole whole different getting. Oh my goodness gracious. So I take my hat off to them equally as they take their hat off to me. Yeah what I'm so glad that map pushed you to do it God. I want to let you otherwise she's hurt. I am I do I really enjoy it and I enjoy the support. I enjoy the inspiration I get from everybody else around me, but it is it's like it's To the family. It's a running family. You know, it's great because who what or who motivates and inspires you in particular that I'm like, I know you've touched on it a little bit. But yeah, I mean obviously him doing the triathlon and training for Ironman. It's the retina or anyone else you want to mention. So it's again I like the word collaboration, but it is a collaboration of a few people I think so every time I race the supporters Is it just just gets me all choked up to be honest. I remember a very particular moment of the marathon when I was on the final straight. Yeah, I can see the finish line and it was lovely it was it was downhill. I just passed a girl. I didn't know what position she was. I didn't know where I was and this man from the crowd. I just literally it was almost as if they all went silent and I could only hear his voice and he won't come on. You've got this she's just behind you. And I just thought oh my gosh. Okay. Okay, because you just said that I'm going to dig even deeper and I'm going to go for it and the people who support on all these races are just as important as a people who run the races because without them I would be lost and it would be a very lonely race because I should they just they don't even know you and because you've got your name on your bib people are going go on lissy go on Lizzie, and I don't even know them but Because they're saying it I say, thank you. Thank you. I'm can barely breathe so I mostly miming q but they they support me and they motivate me to just keep going and also the people who I see on Instagram definitely support me because a lot of them are people like us and they're very normal so to speak and they've got jobs and they've got very busy lives and they continue to do it. So they only motivate me to continue to do it myself and the club the club are just like I mean this this so motivational that they're literally like motivational speakers and they go, you know, go on Lizzie and when I did the castles that the queen of when I was awarded Queen of the mountains, there is a girl called cerebral order we call a Lord she likes to be called lord as well and she just did the world Albert the world happen. Well don't need years. Yep. She's just done them. So she is incredible like so inspirational. I just think that the Abbot world's not World Abbott other way around and horse has competed all six she's done them. Yeah, and she got her, you know her amazing medal anyway, so she's the coach of Liz weary and one one of the coaches I should say. Actually there were quite a few and she this was an open road race. So the cars were able to kind of it was Strawberries. Yeah, so they can go out do they could meet you at these different points and and she did and it was like there was me and a guy called Reese one female one male from the club running on the leg I did and she was you know, I felt like she was at every single lay-by. I went by absolutely telling me like I could literally see her eyeballs almost popping out of her head going you have you know, you've got this laser you've got this and I feel like when She has that belief in you. I mean Ben was there as well. So that was another reason to be like I have to make him proud. He doesn't ever get to see me race. I have to you know, I have to beat this one girl in front of me. I watched her the entire time. I watched her in front of me and I thought I'd just got to keep this distance between us and then I've got to kind of get to a place where I can go a bit faster but maintain that speed to take over her that was just the competitor inside of me though, and and they were there, you know, they dedicated their I'm to to bring me like me and Reese this sponges in water because it was boiling and gels and they offered me bottles of water. Obviously outside. No, thank you. But yeah for me it is all the people around me that motivate me. Obviously my children better the other day asked to take my dragon Queen of the mountains trophy in to school. Like it wasn't prompted by me. I didn't go, you know, you can show your teachers. She asked maybe I really want to show my teacher that because I take it in and I was basically need a cried and I was so proud like it literally took me up that she she was proud of me and it is Within These races when I am finding it tough. I think I've got to do this. I've got to do it for better. I'm I got to do it for for all of them. I want to make them proud because children they don't quite understand today that it's not it's not about winning. It's about the taking part, isn't it? It does not. But winning or losing it's literally about just enjoying the ride, isn't it? So every time I race there was like, what did you win though? That's like not this time darling. It was never a lot of very good people there. So when the line is in sight and I think all of you know what I might be able to do this, I think of them and I think yeah, you know what I'm going to go