Emma Woodmansey (Co-ordinator)

When did you join Fitmums?

2019

When did you join as a leader?

2022

How long have you been running for?

Since 2019. I did a 5k in 2017 for the Stroke Association and vowed I would never run again, as I hated every second of it!

What’s your favourite distance?

I do like a 5k, this feels like a nice distance, although sometimes still a challenge

Favourite brand of sports wear?

Sturdy By Design leggings; I love these as they do a long leg version and they also do thicker ones for winter so there is no excuse not to go for a run

Favourite time of the day to run?

Evening, I just can’t get my lazy bones out of bed in a morning, especially in winter

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running?

Don’t go it alone. A mile on a treadmill or by yourself takes forever! A 1 mile run with friends flies by. Also remember that a 16 minute mile is the same distance as a 8 minute mile, so keep going.

Darren Brighton

When did you join Fitmums?

I have been a member since the end of 2015

When did you join as a leader?

After running with Fitmums for a year I became a leader at the end of 2016

How long have you been running for?

I have been running for around 15 years, and it was a way of controlling my weight, I had a sedentary job and wanted to get some more steps in

What’s your favourite distance?

5k - I love a Parkrun. I’ve done many 10k races, and lots of Half Marathons

Favourite brand of sports wear?

Asics

Favourite time of the day to run?

I don’t mind running any time of the day, but my favourite time is early morning

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running?

Get out and go, but most of all enjoy it. It is even better getting out with friends and chatting the distance away. Also, never worry whether you are good enough, you are doing it for you. 

David Gingel

When did you join Fitmums?

I joined in 2016

When did you join as a leader?

I have been leading at Hedon since 2017

How long have you been running for?

Probably since 2014

What’s your favourite distance?

Definitely long distance running, ultras, so a Marathon +

Favourite brand of sports wear?

Flanci

Favourite time of the day to run?

I don’t have a favourite running time, I run at anytime

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start walking?

Join a group for support. Fitmums is inclusive and supportive for both beginners and seasoned runners. 

Sue Burgess

When did you join fitmums?

I joined Fitmums in February 2016 after running by myself since 2015

When did you join as a leader?

I trained as a leader in 2016

How long have you been running for?

Since joining Fitmums

What’s your favourite distance?

I do like a 6 mile run but haven't been up to it for a while.

Favourite brand of sports wear?

I like Asics trainers but wear various brands of clothing

Favourite time of the day to run?

My favourite time to run...when I've got someone to run with!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running?

A mile is a mile whether it takes 10 minutes or 10 hours you've still got out there and done a mile

Kathryn Young 

When did you join Fitmums?

I joined Fitmums and friends in 2016 on the recommendation of a few fellow slimming world members and have been coming ever since

When did you join as a leader?

I became a leader at Withernsea Fitmums in 2018 and shortly after at Hedon. My first run was the night I joined Hedon Fitmums.

How long have you been running for?

My first run was the night I joined Hedon Fitmums, I didn’t like running when I was at school but hearing how enthusiastic my slimming world friends were I decided to give it a go and have never looked back. 

What’s your favourite distance?

I enjoy a 4 or 5 mile run as you can warm up, run and cool down in a hour

Favourite brand of sports wear?

My favourite active leggings are from ‘Rainbows & sprinkles’ as they have some great colourful patterns, they also do a long length that stay put when running and they are a lovely buttery soft fabric

Favourite time of the day to run?

I like to run on a Sunday morning or early evening and definitely prefer cooler weather for running but I also enjoy the light nights in the summer, every season has its advantages. I really enjoy the social side of running and have made some great friends over the years and when it’s wet and windy the great company gets me out of the door!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running?

Everyone who joins Fitmums as a new runner is always surprised how quickly the first mile passes once we are back cooling down! I think having someone running alongside you makes a huge difference and adding an extra bit makes the move from 1 to 2 miles easier.

Lyndsey Smith

When did you join fitmums?

