Motivation

New Balance: Every Runner Has A Reason

EVERY RUNNER HAS A REASON. REP YOURS!

Meet our three inspirational New Balance x Sportsshoes running ambassadors who are all preparing to compete in this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon on October 3rd. We caught up with them to ask what running means to them and how it influences and enriches each of their lives.

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1. MEET PAULA

Paula Bedford is an ultra-runner, running coach and highly inspirational individual. She is passionate about representing diversity in sport, as running has helped her to gain confidence about her disability. You can follow all of Paula’s running adventures here.

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Running for me is a great adventure. The adventure of taking myself from one place to another using nothing but my own body, volition and some gels! whether that’s a race or a training run. I love to feel a part of the different environments I'm running through and the nourishment that gives me.

It’s also important for me to connect with other runners who have a common goal. I love running with people, sharing ideas, advice and stories.

I also run to experience the deep satisfaction of achieving a dream and pushing myself outside my comfort zone. To have the opportunity to learn new things about myself and learn new skills that I can develop and use back in the real world.

I run to set an example to my children, be a role model to them, and show them that adventures are there for the taking.

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Paula will run the Virgin London Marathon in the New Balance Fuelcell RC Elite V2 London Running Shoes, a highly cushioned, carbon fibre-plated racing shoe that is built for any runner seeking peak performance on race day.

SHOP NEW BALANCE FUELCELL RC ELITE RUNNING SHOES HERE

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2. MEET CHLOE

Chloe Guest is another fantastic ambassador for the sport. She leads a weekly mental health support running group called Run Talk Run, which is inclusive and accessible for all runners.

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I started running 5 years ago as a way to cope when I found myself struggling with my mental health. I had no idea just how huge the running world was or what I was getting into, but once I discovered the amazing community I was hooked! I soon realised I wanted to use my running for good, so I started entering running events whilst raising money for mental health charities, as a way to help raise awareness, break the stigma and help fund important campaigns and initiatives. In the year before the pandemic I ran over 40 races, but when mass-participation events started getting cancelled and the mental health crisis in the UK became even worse, I started to think about what else I could do to help this great cause. I came across Run Talk Run by chance on Instagram one day, and immediately knew I had to get involved. Run Talk Run is a free weekly mental health support running group that exists all over the world. Each week, local leaders create a safe and confidential environment for people to open up about how they're really feeling, whilst running a gentle, beginner friendly 5km. I lead a weekly Run Talk Run group and am the Regional Leader for London - helping to recruit new volunteer leaders, support existing leaders, and spread the word about the amazing work of Run Talk Run.

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Chloe will run the Virgin London Marathon in the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080V11 Running Shoes, engineered with a full-length Fresh Foam midsole and created with data collected from real runners.

SHOP NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM 1080 RUNNING SHOES

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3. MEET HOLLY

Video creator Holly Gabrielle is an avid runner and loves to share her experiences with others by offering helpful food, fashion and lifestyle tips on her various social channels.

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I’ve enjoyed long distance running for well over a decade now and that really speaks for itself. It’s far from easy and I’ve certainly had my fair share of injuries, but there’s something about the sport that keeps me running back for more (no pun intended)!

It’s certainly an escape for me. It’s my alone time and it takes me to a headspace that I haven’t been able to find through doing anything else. By simply putting one foot in front of the other, over and over again, I’m able to forget about everything else going on in my life and just be present in that one moment.

More recently, especially now that I’m training for my first-ever marathon, running is a way for me to set challenges for myself. I’ve grown up dancing competitively and I’m therefore always setting new goals. Being able to run longer distances and run faster makes me feel strong, powerful and brings me a huge sense of fulfilment.

Running means everything from pushing through tough times even when my legs want to give-up, to getting drenched in the rain because the UK weather forecast told me it was supposed to be sunny. It means an endorphin high after an early morning workout to running my longest ever distance and still smiling at the end of it. Running is my ‘me time’ and running is something I can do as long as I’ve simply got my trainers. I can run, anyone can run and that’s the beauty of it.

In short, running puts a smile on my face, and that’s why I love it.

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Check out the New Balance FuelCell Rebel Running Shoes, engineered with a full-length Fresh Foam midsole and created with data collected from real runners.

SHOP NEW BALANCE FUELCELL REBEL RUNNING SHOES

SHOP THE COMPLETE NEW BALANCE MARATHON COLLECTION HERE

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GO VIRTUAL!

Discover our amazing New Balance interactive shopping experience, featuring the very latest running shoes and apparel and constantly updated with new products.

FIND OUT MORE AND SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE

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Are you feeling inspired? Then join our SportsShoes Strava Run Club and become part of our inclusive community.
And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.