Debbie Aird
Friday, May 27, 2016
Q. Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do for a living?
I am married to an amazing supportive mountain biking man, I have three awesome sons and have my own photography business. I LOVE running, mountain biking, camping and being out in nature. At times I can be a perfectionist, I have a very determined, motivated, stubborn personally which is great I think if you want to be an Ultra runner.
Q. How do you balance your exercise regime and your professional life?
It’s not too difficult when you have a supportive family, I make time for both and set aside important dates for both work and running. I work mostly on weekends shooting weddings so the big races are booked off and marked on the calendar well in advance and then I fit others in when I have a free weekend, I run early in the mornings so that it really doesn’t interfere with work or family life.
Q. When and why did you start running?
I started running at about 11yrs old to take part in Triathlons, I gave it up for a few years and then started again in 2014 just to get fit, healthy and hopefully lose some weight, within weeks I discovered how much I missed and loved running and haven’t stopped since. It’s always been a dream of mine to run the Comrades marathon and I’m so glad I’m back on track to fulfil that dream.
I started running at about 11yrs old to take part in Triathlons, I gave it up for a few years and then started again in 2014 just to get fit, healthy and hopefully lose some weight, within weeks I discovered how much I missed and loved running and haven’t stopped since. It’s always been a dream of mine to run the Comrades marathon and I’m so glad I’m back on track to fulfil that dream.
Q. What motivates you to go out there, when you do not feel like it?
Honestly I never don’t feel like running, in fact I have to force myself to take rest days, I can’t wait to get strong enough to run 6 days a week.
Q. What is the longest distance you have ran?
42.2 km and in two days’ time it will be 89.2
Q. What gives you the confidence to run in the streets?
I’ve never struggled with this, I just get out there, get in the zone and run, I kind of go into my own little world and just focus on the run, sometimes I hardly notice my surroundings which can be bad if you get lost and need to backtrack.
Q. What do you think about the lack of exercise among the youth?
It’s really concerning, it’s also not as easy for them as it was for us when I was young it was safe to run around the neighbourhood and ride my bike to school and back, unfortunately it’s not the same anymore and this makes it more difficult for them to just get out there.
Q. What was your best running experience?
At this stage running The Two Oceans Half Marathon in Cape town, the vibe and energy gave me a little taste of what’s to come with Comrades marathon and I’m sure if you ask me this question again next week I’ll definitely be saying my first Comrades Marathon.
Q. What was your worst running experience?
I never had a bad running experience, you learn from every run. Some are way harder than others and I’ve even had some DNF’s but each run teaches you something new about yourself and what you are capable of.
Q. How do you push through the pain?
I pray a lot and think of how good it will feel to finally hold that medal.
Q. What advice can you give somebody who wants to start running?
Just start, put on a pair of takkies and get out the door, the next day do it again and again until you start to crave it, you’ll see that will happen sooner than you think.
Q. Which Social media sites are you on and how can one follow you?
Instagram @goingultra
My best running shoes is … New Balance 1080
I love running because … It makes me happy
Injury is … blaaag, something I’ve had too much of
My body is … getting better with every mile
My running playlist has … nothing, I don’t like music when I run
I hate running when … I have to hold back because I’m tapering
Pain is … what’s coming when you run far
The road … is long but beautiful
Sweat is … a way to know hard you worked
In future, I would like to run … the Two Oceans Ultra marathon and Cape Ultra trail 100
Indie means … sorry I have no idea
I do not like runners who … spit!
#RunRevolution
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