The wonderful thing about Haxby Runners is that it is genuinely inclusive, so that training runs might see beginners, and those whose max is parkrun, running alongside supersonic triathletes. Like our Lucy Hurn. What a story!

Where are you from originally?

I’m from London and moved to York three years ago. I went to uni in Leeds and lived there for a few years after, and then spent the next 20 years trying to get back up to Yorkshire!

What do you do when you’re not running (our “what a silly question”)

I love being outside, so I also love walking and adventures on my bike and gardening. I’m a triathlete, so as well as the running and cycling, there’s a fair bit of swimming and strength and conditioning.

How long have you been running?/ What got you started in the first place?

I wasn’t really into sport at all as a kid, I sometimes went for a run around the block but that was about it. Then I went out with someone who was into running and did my first marathon.

Then a few years later I had a year where everything seemed to go wrong in my life and my mental health got really bad. To try and get myself out of the hole I was in, I created a sponsored A-Z fundraising challenge around different physical activities (S was swimming outdoors every month of the year, C was the Crystal Palace triathlon – my first triathlon). I don’t really remember where I got the idea or motivation from, but it's probably the best thing I ever did. I only did a few letters of the alphabet but it changed my life. I saw the power of exercise and

community (I joined my local triathlon club) to help me feel better. I wanted to help others feel the same benefits so I decided to change career and trained as a PT and then as a Triathlon Coach and more recently as a Mental Health and Exercise Coach. That was over 10 years ago now but I’m still just as passionate about the power of exercise and supporting my clients to get these benefits.

Favourite events and distances?

I don’t do that many races, but most enjoy off road/ getting out into nature, and once I get this pesky Ironman that I’m training for (IM Leeds in July) out of the way, I’d love to do some

more off road running.

The race or event you’re most proud of?

Sorry it’s not a running one, but the Transpyrenees cycle race – you cross the Pyrenees on bike from the west coast to the east and back again, over all the high passes, self-supported,

carrying all your own stuff in about a week. It was the biggest, scariest, most challenging (mentally as well as physically) thing I’d ever done. Riding alone in the mountains at night they just felt so big and I felt so small! The first year I did it I finished outside of the time cut and was really disappointed but looking back I was so proud of what I’d done. I went back a few years later and not only finished in the time cut but came 3rd woman, but it’s that first time and the massive plunge into the unknown that I’m most proud of.

Any kit hints you’d like to share, favourite shoes etc? Or “what I know now that I wish I’d known then?)

*When I first start working with clients almost universally they’re running too fast. We tend to go out and run ‘as fast as we can for the time we have available’ but this just means we’re far more tired than we need to be. If you’re trying to build your running

then try running easy - a pace where you can breathe through your nose. The training adaptations are just as good but it feels easier, you enjoy it more, you’ve got more energy for the rest of the day and you can start to build the distance more easily.

*Look after your body – when we’re younger we can ‘get away with it’ more, but as we get older, strength and conditioning and fuelling and recovery become so much more important, especially for women.

Have you run with other clubs as well as or before Haxby Runners? What’s good about being part of a club?

Yep, I’ve been head coach with 4 triathlon clubs now! And been in plenty of running and cycling clubs as well. But I can honestly say that Haxby runners has changed my life. This winter I would see the club runs come past my house in the dark and wanted to join, but just couldn’t quite get out of bed in time. By the time I made it to my first sessions, the sun was starting to coming up by the end, and I don’t think you can get a more magical start to

the day. When we got to the point that it was light by the start of the run I half wanted the sessions to start earlier!

Even without the sunrise, it’s still such a great way to start the day. I sleep so much better now, early morning light and movement is so important for mental health, and doing it with

others just makes it so much more enjoyable. Thank you so much Haxby Runners!

Running ambitions?

Nothing major, just to keep doing it, keep looking after my body and keep enjoying it. I know how much better I feel after a run, and I never want to take that for granted.

If you’re interested in working with me you can find out more and book a free call at

www.feelfitwithlucy.co.uk/how-i-can-help

Haxby runners get a discount on my Strength and Conditioning classes and my monthly membership for female runners and triathletes.