Lisa Hickman

  • Member of Essington Harriers since 2020
  • Committee Member
  • Lear Welfare Officer

I started running C25K just before lockdown. I had been trying to motivate myself for ages. I then met an old friend who had been diagnosed with a very serious illness & yet were so motivated to stay well & live each day to the full. It made me realise good health is a blessing & I should count myself lucky that I get to choose to keep fit & active. It gave me the kick up the backside I needed.

Running kept me sane through lockdown. I was so glad to have made that effort. I ran regularly but always on my own.

I then saw a post about EHRC & joined when I could. I have had the best time over the last 3 years with them. I have never met such a great bunch of people.

Lisa Hickman

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

My 1st 1/2 marathon in Stafford 2022. I never thought I would ever run that far & it was a brilliant feeling on the day.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Run for you. Commit & do what feels right to you.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Stafford 1/2

What running kit do you use?

Jelly babies

What one thing should people know about you?

I never back down from a challenge.

What are your pre-race rituals?

Try to sleep well & have everything ready for an early start.

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Porridge & coffee (or Peroni if I’m not driving)

What future race ambitions do you have?

I’m looking forward to Benidorm 1/2 marathon

What are your favourite running shoes?

Now trying Brooks

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

This club is fantastic. It welcomes you & offers you real friendship.

My Races

No posts

2020 Runner Review

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Yet to attempt a race. Managed a Park Run pre lockdown.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Enjoy your running. Do it your way.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

10k with the Harriers. These guys got me there without me even noticing. I had never thought I would run so far.

What future race ambitions do you have?

Just to try one. Lockdown has not let me even attempt one.

What are your favourite running shoes?

Asics

What running kit do you use?

Strava so I know what I have achieved.

What one thing should people know about you?

I enjoy good chats.


2021 Runner Review


2022 Runner Review

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

The Santa Run 2021 West Park. You can find the photos on the facebook page. Funniest time with such lovely people.

What advice would you give a new runner?

Give it a shot. What’s the worst that can happen? Everyone had bad runs. But the coffee & company at the end is worth it.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Chester 10k 2021 1st race ever

What running kit do you use?

Hybrid Sainsburys to Adidas

What one thing should people know about you?

If you come on one of my runs, we will probably get lost.

What are your pre-race rituals?

Just learning them now. Tell you next year πŸ™‚

What are you pre & post race snacks?

See above. But Jelly Babies & Haribos are becoming my new favourite snack.

What future race ambitions do you have?

1/2 marathon I said I would never do. Attempt at sub 60 min 10k

What are your favourite running shoes?

Asics

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

Jenni Wilkes

Member of Essington Harriers since 2019

Committee Member

Mental Health Champion

Why I’m a Mental Health Champion for Essington Harriers

I’m a Mental Health Champion as mental health is very close to my heart, on a personal level, through friends, family and work. Having first-hand experience will help to support others and to raise awareness that it really is good to talk! I believe that a problem shared is a problem halved.

I can be found at club runs (usually on a Monday), weekend runs and I’m always available if anyone wants a catch up and a run… after all

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

My first ever Half Marathon – Birmingham Great Run. There was the dreaded hill but me and my Step Daughter did it and were so proud!

What advice would you give a new runner?

What’s your proudest running achievement?

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

I cry very easily….over anything!!

What are your pre-race rituals?

What are you pre & post race snacks?

What future race ambitions do you have?

Cant wait for the Benidrom Half Marathon

What are your favourite running shoes?

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

My Races

No posts

2019 Runner Review

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Memory – The Great North Run because of all of the inspirational people who ran it. It was so emotional and humbling!!

What are your pre-race rituals?

The toilet…..at least 6 times 🀣🀣

What are you pre & post race snacks?

A shake before a race and a banana after (and wine or pint later)

What advice would you give a new runner?

Enjoy it. Some runs are easier than others but just keep going and take it all in. It’s about you and no one else.

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Being able to support Mental Health Foundation at The Great North Run

What future race ambitions do you have?

I have entered the VMLM 5 times….I’m hoping next year will be 6th time lucky

What are your favourite running shoes?

Asics

What running kit do you use?

Shock absorber running bra and KT tape

What one thing should people know about you?

I love to talk!!

Any other information you want to share?

Thank you to all the club members!! It really is a wonderful club with fantastic people!!


2022 Runner Review


Matt Dodd

  • Member of Essington Harriers since 2019
  • Committee Member
  • Mental Health Champion

I joined the club at its inception to keep fit after completing couch to 5k on my own and doing my 1st parkrun at the Arbo. Had some time away after my 1st 10k in 2019 due to injury but returned to running the following year and started building my distance and pace back up.

I re-joined the club later that year after mental health issues, as I find the release of getting out with others really helps. I then started run leading in 2022 and later that year joining the committee as a welfare officer and completing my LiRF qualification.

I have just completed my 1st 1/2 marathon at the GNR and booked another for next year!

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

Great North Run 2023

What advice would you give a new runner?

What’s your proudest running achievement?

What running kit do you use?

What one thing should people know about you?

I’m originally from Rugby and have no interest or knowledge of the sport!πŸ‰

What are your pre-race rituals?

What are you pre & post race snacks?

What future race ambitions do you have?

1/2 Marathon under 2:30:00 next year

What are your favourite running shoes?

Do you have any other information, facts, stories or details you’d like to share with the other club members?

My Races

No posts

2019 Runner Review

What has been your favourite race or racing memory so far?

1st 10k Spitfire September 2019

What are your pre-race rituals?

Headphones Watch, Water

What are you pre & post race snacks?

Don’t usually eat before, whatever I like after!

What advice would you give a new runner?

Keep going and don’t get hung up on time/distance just go for it!

What’s your proudest running achievement?

Longest Distance Solo Run 7 miles Jan 2021

What future race ambitions do you have?

Get 5k Under 30 mins

What are your favourite running shoes?

Asics

What running kit do you use?

Belt, Headphones, Head Gear