I’m A Runner
Michelle Ackerley from The One Show on what makes her smile when she’s running
THE ONE SHOW PRESENTER, 33, ON WHAT MAKES HER SMILE WHEN SHE’S RUNNING DOING CROSS- COUNTRY AT SCHOOL PUT ME OFF RUNNING FOR YEARS. I remember sprinting off at the start and five minutes later being totally exhausted; all my pals overtook me. I thought running wasn’t for me. ITWAS AT UNIVERSITY THAT I FIRST FELL IN LOVE WITH RUNNING.
I was studying psychology at man chester. I realised I could run first and foremost to enjoy it rather than only racing against others. I TRY TO FIT IN THREE OR FOUR RUNS AWEEK AROUND WORK.
I spend lots of time travelling or in a TV studio, so getting out for a run early in the morning or in the evening is often just what I most want to do. ABOUT SEVEN YEARS AGO I BEGAN ENTERING RACES.
My first event was the manchester 10K, on behalf of the Venture Arts charity. The 10K is my favourite distance, as it’s achievable on the training I can fit in. Michelle is a patron of Venture Arts, which helps learning disabled artists. Visit venture arts. org to find out more. Follow Michelle on Twitter: @ Michackerley and Instagram: michelle_ ackerley MY RUNNING HAS HELPED WITH MY TV WORK. When I work on
Crime watch road show, I often do pieces where I wear heavy riot gear or abseil or run about. A couple of the police officers on the set have been impressed by how easy I make these things look, which made me feel all my running was worth it. I RECENTLY HELPED OUT ON A PROJECT TO HELP RUNNERS WITH IMPAIRED SIGHT.
It was an initiative by parkrun that won the National Lottery’s best sports project award. I was a sighted guide for a runner with limited vision; ever since, it has made me hyper-aware of what I can see when I run. I TAKEMY TRAINERS WHEN I GO ABROAD.
I used to do a travel show and I remember once arriving in Melbourne really jet-lagged. Rather than heading for bed, I went for a run and explored the city. Not only did I find my bearings, I also got a workout when I might have just been trying to sleep. WHEN I’M RUNNING, I LOVE IT WHEN SOMEONE ACKNOWLEDGES ME AS A RUNNER.
They might give a cheeky smile, a thumbs-up or just say ‘ Well done’ and it gives me a little boost. I LOVE LISTENING TO GARAGE AND DJ SET LISTS WHEN I RUNWITH MUSIC. I also like euphoric classicalmusic that can really lift you. I ENJOY BUYING NEW RUNNING GEAR AS A TREAT.
If I have had a good session, I might find myself a new top or colourful leggings. Even buying a new pair of socks can feel special. How sad is that? I LIKE GETTING THE RIGHT FUEL INSIDE ME BEFORE A RUN. I
usually start my day with a vitamin drink or a smoothie; if it’s winter I’ll have porridge an hour before I set out. In summer, I might have a big chicken and avocado salad once I get back. ONE DAY I’M SURE I WILL RUN A MARATHON.
But I know once I do one, I’ll probably want to do more, as other runners say it’s addictive.