Susie Chan Update: January 2019

There’s nothing like a good dose of inspiration to start the new year, and we have plenty of that thanks to endurance runner Susie Chan! From 5K parkruns to 100-mile ultra marathons and adventure races, Susie ran over 2,000 miles in 2018, continually inspiring us with her extraordinary achievements and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to follow her on another exciting year of adventures – and here is her first update for 2019!

1. Southern Cross Country Championships – 26th January

After completing parkrun with her dad first thing, Susie took part in the Southern Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hill with her running club Farnham Runners. It had always been a goal of hers to run here, and she loved wearing her club vest and taking on the 8km course with her running buddies. The atmosphere was incredible, she had a great race and fortunately the mud wasn’t too bad… Here’s looking at a few more 10Ks in the future for Susie!

2. Runner’s World podcast – 23rd January

Susie features in the first Runner’s World podcast of 2019: The Runner’s World UK Podcast – January 2019. She joined the RW team in the studio to talk about her journey from inactive smoker to ultra running queen, and she shares some top tips for planning your running year and the art of running 100 miles. She is joined by a fantastic line-up of other runners sharing their wisdom and anecdotes, and it’s perfect listening material if you’re out for a run!

3. The National Running Show – 19th & 20th January

A big date in the diary for Susie in January – and for thousands of other runners – was The National Running Show at Birmingham’s NEC. Susie was once again co-hosting the show and introducing a superb line-up of runners on the Main Stage, from athletes Paula Radcliffe, Roger Black, Iwan Thomas and Jo Pavey through to some amazing globetrotting adventurers. With her expert running knowledge and bubbly personality, Susie was the perfect person to keep the audience entertained and informed over the course of the two days.

The show, back for its second year, was an overwhelming success! It included a fantastic range of interactive feature areas, product launches, limited editions and special offers, with over 170 brands present. Susie’s sponsor Intersport was one of the Official Retail Partners of the show and Susie was proudly sporting the latest range of run clothing from the retailer over the weekend.

The National Running Show 2020 has been confirmed for Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th 2020 and it is already a firm date in the diary for many. Keynote speakers include Linford Christie, Sally Gunnell, Kriss Akabusi and Dean Karnazes. Make sure you’re part of the 2020 event and get your ticket now!

4. Great Run Instagram – 14th January

Susie took over @Great_Run on Instagram earlier this month, taking questions about staying motivated and getting to where you want to be in 2019. It was a great opportunity for followers to learn how to set realistic long-term goals and pick up some valuable tips for the year ahead!

5. Inside Japan Tours review – 11th January

You may remember that Susie ran Japan’s ancient Nakasendo Way at the end of 2018, and she has now written a fascinating account of her adventure for Inside Japan. Susie’s journey along the 355-mile trail from Kyoto to Tokyo was by foot (running, hiking and cycling), car and bullet train, and she took in plenty of traditional Japanese experiences along the way, including dressing as a samurai…

It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip and proof that running can certainly take us to the most wonderful places. Check out Susie’s full report here.

6. Women Who Run – 11th January

Susie was invited to take part in a new 8-part lifestyle series, ‘Women Who…’, which is aimed at inspiring young women through bi-weekly interviews. Created by Tribe, each episode is a snapshot of the lives and passions of everyday women that excel in their field, and Susie’s episode was appropriately titled ‘Women Who Run’. Susie was joined on the sofa by other running greats Anna McNuff and Mimi Anderson, and it’s a brilliant, honest video about what running means to them.

Watch Women Who Run on YouTube here.

7. Soulhub journal – 8th January

It’s credit to Susie that she is asked to feature in so many interviews, podcasts, videos and magazines, as she is clearly a huge inspiration to runners of all ages and abilities. This month Susie features in Journal 03 of Soulhub, in which she talks about why she runs and shares her infectious passion and enthusiasm for the sport.

8. Volunteering at parkrun – 5th January

Susie is a big fan of parkrun and she loves to volunteer and give back to the running community whenever she can. Hogmoor parkrun is one her favourites and she enjoyed helping out on timing duties at the start of the new year.

Susie was also delighted to see her dad take on his first parkrun this month, at the age of 70 – proof that you’re never old to take up running and reap the benefits! parkrun is certainly the perfect place to experience the support of the running community and celebrate the achievement of running 5K, whatever your age or ability.

9. BBC Surrey – 3rd January

Susie was the ideal person to chat with BBC Surrey about setting realistic targets in the new year and rewarding the little steps. Having started running at the age of 35, to get out of a rut of drinking and smoking and general inactivity, Susie knows all too well how hard it is to take the first steps on a fitness journey. But, as her interview proved, it really is all about setting realistic goals you can stick to, being prepared for the odd setback and celebrating each little win.

You can read all about her ideas and top tips here on Great Run.

10. Running Commentary podcast – 15th December

Susie had fun catching up with comedians Paul Tonkinson and Rob Deering and recording an episode for the Running Commentary podcast @RunComPod whilst running around Regents Park. They chatted about Susie coming back from illness at the beginning of 2018 to completing 100-mile races and many more fantastic adventures over the past year. Listen to the podcast, have a little chuckle and be inspired here.

11. Winter running

Sometimes a pic can say a thousand words! We’ll just leave this here for anyone needing a little inspiration to get out for a winter run…

12. The Campus Run Academy 2019

Susie launched The Campus Run Academy with top British athlete Lily Partridge in October 2018. The inclusive run camp was a huge success and feedback from the trip was immensely positive, with many requests for a repeat event this year.

At the close of 2018, Susie was delighted to announce two new dates for 2019: October 17-20 and October 24-27. Bookings are now open and participants can look forward to 4 days / 3 nights of professional coaching, exclusive workshops and stunning coastline facilities at the luxury resort of Quinta do Lago in southern Portugal. Spaces are being snapped up fast so runners are advised to secure their place soon!

We’ll be back next month, and in the meantime you can follow Susie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and keep up-to-date with her blog at www.susie-chan.com.