home and I'm able to tell them that this one I did win so it is you know, No, and it just it just in every race that I do and doesn't matter what time I have every race I do because I'm not about winning I've learned from I learned from every single race that I do. So that's also a motivation for me to crack on and move on learn from what did I learn? Okay, what do I change and how can I improve that so it is it's a load of different things. I'm sorry that I just rub it it on for so long, but honestly it is it's called almost everything around me. Family, my friends supporters the club everybody that motivates me to keep going. It's like their belief in me makes me believe in myself almost love that their belief in you makes you believe in yourself. Yeah that ask me did and I think you've touched their on on the reason why you run so if you want to summarize, what is your reason to run? That's such a good question so I ran for my sanity. No, I it's so good to get that head space when you go running in are when it's I find it really important to just have a little bit of me time, especially like training when I'm not just racing when I'm just going out and I'm like, you know, I'm just going to go out and I'm just going to enjoy having a little bit of head space and having to enjoy the world around me and taking it all in and taking them some fresh air and stuff like that. So that is it I run. For for those around me like I said before definitely and and then yeah it is. It's definitely primarily for for my family for my children and definitely been because honestly, there is no feeling better than the feeling of them being proud. It's it gives me a lump in my throat. I was quite emotional on this now this chat but uh, but it absolutely does and when times get tough and you do it's hard you question yourself and you think gosh why am I doing this? You think what is for them? Because you can go home and you can tell them how well you did and you can go home and say and your I've got a new PB or you know, what I didn't do as best as I did but I still raced and I still you know, I still went out there and I ran and it was a really fun and you know, it was really good and not Definitely think that they are they are the why they are the way because I can go home when I can I can I can that the be proud of me. Yeah, and then I can just hope you're proud of myself of what I've achieved. Yeah, I love that love all of that. Oh, that's I know I did. I really did. Oh, so what's a better day? I know it's what would you say proudest achievement is because we literally it's tying up very well because you've just said about something about they are the way you and that, you know being proud of what you are achieving. So what what is your proudest achievement and wife? Yeah. So what do be my proudest achievement in Life or would it be my proudest running achievement now any either I think I definitely think what in life my proudest achievement by far my children and I know that's really cliche and so cheesy, but it's so true. I mean They are the reason you know, I think it's since that since they came into my life. I think what did I ever do without you? What would I do without you? You know, they give me a reason they give me a meaning and everything I do generally is for them. And I love that. I would never change it for the world and I do love that. So as cliche as it is it is definitely like I'm so lucky and so Privileges and I just feel so blessed to have four healthy. Happy children that we achieved so that definitely with running my biggest achievement. I mean I feel again it would be really cliche to say the marathon. I mean that was a moment. I will never forget and I don't know whether anyone out there is experienced this but I certainly haven't before this but running running to that finish line and now you know I've never been to a Finish Line that's been clear. I've only ever crossed the line with loads of people crossed in front of me behind me around me beside me, but this Finish Line was completely clear of anybody and there was just a bunch of Paparazzi have had a cameras. There are no cameras at the end. And that feeling of was just a reason I felt like hero like a superstar. Oh my gosh. It was amazing and I crossed the line. And they kind of digging through this medal and I got you know while dead and then they all say right you have to turn to this camera and turn into that camera and it did you know, it made me feel so special and I know that again as I said before it is definitely something I want to take away with me for the rest of my life, but there was one recent achievement that I don't know whether I will do again and that was the one with the castles relay. So it was representing Liz weary, which I'm really proud of as The club remember I love them and they're so supportive but do the castles relay when I did the stage 11. It was a new route this year. So I broke the course record because obviously it's a new route and and then they gave me the trophy of Queen of the mountains. And I mean that is a pretty great title to have but it was such a lovely run and it was such a hard run but also The girl and he was from Serpentine Runners who is in front of me was I passed her and she was like great running and that's what I love about the running