Insta Runner
Coach and marathon runner offering advice and inspiration
Laura Fountain strikes a blow for female equality
Why did you choose to document your running online?
‘I started writing about my own running pretty much as soon as I started running. This was 11 years ago, before Instagram existed. I wrote a blog, which was mainly for myself to document my journey from a beginner to what I hoped would become a marathon runner.’
Who is your audience?
‘It is mainly women. They tend to be somewhere on the same journey I’ve taken from reluctant runner to running evangelist. Since having my son, I’ve found more pregnant runners and new mums asking for my advice on running before and after pregnancy.’
You’ve been a vocal supporter of the Runequal campaign...
‘I love cross-country, but I hate that many races have shorter course lengths for women. I, and many other women and men, would like to be able to compete over the same distance, regardless of gender. Unequal distances as well as prize money send a message that women are less capable than men.’
Tell us the story behind your three favourite Instagram pics?
Instagram 1
‘I love coaching and have been lucky to have coached some really lovely people over the years. Working with beginners helps me keep in touch with where I started and not take running for granted. When those beginners go on to complete races and grow in confidence, it’s a great feeling to know you’ve helped.’
Instagram 2
‘I’ve met some great friends through running and these three I actually met through social media. We’ve now been real-life friends for several years, travelling together to races all over the place. It’s great to be surrounded by a group of women who share a passion and encourage each other.’
Instagram 3
‘I have a one-year-old son, so my running these days has to fit around looking after him. This run is the perfect example of that. It almost didn’t happen because it had already been a long day. But I’m glad I went because it gave me some muchneeded headspace – and the sunset was awesome.’