Around 2014, my first run was in the January with about 30 other new 1 milers, when we used to run from Haven Arms marquee!

When did you join as a leader?

2017 

How long have you been running for?

On and off around 15 years

What’s your favourite distance?

Currently 5km, it's a nice distance. I'd like to run further but time constraints (mainly the kids) mean I can't.

Favourite brand of sports wear?

Trainers - Currently wearing Saucony Omni

Everything else - Matalan leggings because of the nice deep pockets, and whatever top I've got from a race, or of course my Fitmums top

Favourite time of the day to run?

Evening - I'm not a morning runner, far too creaky these days.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running?

Honestly - join a running group! It doesn't have to be Fitmums, but it is the best! I've never been so supported through all my running goals, and encouraged to run even when I haven’t felt like it. I always feel much better afterwards. The unique shepherding system is amazing and it really makes you feel as though you are part of the group rather than being left at the back. The leaders are also ace, and really supportive. The 3 free runs are great as it gives you chance to try us out as well. Plus the fact that Fitmums is everywhere in east Yorkshire, so you can go everyday of the week if you wanted!

Lindsay Smith

When did you join fitmums?

About 2020

When did you join as a leader?

Since 2023

How long have you been running for?

About 10 years ish, give or take

What’s your favourite distance?

I love a 10k

Favourite brand of sports wear?

Tikaboo 

Favourite time of the day to run?

I prefer to run in the morning

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running?

Exercising is always better with friends; find a friend who wants to get fit, set some time aside and take it steady – walking is a great start, and will help build up your fitness. Of course I would also recommend joining Fitmums, and bring your friend along too. 

Louise Hobson (Walk Leader)

When did you join Fitmums?

September 2021

When did you join as a leader?

November 2022

How long have you been walking for?

Since I was 9 months old! As a form of exercise since 2002

What’s your favourite distance?

3 miles

Favourite brand of sports wear?

I don’t have a favourite particularly, just the cheapest!

Favourite time of the day to run?

In the daylight preferably with dry weather, although that isn’t always possible

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start walking?

Do it with another person if possible, don’t go alone. This way you motivate each other which is why I joined Fitmums and Friends 

David Hudson

When did you join Fitmums?

I joined Fitmums in 2022

When did you join as a leader?

I became a leader in 2023

How long have you been running for?

I used to run regularly between 1982 to 1989, and re-started again in 2019

What’s your favourite distance?

I don’t really have a favourite distance, it depends on how I feel on the day

Favourite brand of sports wear?

I don’t wear a particular brand, I just wear what I feel comfortable in

Favourite time of the day to run?

I find the best time to run is in a morning, and I particularly enjoy Parkrun on a Saturday morning

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running?

Start gradually, short bursts of running with some walking, and most importantly don’t give up. Stay motivated! 

Jacqui Peel (Mental Health Champion)

When did you join Fitmums?

2019

When did you join as a leader?

2022

How long have you been running for?

I did parkrun in its 1st year of inception in 2010, my best time that year was 36.21 at Hull parkrun, I dabbled with it for a few weeks, then got an injury. I did not go back to running until 2016 (I think) running 3 times a week from my back door, just a mile or so

What’s your favourite distance?

Favourite race distance would be 10 miles, it gives you chance to settle into it before it finishes, favourite run distance - any, depends on what it is, recently I have done quite a lot of trail running which is completely different

Favourite brand of sports wear?

I don't have one, I love a bargain, so if it is in the sale that is great, especially if it is an expensive brand, the better quality you can buy the better. I do have a favourite brand of running shoe and that is Asics - I always go back to them - even if I try others

Favourite time of the day to run?

Morning, its a great way to start the day, I love the quiet and calm of early mornings and smashing sunrises

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running?

Start small, and persevere. When I started I did not like running, I knew it was good for my health and wellbeing, the rubbish we accumulate in our heads disappears after a run. I never feel worse after a run. Give yourself credit for getting out (this is the hardest bit). I always run better with others – as I'm less inclined to stop.