Community, you know, it's not all about being competitive and Fierce and getting your elbows out and digging away at people next to you. She and I was literally like you to you know, you are you're great and it's taken a lot for me to even be able to catch up with you never mind overtake you so she wasn't far behind me at the finish line, but But we had a picture together and it was so lovely to share that moment with her regardless of who was first or second and to get a stage t-shirt, which I really sought after supposedly really hard to get one of those lovely yellow t-shirts. I didn't even think that was possible. I just I was told, you know, the the level of Runners was out of this world seriously was and is every year so I just went there to run my own race. So that was just yeah carry on. Yeah. It was lovely on the cake, too. To win my stage leg and to be awarded that trophy it was really wonderful. And then that was the one that better then took into school. And so I was really proud. Yeah, it was lovely. I remember that happening there few months ago. Yeah. I've been yeah, Brenda I just win it again. No, I know. It's just it's just I think it's got to be just this lucky streak and I mean come on too old for this now. I can't keep this up gosh. Just no naturally talented. Honestly, I don't know about that. But all I know is that I love it. I do genuinely enjoy and and as long as I'm enjoying it, yeah going to just keep doing what I'm doing. Yeah. Yeah, what would you say your favorite uplifting or motivational phrase is and what I like have you ever had a mantra in your head like in order to finish a race just so that you can do Deepen get it done. Yeah, I do actually so in my head I always actually used to just say over and over again. Just just dig deep just dig deep just dig deep and when you think you're digging deep Lizzie just dig even deeper. I used to say that and then I was like, oh this isn't this isn't enough. You know, I feel like I'm digging seriously deep here, and I don't know if I can do it, but you're going to deeper so that kind of expired and then a girl called. Called Jess runs to try that a handle on Instagram. She's actually been in contact and she's a member for as well. So we have a lot to chat about and she's so supportive and she's clearly incredible. She's she lives over in the States, but she put a post arm so I read it and I found it really inspiring and she she had a quote which is there is there is no growth in a comfort zone and there is What Comforts in a growth Zone when I am running and I find it difficult to you know, I get to that point where I think oh, yeah, this is the zone now that I'm finding hard. I just think come on Lizzie. It's not meant to be comfortable. If you're going to get any better at this it has to be it has to be painful. It has to be uncomfortable. You're not going to grow unless you're uncomfortable and I just think of that phrase over and over again because I could run that race and just be comfortable. Well if I wanted to no one's forcing me, no one is forcing. Yeah to run like I'm running I'm only forcing myself and I'm putting that pressure on so I just think we'll come on then if you're going to do it then you got to do, you know, you're gonna have to do a good job at it and dig deep and do it properly. So be uncomfortable push past that and I just keep thinking yeah, you know dig deep and you're going to see the Finish Line you are going to see the finish line and I think okay. I'm going to run as hard as I can to that corner and then I get to the Order and then I see another tree and I'm like, okay, I'm going to keep running a really hard to that tree now and then you start here and you start hearing the cheers from the end and then I'm and that's all I need. I know the finish line is where in sight and then I just dig as deep as I can and everything I have left. I just use to push me over that line to the limits. Basically. Yeah, you have that so that quote was there is no growth in a comfort zone and there is no comfort in a growth zone. Is that right? That is exactly right. It needs her die. But like never a truer word spoken. Is it like it? Honestly, I read it and I thought my goodness. She's completely hit the nail on the head. Hmm, you know, she's got a night. Yeah, definitely. So that's that is really my Mantra keep going over that. I'm interested and very very interested to know we do you see yourself in five years time given the progress And you know the success you've had in these short two years of running. Where do you see yourself in five years time. I mean, this is life and running like everything. Yeah. Yeah. Well, you know, there's quite a few things I'd like to do time and and money like just don't allow at this point of time because obviously you just invest everything into the children, especially when they're younger and that is my priority. Of course. I really want to do the Abbot will Old Marathon Majors I do and I know that I have to be in a place where I have to be fit enough to do that. So I think five years is realistic to do all six. Yeah, I'd really I would really like to do it I words and also I went to Marshall this morning at the Junior parkrun and this may not be in five years time. This may be sooner depending on kind of what happened. Workwise, but