Our spotlight on the superb, Sally Singleton!

How did you get into running and why?

I had been going to the gym and fitness classes for alot of years, fitting these around my work hours and looking after my 2 children. 

I was starting to get bored with the gym so to continue keeping myself fit and healthy I thought I would try running. I also find running helps me deal with stress and keeps my weight normal. Also after watching the London marathon on tv for many years I used to dream that one day I would run a marathon and now I have run 2 of them.

What kept you going when you first started running?

Encouragement from club members and I also met new running friends who I now going running with on a Saturday if we aren't racing at the weekend. I remember my first race as a quaker club member was the Teespride 10K probably 5 years ago.

Tell us about some of the races that you've done in the past?

I started running local 5K and 10K races and gradually increased the distance and ran the Grean North Run a few times. Then I ran the New York Marathon in November 2010 and then the London Marathon in April 2011. Both races were a fantastic experience and I have the medals to prove it and I am so proud I must have shown them to everyone and anyone.

How much training do you typically do?

I try to do the 2 club sessions a week and a steady run or a race on a weekend. (I also count Pilates as one of my training sessions as I think this helps me with my running)

Be honest, do you enjoy training?

Yes when I get to a session I am always pleased I have made the effort no matter what the weather

What's your current running aim for 2012?

I have a place in the London Marathon so my aim is to recover from my present injury, train hard and be able to run the race.

What is your favourite race/distance/terrain?

I prefer road running although I have run some trail races. I am a plodder so enjoy running any distance except a 5K

Which race performance are you most proud of?

My first marathon which was in New York, partly due to the training I stuck to and it was a challenge I thought I could never do

Which race would you you have to be forced to do at gunpoint?

Any 5K and Redcar springs to mind.

What is your proudest running achievement?

My first marathon which was in New York, partly due to the training I stuck to and it was a challenge I thought I could never do

What's your idea of running heaven?

a pleasant Spring morning when the sun is shining

What's your idea of running hell?

At the beginning of a race waiting for the start when it is cold and pouring with rain and I am wet and shivering.

Any advice to newcomers?

Don't be put off thinking everyone is a quick runner. We are all different and one day you might want to run a race.  In the meantime running will get you fit and healthy.

What keeps you going when the going gets tough in a hard race?

The thought of lots of chocolate cake with a coffee after the race.

What do you think is the best route into racing for newcomers?

Ask other club members which race they first ran and how they trained for it. Then ask if next time there is a race can they come along as it helps to go with a experienced club member when it is your first race.  This gives you an idea what preparation you need to do and what time you should arrive before a race. Don't choose to large a race the first time.

You've done a lot of different, varied races what's your favorite type of race?

If I have attended club sessions and run a steady at the weekend a 10K is a good distance race. Also a 10K road race is over in less than an hour so it doesn't take up to much of your day.

Best way to relax/reward yourself after a race?

It is being able to eat what I want and as much as I want.

What is the best part of the club in your opinion?

The friendly members

What is your favorite training session?

Fartlek or any session without hills!

If you were given six months of professional training, nutrition and perfect health - how fast could you run 10k?

When you are a lady veteran of a certain age like myself, I would love to think I could manage under 50 minutes.

Apple, Water, Banana or Mars bar in your ideal goodie bag?

it would be a Mars bar as chocolate would win anytime