BRC member profile 💚💚💚
This week Gemma Sier
1. Please briefly introduce yourself.
Hi, my name's Gemma Sier.
I've been running 7yrs and it's become a huge part of my lifestyle. Initially I started running to help lose my pregnancy weight but it very quickly became a part of my life for my mental health, time on my own away from everything and keeping fit.
2. What events, if any do you have coming up?
Although so many events have been unable to take place due to Covid I was still able to run the London Winter Run 10km virtually which is a race I have done every year since it started in 2015.
They have now decided to hold the London Summer Run 10km in September so I shall be training for that. It will be the same route running round famous London landmarks but it will be very different in much warmer temperatures. Fingers crossed that still goes ahead. I also have the St. Albans Half Marathon in June which will be the 3rd one I've done, it's a challenging route but fantastically organised and I love the T-shirts and medals. Once we get the go ahead to book up more races I will be all over that. I love to have upcoming races, it keeps me on track with training plans, motivated and challenging myself to get me PB's.
3. What does running mean to you?
Running is my happy place, it allows me to release any stress I might be carrying. Allows me to go through any thought processes I need for some peace and it's allowed me to make friends that I know I will have for life.
Oh and not forgetting the ability to keep fit and healthy.
The running community inspires me and motivates me. I often hear from people on social media or my own friends and family how a run I've done inspired them to get out and run or get fit in another way. Which makes me super proud and really humbled to know I've helped others.
4. What is your best BRC memory?
Joining BRC was one of the best things I've done, what a lovely group of people, like my little family.
I was welcomed with open arms and can't thank Jess Wicks enough for convincing me to stop running solo all the time and try out running with others. It definitely means I challenge myself.
I won't go out and do hill training or speed sessions on my own and rarely trail run as I'm too scared of getting lost; but joining BRC opened up my running world to all these things and I was suddenly excited more about running and a new level of determination to be the best I could be.
I never felt in competition with anyone only to be better than I was the week before.
It was very upsetting when COVID meant we couldn't meet anymore, but I hope we will soon welcome these days back.
My best memory to date with BRC is doing the Sunday trail run from The Brentwood Centre to Epping and getting the old vintage bus back. It was so lovely, early start, nice size group,running across fields and farm land.
I would never venture out on on my own as I was too scared of getting lost, and then a lovely vintage bus ride home. Mike Kav does a good job getting us all together on a Sunday morning.
5. Proudest running moment?
My proudest running moment was running the London Marathon 2017.
I ran for The British Lung Foundation and massively exceeded all expectations I had. It was a beautiful day and again BRC played a big part in helping my training, getting a coach up to London on the day with the rest of the BRC runners.
I will never forget that race day.
6. Best bit of running advice you could give or have been given?
Best running advice I could give and likewise ever been given is the only person you are ever in competition with is you.
Run at your pace, your distance, your time. Listen to your body, rest days are just as important.
Getting out the door is the hardest part, no one ever finishes a run and wishes they never went.
Get out there!!!🥰