I'd really love to coach as well as do my running. I'd really love to coach the little ones because I tell you what now, I was still on the side today just you know, telling them how wonderful they are and they really are all wonderful and the moment you say come on, you know you were doing so well, the finish line is just there you've got this they listened and they're encouraged and and they run and it's just human nature, isn't it? You hear somebody believing in you and you do Go for it and then little legs they just pick up that pace and they go for it and and they smile and they think oh my gosh. Yes. I've got this. You know, I know I'm a superhero and he said yeah, you know what you are a superhero you're going to be a superhero and I'd love to invest what I know into into the future generation of Runners. So I don't know whether that might be a path. I might go down I look at all these people as well who are like a six, FrontRunner. - and Brooks Run happy team and they you know, they do a really good job. They look happy. They genuinely enjoy running and and then one of us as well, and I feel like it's not Out Of Reach to be one of those frontrunners perhaps. I don't know whether time words allow with my schedule. Even if I were to have the opportunity to be one, but I would also I would also like the opportunity to do that. Maybe maybe you know, if If the opportunity to were to arise but I look at these people and they genuinely like they genuinely enjoy running and they Balanced Life and I think yeah you're inspiring and I want to inspire like you kind of thing. Yeah. You know what when you said about the coach and coach in little ones. Yeah. Oh my God. I was literally nodding my head like, yes, you would be great that like given, you know a few years at Prep schedule and you know build up experience and experience. Yeah. Yeah would be because your As if what you do in your job now and teaching the little ones and drama and acting you know singing would be and you're really motivated. You know, you're you're motivated uplifting and you know, you've got that attitude and their Charisma and yeah, you'd be brilliant at that. I can like touching it now. I can't I would just I would love it and doing what I do know is you said it is so rewarding that is so rewarding you get so much pleasure from from their success. But even running a park run it doesn't matter. They're like I was so proud of all these children that don't know me from Adam today and I thought oh gosh, I would love to just invest anything. I know and you know a volunteer happily to motivate these children to do what they love because honestly I got so much from it. And as you as a teacher, you generally do get a lot of emotion and and You feel so proud of the children when they achieve things that yeah, I would I'd love to do that. I'd love to do it. I'd have to do with my own children as well if they ever wanted to do that. But yeah, I do see myself doing something like that, you know, and I'd like to do it if I had the time and as the children get older perhaps they want to do as well. It means I could go with them and do it with a load of children that they do it with perhaps. I like that. Yeah. No, that'd be good. Yeah, I can definitely visualize that That right. We've got two more questions. Yeah, she had a an amazing chart like a brilliant one. Now. This next question is going to catch you off guard. So apologies in advance if you actually I think I might have another question not to might have a couple more because I remember someone sent me one in as well. So I lost that right? Okay if let me go to that question first and so someone sent in. How do you manage to I mean, I think we did touch on it earlier, but just to recap how do you manage to train for that speed ability with four kids. So I just wanted to mention that Curry said that in it's all wonderful. So she was really amazed. I put the story up about your times and I know what you manage to achieve. She was like whoa. How does she do that and someone else that in is she human and I was like, no she's super human. Yeah, I think thank you Carrie. For sending that particular row and I'm glad I did do I think we did manage to touch on the earlier didn't we we did but so so obviously I've got it's quite a few things to be honest. So with the the tiredness from having four children, I don't ever beat the tiredness. It's I just battle the tiredness. So it's just a constant battle. I'm not I'm not ever going to beat it. So it's just something I kind of learned to accept. I'm always going to be tired. So I run. Lot on adrenaline and and I think because I've got a degree in musical theater and I am technically I was I was an actress a professional actress and throughout my career. I had so many knockbacks and with auditions and just generally the acting world is very brutal and you build up a mental resilience to be knocked back quite a lot of the time. Before you succeed and I think running is very similar to that. I think you do suffer a lot of knockbacks and you think are the you know, you don't know what's going to happen on the day when you go and you perform it's exactly the same you think all I've done all the training. I've learnt these songs. I've learned these pieces, but actually when you get up in front of people in my