Susie Chan Monthly Update: March 2019

Welcome to the March update from endurance runner Susie Chan, who has had a busy and exciting month of running, talks and commentating. Read on to be inspired!

1. Evening Standard feature – 1st March

Susie was delighted to be featured in an Evening Standard article: The best female running accounts to follow on Instagram. The article talks about the many physical and mental benefits of running and lists 8 inspiring women runners – Susie included – whose journeys are definitely worth following.

2. parkrun volunteering – 2nd March

Susie loves both running and volunteering at parkrun, and at the beginning of the month she once again donned a Hi-Viz vest to volunteer at Hogmoor Inclosure, one of her favourite parkrun locations. Susie has recently moved house and she’s absolutely right that parkrun is a great way to get involved and meet the community!

3. Batty Bimble race – 3rd March

After finishing February in beautiful spring-like weather, the beginning of March was nothing like it – and so Susie’s Batty Bimble race at Hogmoor Inclosure was wet and muddy, but lots of fun! In this 6-hour timed multi-lap event, participants complete as many laps of the course as they wish within a 6-hour time period (one lap being 3.3 miles). Susie completed 6 out and backs and was delighted to clock up 20 miles in total – especially after suffering a niggly foot for a few months. She spent a lot of the race chatting to other runners and enjoying the social aspect of the event. That’s a medal well-earned – and a very cool one at that!

4. Track training in Spain

Susie spent a great couple of days hanging out in Spain with her good friend Lily Partridge. Top British athlete Lily was out there training and tapering down ahead of the Vitality Big Half on 10th March, and together they did lots of track sessions and trail runs, accompanied by plenty of good food and chats. Nothing like a change of scene for some run inspiration!

5. Balmoral Castle & Estate – 10th March

Susie took a flying visit to Balmoral to give a talk as guest speaker at the ‘Running the Highlands’ training weekend. Susie spoke about her epic adventures in running, which includes some of the world’s toughest ultramarathons, and managed to lace up her running shoes to run the trails of the iconic Balmoral Castle Estate. The area is high on her list for a return visit, with plenty of stunning trails to be discovered in the beautiful Scottish landscape.

6. The One Show – 13th March

Last summer Susie ran the legendary Whole Earth Man v Horse race in Llanwrtyd Wells – one of her favourite races – and recently she was featured on The One Show alongside her hubby and running buddies Sophie Raworth and Iwan Thomas. Having filmed their experience, it was a great opportunity to share the fun and beauty of this annual challenge where runners compete against horses for an escalating jackpot of prize money. The jackpot stands at £3,000 for 2019…the first jackpot received in 2004 had reached £25,000!

7. Run Ultra article – 14th March

Susie talked to Bill and Jess Adsett, a father and daughter team who ran The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica together, for a fascinating article for Run Ultra. Having been out in Costa Rica herself, Susie knows only too well how tough the race is, covering 150 miles of jungles, beaches, rivers and mountains along the hot western coastline. Bill and Jess completed each stage with smiles on their faces and Susie chats to them about their motivation for doing it and what it was like running together.

Photo ©Jess Adsett

8. The Running Channel – 16th March

Susie was featured in the latest instalment of the ‘Running With’ series by The Running Channel. The interview takes place during a relaxed run in which she talks about how she got into running, the fantastic support of the running community on social media, how running has changed her life, advice for those taking on their first marathon, pacing, and lots more brilliant tips and information. Watch the 15-minute video on YouTube here.

9. ASICS Fleet Half Marathon – 17th March

Susie booked a last-minute spot at the ASICS Fleet Half Marathon, her first half marathon in a long time and her old PB course. The good news is that Susie’s foot held up after a few months of injury. She managed even splits, she caught up with her running friends and the sun came out – so a great return to the half marathon scene at a time of year when lots of runners are taking part in events!

10. Co-hosting The National Running Show 2020

It has been confirmed that Susie will be returning to host The National Running Show at the NEC for the third consecutive year, on Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th January 2020. Susie will be joined by co-host Iwan Thomas, the Welsh Olympic silver medallist and former European and Commonwealth 400m champion. Together, their enthusiasm and experience in running and presenting make them ideal hosts for the Main Stage, where they will be presenting a first-class line-up of speakers and panel sessions over the weekend. Already confirmed for 2020 are Sally Gunnell, Linford Christie, Dean Karnazes and Kriss Akabusi! Tickets are on sale here.

11. OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO – 23rd-24th March

Susie flew out to Cyprus to host the live streaming of the 13th edition of OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO, one of Europe’s most recognised sporting events. Six races took place over the course of the weekend and this was the first year that the event was live streamed for the big four races on the Sunday: OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO, Limassol Half Marathon, the Petrolina 10K Energy Race and the 5K City Race. Susie was a true professional providing back-to-back chat and interviews on stage near the start/finish line, meaning that friends and fans across the world could keep up-to-date with the fun and excitement of the day.

After a full day of reporting on proceedings, Susie was happy to go for a run along the seafront herself and soak up the incredible atmosphere of the event. Having run the marathon race herself in 2017, she is familiar with the flat and fast course, beautiful views and friendly atmosphere, to say nothing of the legendary after party that takes place once the sun goes down…

12. Getting ready for Marathon des Sables – 27th March

Susie met up with the Race Commissioner of Marathon des Sables, Steve Diederich, as it is just a few days until she goes out to Morocco to help Team GB and cover this legendary race for Runner’s World and Strava. After completing the race herself 4 times, she can’t wait to see the event from the other side. She’ll be on the press team and also assisting the UK runners, including looking after a plane load and escorting them to the Sahara. Good luck Susie – we can’t wait to follow your adventure!

13. Inspiring women to follow on Strava – 27th March

We weren’t surprised to see Susie listed as one of 10 inspiring women to follow on Strava – congratulations, Susie!

Photo ©Ben Lumley

14. Battle of Lansdown OCR – 30th March

Susie followed up her fantastic commentary in Limassol with commentating duties at the Battle of Lansdown OCR. Once more she got to see how races really bring people together and she loved seeing so many people achieve their goals. Susie is definitely the person you want on the mic for a big dose of enthusiasm and support!

As we look forward to all that April has to bring, you can follow Susie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and keep up-to-date with her blog at www.susie-chan.com.