Our latest profile is one of our newer members, Amy Johnson, who only joined last autumn and is already a run helper with the beginners’ group. She works as Product Delivery Manager at Fera Science, and says, “I’d love to tell you what that entails, but I’ve noticed that when I get too excited about tech, people tend to zone out. So I'll keep it simple— I play with computers!”

Where are you from originally? I was born and raised in York. I lived in Fulford until the age of 19, after which I moved to a few locations, including Chester, Omagh, and Catterick. In 2006 I came to live in Haxby.

How long have you been running, and what got you running in the first place? I first became involved in running around 2012 with my oldest daughter. I decided to tag along with her to the occasional parkrun and - surprise, surprise - I found myself enjoying it! When she stopped, I just kept going. But then, in November 2020, I got hit with my first round of COVID, and it knocked the wind out of my running sails. Between the weight gain, asthma, and just becoming generally unfit, getting back into it felt like climbing a mountain – and every day it seemed like that mountain got a little steeper! I was constantly battling my former self, which was no fun at all. Fast forward to September 2024, and I stumbled upon the Haxby Runners beginner group. Honestly, joining this crew was a game-changer for me! I can’t say enough how much it helped shift my mindset and gave me the kick I needed to get motivated and find my enjoyment of running again.

What do you like to do when you’re not running (our “what a silly question”)? Travelling is one of my favourite things. I try to avoid going back to the same spot if I can help it—there's just so much out there waiting to be explored. And you can bet that I’m always on the lookout for live music wherever I go. There's nothing quite like discovering a cool venue and soaking up some tunes.

Favourite events and distances? Since I'm back at the beginning, I'm just happy to be back at it and getting out there! The hope is to get back into parkrun soon, and I'm looking forward to the Haxby 10k.

The race or event you’re most proud of? I think I have to say running the York Marathon in 2019, even though it feels like that was a whole different me.

Hints you’d like to share/ things I know now that I wish I knew then? Incorporating walk breaks and maintaining a slow running pace are not only acceptable but are also highly effective for enhancing your training.

Have you run with other clubs as well as or before Haxby Runners? I remember checking out a running club once, thinking it might be a good fit for me. Back then, I could run a 5k in about 32 minutes. Honestly, it wasn’t a great experience, and I never went back. It kind of turned me off from running clubs altogether.

What’s good about being part of Haxby Runners running club? I was pretty nervous about joining the Haxby sessions at first, but after meeting Gemma and Pip at the beginners group, I noticed how different the club was compared to my past experiences. I'm so glad I decided to give it a shot! The support and encouragement you get really help when you're not feeling your best. It honestly feels like a second family here.

Running ambitions? No lofty ambitions for me, I'm just happy to be out running again and want to keep improving while enjoying the process.