In this inspiring episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle chats with Gemma Wright, Senior Account Manager at Pareto FM and headline sponsor of the Shrewsbury Half & Metric Half Marathon.
Gemma shares her journey of rediscovering running after a serious hip injury, losing nearly eight stone, and finding strength through running after the loss of her dad. Over the past 18 months, Gemma has transformed her life, tackling parkruns, 10Ks, half marathons, and even her first ultramarathon.
She opens up about:
- How she went from struggling to walk 10 minutes to completing a half marathon PB at age 43.
- The mental and physical challenges of running the Race to the King ultra in 36°C heat.
- The role running played in helping her navigate grief and rebuild her confidence.
- Training (and racing) alongside her husband Darren, who’s been her biggest supporter.
- Her goals for the upcoming Shrewsbury Half Marathon, and why it means so much to her to run it as part of her hometown community.
Whether you’re just starting out, coming back from injury, or chasing big goals, Gemma’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to change your life through running.
Enjoy