Six legs are best!

Interview with Susan Partridge on her return from Barcelona

Susan Partridge returned from The European Championships last week with a team bronze medal in the marathon. She was the second British counter and finished 16th overall in an incredible time of 2 hours and 39 minutes. She's enjoying a break in Scotland now and we managed to grab her for a quick 5 minute interview.

How long have you been running?

I started running properly when I was about 15, so 15 years.

What inspired you to start?

I used to look after a horse from my local stables during the winter months and one day decided that I should try and keep fit by running to the stables and back. My Dad was a runner and although he was always careful not to put any pressure on me, he was able to give me advice on how to train and would come out running with me.

Can you remember a time when you realised you had natural talent for endurance running?

When I was much younger I tried my hand a lots of different sports as kids usually do. Distances like 800m or the Mile were considered long distance for my age at the time and while the other girls came back crying I found them rerelatively easy, so I guess I knew then that I had natural ability.

Has there been any area that you've needed to work on more than any other?
I don't enjoy any kind of strength and stability work. I find it incredibly boring, so I really have to force myself to work on this. I try and make it more interesting by using the swiss ball or working out a routine I can do in front of the TV but this is still a weak spot for me.

Have you had any difficult times? 

I think all runners have a period where it's just not happened for them. In 2008/2009 I had a time where I felt sick after all my runs even relatively easy ones. It was difficult as despite doing some tests there didn't appear to be anything wrong with me and we never really got to the bottom of it. After a while I just took a couple of months off and tried to enjoy life. I really lacked motivation and for a while questioned whether I wanted to get back to running competitvely. I would train a little bit then just not run for a week for no particular reason - I just didn't care anymore. Thankfully towards the end of last year something just clicked and I decided I would try for the GB team at the world half marathon champiosnhips in Birmingham. I felt my old self both physically and mentally and although I wasn't quite ready for another GB vest I did manage to win the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon in a time that wasn't far of my PB! As I said - everyone goes through rough times and in hindsight they usually help to show you how much running means to you and how much you care.

What have you done this year to make the progression that you have?

I think the progresion in the marathon was overdue as I ran my previous marathon PB in 2005 and would have expected to go quicker sooner. That's just the nature of the marathon. There are so many things to go wrong in the preparation and during the race -every marathon is a learning exerience. I think it finally happened for me becasue I had managed to consistently run good sessions and get the miles in and I had regained my motivation. I got a part time job doing research into joint replacements at Leeds University and I think that helped to give me a routine. I had previously been self empolyed and although I probably had more time to train my time management left a lot to be desired. I definately prefer routine.

What do you love most about running?

The sense of achievement. I love the feeling of fiinishing a good race and knowing that I can put it down to hard work. It's something to be proud of.

Tell us about your training partner, Piper

Piper is my 2 year old German Shorthaired Pointer. Pointers never stop running so he's the perfect training partner. He's been great for me over the last year as he motivates me to get out of bed in the morning. I'm not a morning person and it would be so easy to roll over for another half hour when the alarm goes but I know Piper has to go out so I've barely missed a morning run since we got him. He's great company and a handsome boy too. I'm so proud of him.

Where are his favourite routes?

I don't think he cares where we go as long as we run there. My favourite routes are in the forests near my Mum and Dad's house near Oban.

Is he easy to run with?  

Yes, for the most part he runs along besides me and keeps out of the way. I've only tripped over him once in two years, which is more than can be said for some human training partners. All the sheep dogs try to round him up though, which can be annoying.

What are your plans for the rest of the summer?

A well earned break and just having fun! I am sponsored by PUMA who sponsor the Lakeland Trails events. They have organised a "Mini Lakeland Trails" on 22nd August at Pete Bland Sports in Kendal. The Lakeland Trails events are a series of trail races, in the Lake District, over the most scenic and inspiring routes you can imagine. I love the run over the Garburn Pass, which is held in early June. I've won it a few times but it's not just about the running, it's a great day out with live music and lots of stalls. There are races for all ages and abilities. The day on 22nd will have the same ambience with lots of fun activities based around the statistics of Puma's most famous ambassador, Usain Bolt. I will be there with Piper and my medal!