In the first of a new series, we thought you’d like to get to know our coaching team a little bit more – and where better to start, than our head honcho, herself, Adele!

How long have you been running?

“I loved athletics as a kid; sprint distances and long jump – hated cross country! Haha! Started running again when my daughter started nursery… she’s now 22.”

How long have you been coaching?

“I’ve coached for DVRC for about 8 years, I think… However I have coached primary school athletics and taught PE for longer than I care to remember, haha!”

What made you get into running in the first place?

“I ran alone for a few years before I joined a club, it was ‘my time’/escapism. I began to enjoy the fitness benefits, then became quite competitive with myself and enjoyed racing. So the next step was to join a club… best decision ever! That’s because of the people it has brought into my life.”

Favourite distance?

“Hmmm, that has changed over the years. From half and full marathons when I used to run fast, to ultra distances… now that I can’t, haha!”

What’s the one event/race, you’d recommend everyone should do at least once?

“It has to be Jedburgh Three Peaks – a very runnable, beautiful trail 38 miles, and you have to play in a kids’ play park as part of it! Great finisher t-shirts too!”

What’s the most satisfying aspect of coaching with DVRC?

“There are many things that are enjoyable being involved in this club, and that’s because of the wide range of fabulous people we have, with a wide range of running ability and experience. The most satisfying element must be watching people’s running journey; seeing progression and the happiness it brings people when they take part in events/distances they never thought possible – being well and truly ‘bitten by the bug'”

What’s the one tip you always give runners?

“Stretch, stretch and stretch again!”

And what’s the one thing you see runners doing incorrectly that you always want to correct?

“Stretching badly!! Haha!”

What’s your proudest moment coaching at DVRC?

“Hmmm, I don’t think I have one particular moment, but as I previously said seeing/being part of people progressing and the joy it brings to them”

How has coaching changed you as a runner, yourself?

“It has made me realise that we are all very different runners with different strengths, and that they/we should be celebrated! We all have different running journeys with our own ups and downs, but we should always be thankful that we can just put on our shoes and just get out there! Lots of people couldn’t ever do that and will never experience what we do. We are lucky and should never take that for granted! Haha, sorry, didn’t mean to get so deep, there!”

What are your hopes for the future of DVRC?

“Just always staying the friendly and inclusive club we are. If Carlsberg did running clubs…”