Gaye Young  

FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS 

When and Why did you start running ?
I started running in April 2017. I was in a very low emotional space at the time. A friend who was in South Africa had completed the Two Oceans ultra marathon and I thought if she can run so can I and she inspired me to start running.

What influenced you to join Ilford AC ?
Attending the Wednesday Harrier’s sessions was so uplifting and I was encouraged to go along to the track sessions and from there I joined Ilford AC.

What is your occupation and how do you fit your training around this ?
I am a qualified teacher but currently am Assistant Headteacher, Inclusion Lead of an ARP for Autism and an Educational coach and mentor at a primary school. I have to balance work, being a mother and fit running into my week. There are days I honestly have not got an ounce of energy to run but every time I do run I feel so much better.

Favourite Running Shoe and Why ?
I have not tried many running shoes but my faithful ones are Asics shoes. I don’t know why I like them, they suit me and have just stuck with them.

Favourite and Least Favourite race and why ?
The Tonbridge XC British Masters race was not at all pleasant  and it was such a tough course. My favourite race is the Olympic Park Elvis race as I feel a sense of pride that I am running at the place where the Olympic games were held. The Essex league track race where I ran 5k was a new experience. Rob was amazing with supporting me over each lap, guiding me as to what to do next. I would not have succeeded without his guidance which I greatly appreciated. I achieved a gold Essex medal which I had been striving to get but missed out on at other Essex races.

Any ambitions to run Comrades or Two Oceans ultra-marathons back in South Africa ?
I would love to run the Two Oceans as I  have that on my bucket list.

Worst Injury ?
Being bitten by a dog which put me out for many weeks, was a severe injury.  Actually it happened the Friday of the London Marathon weekend which I was supposed to run but it had got canceled due to Lockdown.

What is included in your strength and core training ?
I focus mostly on core and resistance training using bands and sometimes weights. I am conscious the affects on the body changing during menopause and the importance to keep muscle and bone strength.

Do you follow any specific diet/Nutrition ?
Nope not really. I have recently ensured that I am eating more protein after training to help with recovery.

Ultimate Running Ambition ?
To be able to keep running into my senior years.

What do you miss most about South Africa and what do you like most about the UK ?
I do miss the view of Table mountain and walking on the beach. I also did some sailing and owned a little catamaran but have not done this for over 20 years now so probably very rusty. I love London, when I go to Covent Garden and listen to the musicians playing or when I visit the great museums I get a sense of wonderment and feel privileged to be here. I love the history of the UK, and there are so many beautiful places to visit in the UK. I am still discovering the UK and its greatness.

During the days of sanctions against Sth Africa, did it ever feel like the country was suffering economically?
I am not the best person to ask as my ethnic group had a better lifestyle and more opportunities during that time. Due to apartheid and it’s laws everyone had different experiences. There was such poverty and huge discrimination and restrictions for so many other ethnic groups. There was a minority group who used force and indoctrination to keep power. It was not right and there were a vast many South Africans who constantly worked to drive the changes that eventually took place. It was so incredible when Nelson Mandela was released and when the first general election took place where everyone could vote and this was such an emotional and jubilant time. There were many who walked for days to get to a polling station. There was unity and we as a country came together as one United South Africa.  

What is your favourite landmark that you have visited in the UK?
I have to make a confession, I mis-represented Tower Bridge in my Who’s Who. I think it is such an impressive structure and felt so special running over it in the marathon last year. I think architecturally the Natural History museum is phenomenal. I love the V&A entrance, the new section, and if you ever get a chance to visit the gardens in the Ismaili Centre, it is absolutely peaceful and beautiful. There are so many great landmarks. 

Do you have a favourite route to run?
I like to run in Wanstead Park.

I was there the first time you attended panto. Panto isn’t done in any other country, it is a very British thing. Did you find the experience funny or strange….or even both ???
I thoroughly enjoyed my  first Panto. It is not something that is presented in South Africa so I had to learn how to join in and to  pick up on the humour. 

If you won a competition to spend a week being trained by any runner on earth. Who would you choose?
Not 100% sure. Recently I have been listening to podcasts by coach Lindsay Parry who is geared towards helping runners over 50,  but especially ladies runners, who are experiencing menopause,  to improve their running. So I think right now for me I feel I would like that opportunity to get training incorporating this approach. 

If you could go back and attend and witness any event in history what would it be?
Honestly, I am not sure. The beginning of creation. 

6 guests at a dinner party – Alive or dead. Who would they be, why and what are you cooking?

Nelson Mandela – would love to have a conversation about his ability to be so compassionate  and his outlook on life. 

Tom Cruise – he is so dedicated to his profession and would like to hear about his work. Not so much about his scientology though (no interest in that).  

Dr Joe Dispenzer – the topic of Nero-science is of interest to me and would  like to do a walking medication with him after dinner

David Attenborough – I can imagine it is fascinating listening to his stories about his adventures. 

My best friend, Tracey. She knows me better than I know myself. I miss that physical connection, virtual calls are great but being physically present is when there is a real tangible connection. 

My dad – a million times I wish to have one more conversation and meal together. He is a great storyteller. 

What I would cook. Well truly the only really good dish I know I can make which is always a winner for Warren is a tuna pasta bake. So I will go with that. 

Looking at your Strava I am very impressed with your running but does your watch run out of battery at the end of the week or do you never run on a Friday? 😉

This made me laugh. Rest days from running are vital  for recovery and I have rest days on a Friday and a Monday. If you follow my Strava you will mostly see strength and core workout, stretching. yoga or Qi Gong on these days which are great to maintain your strength for your body and your mind. 

Tell us all about your father. A few of us have heard the story, but it’s a story worth sharing with others. Also how did he feel when you told him you had taken up running.

My dad was completely taken aback that I was running and didn’t quite believe me when I told him I had actually run in a race as well. So when Billy did the press report of my first race and it appeared in the local paper I sent the clipping to my dad. He kept that clipping as I found it in his bible when I was sorting his things out after he passed away. 

Who would win a basketball penalty shoot out between you and Carlie?

That is a little unfair. I reckon we would agree to decide on a draw instead of going head to head for a penalty shoot out and go off and have a nice cake and hot drink instead. What would you say, Carlie!