Inspiring striding - Stephanie Migs

We have so much love for our happystride community ❤️ You guys are so inspiring and we want to get to know you a little better...and we know others would like to as well.

SO we bring you to....the next post in our blog series ..."Inspiring striding"!!! We have the brilliant Stephanie Migs join us!🖊

We are sooo pleased to have Stephanie as our guest! 😍 Stephanie got into running in December 2017 and ran her first sub 3 marathon last month at London!  

So if you want to know Stephanie’s top 3 running tips, her favourite trainers & her dream race then read her blog post 😍

Thanks so much Stephanie for joining in with our blog ❤️

How long have you been running for and how did you originally get into it? 

I’ve been running since December 2017 as a way to keep fit with my partner.  We used to run up and down Leigh station steps. It progressed to running too and from the steps, from that to doing a couple of 5k’s, then I properly got into running a few months later but still unknown to pace/distance and times back then.  

Where is your favourite place to run? 

During the summer times I love an easy run on the dry trails.  I find it so calming and a place to zone out fully from my busy lifestyle.  I also enjoy areas where there aren’t too many busy roads to cross, as most of my runs happen during rush hour (5pm) so the stop/start waiting for cars and traffic lights can be annoying. 

What are your top 3 running tips? 

1. Run your easy runs EASY!  No one cares how slow you run your easy/recovery runs, it will really benefit you. 
2. As much as we all hate it roll your legs out. Otherwise those muscle knots will build up and injuries will come. 
3. Don’t always focus on times and pbs.  Sometimes it’s just good to appreciate that you have the freedom to get out and run, so enjoy it! 

What is your greatest running achievement? 

My sub 3 hour marathon at London 2022. My original aim was between 3.05-3.10, and the ultimate goal was sub 3 but I wasn’t sure whether this was my year for it.  I paced the marathon perfectly and got progressively quicker with each 5k finishing with the time of 2.59.52. I felt so proud of myself that when I crossed the finishing line I cried, the whole experience was so overwhelming, London marathon was the best atmosphere. 

What does your running schedule typically look like and how do you fit it into your life? 

As I work in a school most of my runs are done in the evenings.  I run 5-6 x a week, only two of those days are speed sessions, normally Wednesdays and Parkrun on Saturdays. The rest are easy runs with the odd steady run thrown in. Long runs on Sundays. I also like to cross train, so I will swim 1-2 x a week, and I go on my bike either on the roads in the summer or on the turbo during winter which I’m less motivated by haha. I also go to the gym 2-3x a week for strength work.  My evening can be very busy trying to fit this all in but it does mean I sleep so well from everything I do. 

What is your favourite running trainer and why? 

My favourite is split between Hoka one one clifton 8 and Hoka Mach 4.  I find hoka so comfortable. I’m a neutral runner but I have weak ankles and tend to roll them when I’m tired, but I’ve never rolled them in any of my hokas. They are lightweight, supportive for a neutral shoe and super comfy. 

What is your dream race? 

Definitely a big marathon in America e.g. Boston or Chicago.  Or Berlin marathon. 

What do you eat for breakfast a race and why? 

Normally two slices of toast with peanut butter and banana.  I have this because it’s quick and easy.  Sometimes if I have more time I will have porridge with banana and diced apple. 

How do you like to celebrate a pb? 

I will typically go on about it all day to whoever will listen lol.

Who are your running inspirations and why? 

I find Samantha Harrison pretty inspiring, she only started running in 2018 and is now a GB athlete, truly incredible! 

What’s your favourite happystride pattern and why? 

I like the get spotted patterns. I havn't got a particular reason why except they catch my eye the most. 

If you could design the next pair of shorts, what pattern would you choose and why?

I generally like a darker colour on my shorts as I like my top to be brighter colours.  So any pattern in black/greys/navy blues would best. Get spotted in grey/black, sprinkle of joy and retro party are perfect. 

Wow, thank you so much Stephanie for joining us and answering our questions! Stay tuned for our next 'inspiring striding' blog in our series where we will have another inspiring guest!