KUHAC Q&A - Natalie Angelopoulos

How long have you been running? 

- I’d say I’ve been running since University so that will be about 20 years, but I really started getting into running more regularly when I joined my first running club over 10 years ago which was White City Road Running Club.

What made you start running? 

- I was always into sport when I was younger so it was an easy addition to keep fit. In the early stages I enjoyed chasing PBs and loved the ease of road running…..but now I just like the adventure of trail running, being outdoors and not watching the clock. 

Biggest running achievement?

- I don’t feel like I’ve achieved this yet, but I also don’t know what it will be….and that’s exciting!!!!!!

Three things about me:

1. I’m obsessed with reading adventure books and watching sky running 🏃‍♀️ while eating chocolate and feeling like I’ve trained

 

2. I’m artistic and not too bad with a paint brush … although I never sit still long enough to draw or paint

 

3. I LOVE to dance, rave, bop, head bang (I’m still scared to mosh) anywhere and any time of day. Something Tom’s had to embrace and now I’m sure he loves it just as much as me 😝

 

Favourite Race

- Difficult to answer, I don’t think I have one favourite but I would recommend North Tyneside 10k which takes you along the coast to St Mary’s Lighthouse, and Dalby Inferno which is a trail run challenge inclusive of all, for at least the start of the race that is… but maybe not all will finish 🤔

Running goal for 2023

- To do more adventure running with the smaller event organisers …. it’s all about just putting one foot in front of the other, being grateful for feeling strong and enjoying the wonderful people I meet along the way

Running Tip

- Understand what ‘your’ biggest enjoyment is from running and prioritise that, realising it’s likely to change year on year. It’s easy to get carried away with what others are doing and then wonder why you're dreading going for that run!  

Trainers

- I’m not fussy, I usually just go on price. This used to be a max of £50, but nowadays it’s more like £70. I do however love Innovate Mudclaws but only in the winter in thick mud.

 Favourite food

- There’s nothing unique about me when it comes to food…. Favourite is pizza… always just plain boring margarita pizza! … and chocolate 🍫 I must eat about 5 bars a day at the moment

Three celebrities I’d invite to a dinner

So this one was hard 🤔

- Greg James, so we could have fun playing sit down stand up

- Paul O’Grady 😞 , so when we aren’t playing sit down stand up we could just talk about our dogs

- Uhtred of Bebbanburg (yup the fictional character) because why wouldn’t you want a hot Viking warrior at the dinner table…plus we have matching hair….he’d have to be veggie… and like pizza!!!

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Best thing about being a kuhac Runner

- The community and support for sure is number 1

- The engagement from all the members on social media makes it really easy for me to feel part of the club even when my training this year doesn’t seem to align with club night - keep this up KUHAC Team 💪

- The inspiration I get from following everyone else’s journeys just works wonders on the tough training days. Especially seeing the dedication people have, I often see what KUHACs are doing on Strava as a motivation to get my backside out the door

- Kavalier, I really enjoy this role and the opportunity to run with club members I might not run with otherwise

- And of course Paul’s (and Mike when he steps in) weekly run reports