all go down the drain and it will not go to plan and then that's when you take the knockbacks. So I think I've definitely built up this mental resilience to push. Through the pain of I just don't know if I can get past this point now it is it's hard every single time. I'm not going to pretend that it's easy. And actually I don't even know if it gets any easier because what happens is when you actually do reach a point where it could be easy you push yourself even further and it's just as continual process, isn't it? But yet getting back to the question. I think Tell me the question again now because I feel like I'm going in a bit just told you how he managed to. Yeah, drop it all for kids with the teeny. Tiny baby. Still managed to train yourself for a 312 312. Yeah, that's the one so yeah, it's it's about making time mostly and when you do have the time or not, everyone's going to be a quality run because you just can't do that mean you're just human you have to have easy runs and you have to take it easy sometimes. But when you do have a chance to your quality when you have to make it equality run you have to push yourself if you're not going to be able to raise because you haven't got the time then run as if you are racing. Do you know for the threshold run or the tempo run even or for the interval training, you know, if you are doing those intervals make those intervals worthwhile because it's that pain you need to feel that pain a little bit you need to yeah you do you have to push your body your heart rates, so it's similar to what you would when you're racing to To remember what it's like and how you you deal with that and just remember because this is what also gets me through. Just remember that pain does not last so even though it feels like oh my goodness gracious. I feel like I'm about to explode the Finish Line does can and you recover and then within half an hour you're sat down having a cupcake or a Mars bar or an energy drink or whatever it might be or a cup of tea is true. Yeah, honestly and you think what was all that fuss about then? Yeah was that is about to die. And you know what? I think actually not a lot people do this, but you did 720 miles in your new training plan. And that's unusual for someone. I know you didn't go over the 20 mile distance. So you still had a 10K that you are to push over that, you know that threshold of that 20 miles but perhaps you know, you know the maybe there was a lot to be said I know running Rogue the Rogue running in Texas. They do say a lot about how You know those 20 miners are so important and perhaps that was a good thing for you as well. I mean, I mean you've got to weigh up with the risks because for some people doing too many 20 miles or too many long distance running can be a potential for for injury, but obviously you kept up the strength training which helped you and yeah, you hopefully outweighed the risks because you were you were running five times a week when you in the lead up to that. Yeah, mostly yes. It was at least at least four times. Yeah. At least four times a week. So again and that just goes to show you do you do have natural talent for you to get that time? Because a lot of people some people in order to get those sort of times they have to almost train twice a day and do an easy run on top of their speed work as well. So this there is a lot in you to come. Yeah. Well, I hope so. I really I hope so, I hope because you do think I'm trying, you know, I'm trying to train hard. On that know when you were saying about the 20 mile runs and how important they are. Someone told me once again from from this very big enough the Liz very big time here, but they said the heart knows no distance or titles only news time and he's time. I don't know something like that. Basically the heart knows it doesn't it can't gauge time. So basically you do the long runs. So your heart just keeps ticking over yet. So it learns to to become aerobically yes and strong. Yes. Yeah, and I do honestly feel that it did definitely improve my endurance doing these long runs. Yeah, and I mean, you know by the end of the 20 mile is I was like, okay I'm done now are we near the end? So it was it was tough. It was by no means easy. But yeah, it did help it did help that I had that platform. Yeah for the mountain. Yeah, definitely. Okay. So this is the question that was going to cut you off guard. If you could hear someone else on this possible on this podcast, who would it be so if you could hit anyone at all, like it could be like like pie in the sky never might happen because they're famous or could be your everyday Runner. But who would you like to listen to? That's not gonna screw up for this. So I do apologize. No. No, it's this is good. This is important. I like it. You know Walt I could be I could be really cliche and say, you know the normal people that everyone really expects but I it's really hard. I need a moment actually know what the next question and go. Okay, then yeah, we're going to think. Yeah go on then. Yeah, it would be hard while you multitask in Black while you're reading out your tip. So I got to ask you if you could give others listening three tips to get in start. Adam running what would they be? Yes, absolutely. I really like this question because I just I just feel like running it is