5 minutes with Anna Brown

Tell us about yourself? 

I live in in East Lavant and have been member of Goodwood since 2009. I work as a R&D Project Manager which basically means sitting in an office, replying to emails, attending meetings or listening to teleconferences. Although the job is interesting and demanding it is also very sedentary and by the end of the day I crave fresh air and exercise. My only escapes are riding my horse, walking, classes and now running.

Why have you chosen to run the Chichester Half Marathon? And what will it mean to you to finish it?

I always admired people who could run and I was always convinced and told that this was something I would never be able to do. At the same time I really envied runners as I could imagine how well they must have felt in their body and mind after a long run. 

That envy was then turned into actions when the Goodwood Health Club organised a running class for beginners in 2015. Very gradually I could convince myself that I could run 10k without collapsing.  Since than I did several local 5k and 10K runs. A half marathon would be the natural next step, although at this moment it seems is frighteningly longer than 10k! Finishing it would mean I don’t need to envy other runners because I would know exactly how it feels after a long run.

What does your normal week of exercise look like?

Since I started to run my preference is really working out outside. I would never miss the running class on Saturday morning because it is a very friendly group of people; we do something different every week. I also enjoy the Monday evening cardio tennis; I had never played tennis before, but managed some the basics in the class and it really gives a great workout in a fun way. I feel much younger afterwards. I also try to squeeze in one of the evening core strengthening classes for every week.

With the additional training and support that you are receiving as being part of the team, how have you found the experience? And what’s the best advice you’ve received? 

The four of us (the selected Goodwood half marathon team) have met several times and have done several runs together, led by Gary. These were a great experience and gave me lots inspirations just listening the stories of experienced runners. We also had some personalised sessions and our running style was analysed by Matt. We receive a few personal training sessions; all of these were very helpful to establish my confidence.

Finally, for the sake of the ‘sweepstake’ do you have a time that you’re looking to complete the run in?

I would be very happy if I could finish around 3 hours.

The Chichester Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 8th October, in association with Children on the Edge; a charity for marginalised children living on the edge of their societies in the world.