Q&A with #RUNYOURCITY Run Club pacer Bethan Taylor

We talk to our very own running editor, marathoner and #RUNYOURCITY Run Club pacer, Bethan Taylor, about the ins and outs of her training, the perfect place to run and her favourite post-run snack.

Q. How did you get into running?
A. Haha, well I really needed a new hobby and running had been at the back of my mind for a while. But because I hated the idea of actually getting out there, I’d always dismiss it. But once I actually gave it a go, however, I was a total convert!

Q. What do you enjoy most about going for a run?
A. I love how running makes me feel – after a good run, I feel like I could take on the world!

Q. What’s your favourite distance to run?
A. That’s a very good question. Half marathons are pretty great – they’re long enough to feel like a challenge, but the training doesn’t need to take over your life. Although saying that, I’ve become pretty keen on marathons lately…

Q. What sort of training do you do?
A. Typically I’ll run three to four times a week, do a couple of cross-training sessions in the gym, and maybe go to either yoga or Pilates for a stretch out. I also love to run races as part of training. Bling for a training run? Yes please!

Q. What’s the best race you’ve taken part in?
A. The Paris Marathon, without a doubt. It was my first ever marathon and it was such a privilege to run through those beautiful streets. I also really love Birmingham Great Run – the support along the route is amazing and the atmosphere is so friendly.

Q. What are you working towards now?
A. Right now I’m having a little break before taking on the first ever Bristol and Bath Marathon in October.

Q. Where would you love to run?
A. There are so many places I’d love to run! New York City Marathon is pretty high on my wish list, and since seeing the movie Wild I’ve become really keen on the idea of an ultra marathon along the Pacific Coast Trail.

Q. What’s your favourite post-run snack? 
A. During marathon training my friends and I would go for brunch after every long run – it was the best! For a lighter snack I really love Nutella on toast.

Q. What do you listen to when you run?
A. Generally I don’t listen to anything. Being aware of my surroundings is a big part of running for me, and I love listening to the sounds of the city and my own thoughts. However, from time to time I’ll listen to an audio book and I can’t recommend Crissie Wellington’s book A Life Without Limits enough.

Q. What are you looking forward to most about WHL’s #RUNYOURCITY Run Club?
A. I can’t wait to meet all the other runners! Nothing makes me happier than running with a great group of people and supporting them so that they can reach their goals. The drinks afterwards will also be pretty great :)

#RUNYOURCITY NEED-TO-KNOW INFO:
• Our run club is FREE!
• 5K and 8K routes
• Every Tuesday
• 6.45pm for 7pm start
• Meet at Netil 360, Netil House, Hackney, E8 3RL
• Runs supported by at least two pacers – one at the front and one at the back
• All levels of runners welcome
• Bag drop-off at a secure location at Netil House
• Fun freebies
• Run Club loyalty gifts
• Post-run drinks at Netil 360
To join our FREE Hackney run club sign up here