is for everybody because it there is nobody is the same it's not one size fits all so firstly I think make it realistic for yourself. Make it your own Journey don't compare yourself to anybody else. So just just pop on your trainers. Lace them up. If you want to just run down the street and back perfect, you know, if you want to just run and do a couple of laps around the block then then just go for it. But you have to just do what works for you and make sure that you're enjoying it at that time as well and then just build upon that if you want to if it's you know, it's your journey if it's something you want to do. You want to maybe build up to a 5k perhaps even a 2K doesn't matter. So I think just Just enjoy your journey first and start off doing what works for you. Just lace up those trainers and just pop out for a little jog. Don't put the pressure on that is my that's my definitely my first tip and the second one, which I felt was really worked for me from the start is either do a park run if you can because I find that there's so lovely and therefore all abilities from speedsters to people who are just Starting out, you know couch to 5K, whatever it might be parkrun is definitely for everybody. It's so sociable and it's so loving everyone is so supportive and the marshals out there that they volunteer and they really do support you and it does make you feel really good about yourself and it's really motivating especially if you're just starting off and if you do start to park run or you can't do a park red then perhaps to book book erase book an event, even if it's one of those the the The run the cancer one. Mmm those ones. Yeah, that's the word. Yeah, they're lovely or anything really, you know that they do a color Clash don't lie as well. Once where you just say, you know, you go out there with your friends and you go there and get your t-shirts with paint on and all over your face and it's Fernando before you know it you've done a 5k, so I think it's nice to aim for something and it gives you something to work towards and then you know before you know it you think oh my goodness. That she felt. Okay, and it's the furthest I've ever run and that's really motivating and I really like that my third tip I think is maybe to bring a friend for I because I've run a lot of my training runs with friends from the club. Mostly obviously and for me that is made a huge difference. They're so supportive and you tend. To bounce off each other and you encourage each other and that for me is really important because when you're just starting off you may have a bad round one, you know a but it's not about winning or losing it's about it's about learning. I think so having that person who's done it with you who started the journey with you. You can Pat each other on the back and say look what we've achieved and it's really special. I feel like for me as well. I've done that with my sister and we've got a picture of us with her. Mezzo from the Cardiff Bay 10K and I do that when I was pregnant and we achieved it together and it's so lovely to have that memory of doing that race together and it was so much fun. And it does have to be a tank. It can be anything. So yeah, I think having a friend to support you along the way I think that's something that's really special and if you can do it do it. Yeah, that's a brilliant one because sometime I was thinking I'd stay like I'll see top tip like if you're especially if Like for example, if and when you're lacking motivation, you know, what like all you're slipping like your training Etc book a date with a friend right? We'll meet at blah blah blah this time. You can't get out of it, then it's done. So like if you are, you know, if that is, you know your way because I was lacking motivation this week three days of doing nothing right met with a friend. We're going to meet we're going to run this time and it's Just tell me the world of good Justin. Yeah, it's it's the feel-good factor isn't it of running? Yeah, it's the no pressure and it's the aim of our januar will do this. And then we're going to have / yeah, it's Lush couple and kick the yeah it definitely definitely I think yeah and just be realistic and just as long as you're enjoying it keep at it. Yeah, so did you think about us? Yay, I guess he's managed to think we're talking it though. Fair play. I know I know I try to I try to listen to what you're saying. And I was like, right. Okay. I'm just going to go for it then now again, I think I might have to be a bit cliché here. But given what I'm trying to do recently, which is increase my speed. I would really really love to hear from Usain Bolt. I want to know yeah, I want to know what he did what he did what he does have. He is just so unbelievably fast, you know, I just want to take some serious tips and hints from him at this point in time for me. It would it would have to be Usain Bolt because I'm trying to be fast like him right at the moment. So I have to track down someone who is similar to you simple have a feeling. Mr. Bolt is not going to say yes to come in or not another run a podcast fur. Are you never know? No now, oh, well. Yeah, you better future. Give it give us 20 years might be doing some other project by them. I bet he's hard to get hold of my hand. I know I know documentary not longer though