Her strength running ambassador ‧ catherine | perseverance makes me proud
This May we are organising a virtual women’s race to coincide with Mother’s Day. As part of our cooperation with Runner's World HK, DECATHLON has been honoured to speak to four running enthusiasts who were recently selected as our Her Strength Running Ambassadors, to find out more about their running experiences.
They include Kate, a new mum; Crystal, a newcomer to the world of running; Catherine, who didn’t start running until she was in her fifties; and Yannes, who is regaining her strength following a previous injury. As their stories demonstrate, their self-confidence has been an inspiration to other runners.
Catherine
59 years old, fashion designer
Running experience: 7 years
Can you go running if you’ve never done any sport before? Is it too late to start running? If you’re asking these questions, Catherine’s story might provide the answer.
“When I was younger I didn’t really do much exercise – I hated sport so much that I used to hide at the back during sports lessons, no matter what kind of sport we did. I was the kind of person who wouldn’t think twice about calling a taxi home after walking for more than 10 minutes.” A mother of three children, Catherine had never imagined that her daughter would encourage her to get into running in her fifties. “My daughter took part in the school sports day, so I had to take her to training classes. I got bored of waiting around, so I decided to jog around the athletics track. However, I hadn’t expected to be out of breath after just 200 metres.” Following this experience, Catherine realised how unfit she was, and in 2014 she decided to make some changes to her life.
Once you start running, there’s no going back. Running has made me stronger and fitter.
“I decided to start with 200 metres, and then added a 100 metres each week.” 200 metres might not sound like much, but thanks to her perseverance, 59 year-old Catherine can now run a half marathon. “It took me 5 months to run my first 5k. A year later, I took part in a 10k race for the first time. Over the next three years, I did a half marathon each year. Once you start running, there’s no going back – it’s changed my life, both physically and mentally. Running has made me stronger, fitter and happier.”
Three years ago, Catherine started running with her 15 and 17 year-old daughters. Today, they can easily run 10 km. “Every Sunday we go running together and try out different routes. In addition to keeping us fit, it’s also a great way to enjoy some precious time with my daughters.” As Catherine explains, it was her daughter who sparked her interest in running, but now she is the one who is pushing her daughters to run further.
“I don’t run fast at all, but given that I didn’t start until my fifties, I’m really proud that I have been able to keep at it. Keeping fit gives you hope and aspirations for the future, and helps you to stay motivated.” Recently, Catherine rekindled her interest in fashion and registered for a fashion design course, which she hopes will enable her to expand her horizons.
At 300 kid's running sl breathable t-shirt
This soft, anti-UV, short-sleeved T-shirt protects your kid from the sun while running. We used an elastic fabric, perfect for learning athletics movements.
At 100 kids' athletics and school sports lightweight trousers
The perspiration-wicking material, ankle zips and cord will give your child total freedom to enjoy athletics
At 300 kid's running sl breathable t-shirt
This soft, anti-UV, short-sleeved T-shirt protects your kid from the sun while running. We used an elastic fabric, perfect for learning athletics movements.
At 100 kids' athletics and school sports lightweight trousers
The perspiration-wicking material, ankle zips and cord will give your child total freedom to enjoy athletics
Favourite route:
Bowen Road
When you’re running with kids, safety is paramount, so you need a route that doesn’t involve crossing roads. This route is relatively flat, so it’s not too demanding.
Favourite gear:
Kiprun Ultralight
Light racer feels weightless yet gives enough protection to the footbed. It gives you the road surface feel without being too thin. It's snug and secure, hugs the feet very well. The fit is not too wide or narrow compared to other brands, medium fit. Sizing is also accurate. I think it's great for short distance intervals, races, tempo runs up to 10k. Energy return is also pretty good, considering it's lightweight. The sole is grippy onto the road surface. Overall, it's a very comfortable pair of everyday trainers.
Adjustable running visor
Thanks to your visor you won't be blinded by the sun when you go running on sunny days. With rip-tab for adjusting head size. The visor stays firmly in place and dries quickly.
Skincare breathable women's running t-shirt
This fitted running T-shirt is like a second skin. The seamless finish on the sides prevents rubbing while you run.
Run dry + women's shorts built-in tight
Shorts with built-in compression layer and seamless crotch, that won't ride up during your run. For anyone who wants to wear shorts that won't ride up or cause chafing!
Adjustable running visor
Thanks to your visor you won't be blinded by the sun when you go running on sunny days. With rip-tab for adjusting head size. The visor stays firmly in place and dries quickly.
Skincare breathable women's running t-shirt
This fitted running T-shirt is like a second skin. The seamless finish on the sides prevents rubbing while you run.
Run dry + women's shorts built-in tight
Shorts with built-in compression layer and seamless crotch, that won't ride up during your run. For anyone who wants to wear shorts that won't ride up or cause chafing!
More her strength running ambassador stories
Credits: Runner's World HK