…and for more than just a time.
This year’s St Anne’s 10 mile event was extra special for Preston as Harriers’ Carla Davies set a new female club record for the ten mile distance, with a blistering time of 57.59. The previous record, which was set by renowned Olympian Helen Clitheroe, has stood since 2015.
Carla’s achievement is outstanding and demonstrates her extraordinary talent – running 10 miles along the Fylde coast on a bleak winter’s morning is not to be underestimated.
Held on 28th January, this is a popular local race attracting runners of all abilities. The course takes athletes along the wind-beaten promenade to Lytham before looping back and around Fairhaven Lake, finishing near enough to the penny slots on the pier…just in case you’re interested for next year.
What makes her performance even more noteworthy is Carla only decided to enter the race two days before, with the decision made by flipping a coin to choose between having a pop at this or doing a local parkrun.
Carla has explained how it hasn’t been an easy year for her, both in terms of running and life. Tragically Carla’s brother Andy passed away suddenly last year. Losing her brother has been the hardest challenge she has faced. “When he passed away in July last year I suffered massively with my mental health. For months I couldn’t run at all, no matter how hard I tried, even for just a mile…. I couldn’t do it. When my body finally allowed me to run again I promised myself that I would keep pushing and trying my best in memory of Andy. He was very proud of me for my running achievements, so I want to continue making him proud.”
Despite a challenging week leading up to Lytham, Carla felt driven to get out there and try an event, and cites her guardian angel as being on her shoulder and being a wonderful inspiration.
There has also been a lot of hard work on her part, with Carla balancing work and childcare alongside training and – of course – the age-old avoidance of injury. Carla details how she supplements her running with strength training and time on the cross-trainer, knowing what works for her and her limits in terms of time-on-feet. Carla is now hopeful of taking part in some events in late spring and is concentrating on getting herself ready, with a 10km event at the forefront of her mind. Blink and we will miss her in that one, no doubt!
Carla’s philosophy on running is refreshing: ‘I love running for what you gain from it mentally, the challenges it brings and the friendships you meet along the way. You can’t beat that feeling when you’re out there in the nature running freely and loving every second.’ She also explains how spending time with her ‘amazing boy, Harry’ is key, with movie nights on the sofa with her son key for both mental and physical recovery.
Keep doing what you do Carla, and we wish you the best for you upcoming running adventures.