something. So you're going to have to You Tube him now. I'm sure there's one actually do know what as well because I know that we're both Marathon talk fans, but I would really like to hear from Brian who just did comrades in South Africa. I was like 70 or 72. Yeah, like you know what that would be very interesting and also he just sounds like such a lovely down-to-earth modest man that it would just just to hear his experience of everything really running because he's an amazing he'll Runner and I'm about to do that. And so I mean if you can't get hold of you seen yeah, okay. Try Brian. Okay. I will I will I'll try you saying for you see how you get on. And then I'll get in touch with Brine and then we'll do loads of shears and tag Marathon talk in there so that they'll they'll see what we what we're trying to do and you never know it might happen one day fingers crossed a we need to aim high don't we? Yeah, well, maybe if we both wear the t-shirts the up do a run together post it in and they know that we're serious fans and we're not messing around. Yeah. Yeah, we'll do it that do that. Yeah. We're definitely were about to the middle because Swansea and I'm card this week but now I'm caught. I'm pembrokeshire. I'm down again. Yes you are but that's fine or pembroke's is Brides of Allah. Give me an excuse to get down there. I come to kind of create a lot. So I'll be in touch. We'll sort something. I'm sure yeah, let's do a couple of weeks actually. So yeah, I'll be in touch. Yes was a date very very much for joining. I have love this chat. I was so excited to get to speak to you and just find out more. Yes, Ben golden love. Me to thank you so much for having me. I really loved in it's an absolute privilege to be are so thank you so much Natalie. Thank you and also because it was a nice lengthy interview full of brilliant brilliant tips. No, honestly, it was it was brilliant, but just said my apologies to been for robbing you of like and leaving him. I know. Ben thanks. Ted. Shut up to Bevin. Yeah. I'm just fixing faculty. Not a problem. Thank you so much Nat by Thank you guys so much for joining today and listening to not another Runner podcast. Please tell your friends and family who you think would enjoy the content. I'll be sharing. Don't forget you can get in touch with me over on Instagram by another Runner. Let me know your thoughts on the Pod casting suggestions on guests or topics. This is greatly appreciated. Send me your questions through as well if you want and use the hashtag white I run to be featured and hey, if you can hit subscribe to the podcast, this will really help me to be able to give you more. Thank you again. And remember when you get up and exercise or go for a run, you never regret going, but you always regret not go in. Have a great week guys and speak soon.
Lizzie Dimond, a Wife, mother of four, a drama teacher, club member of Lliswerry Runners in Newport, and I have to say a very SPEEEDY runner. Lizzie started running in 2017, just 7 months into her running Journey and having gone through an incredibly tough time with her family, Lizzie went on to run her first Half Marathon in an incredible 1:35, despite having no time goal! Lizzie would go on to fall pregnant with her fourth child, and continue to run during her pregnancy and bounced back after the pregnancy really quickly! Lizzie would then go on to run a half marathon shortly after giving birth, and incredibly decided to train for her first marathon whilst only a couple months postpartum. Lizzie ran the Great Welsh Marathon April 2019 and came 2nd Lady, in her DEBUT MARATHON- completing in a crazy time of 3:12:04. Me and Lizzie chatted so much running that I’ve put together a Part 1 & 2…to this Episode. Stay tuned for such an incredibly inspiring story. Lizzie’s enthusiasm just beams loudly through her voice and it was a joy to catch up with her. What to Expect in Part 2:   -How Lizzie managed to fit in the training while having four kids and Toby being only several months old. -The compromise and balance required with a busy family life and intense training schedule -How Balance is tough but crucial -How she fit in her training around work, and family  - Essentials to the marathon training - including being kind to herself  - Why she wouldn’t compare herself to others  - About her first injury prior to the Great Welsh Marathon and how she overcame this  - How she kept herself motivated towards the Great Welsh Marathon  - How she improved and built on her fitness  - The Biggest Lesson she learnt in the Marathon & the price she paid for this - How she was able to bounce back after her Marathon Debut, which was a podium finish - Lizzie’s next Big Goal and Challenge - Why Lizzie started documenting her Running Story on Instagram   -Who inspires and motivates Lizzie  - What’s her reason to run, and her purpose   Links:  Lizzie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runnerof4/ Run1 ’s Elevated Energy https://www.run1.co.uk/pages/vitality-nataliehawkins  Natalie - Not Another Runner Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/notanotherrunner/ Blog: https://notanotherrunner.home.blog/  Easy Thrills Podcast  https://anchor.fm/easythrills Interview with Easy Thrills Podcast https://anchor.fm/easythrills/episodes/Natalie-Hawkins---Not-another-runner-e488pg 