top of page

Meet Emma our health and lifestyle blog creator

Writer's picture: Nicole PlantNicole Plant


I am flying through the air for what feels like eternity.

I know it is really just seconds but there were enough of them for me to know that this might hurt.

I’d tripped over a stone a few metres back and was about to land spread-eagled with about as much grace as a Boeing 747.


This was my first dabble with serious running - and with a certain Miss Nicole Plant as it goes.

But this is also where my health and fitness journey began with any significance I think.



We were nearly five miles into a 13 mile training run for what would be the first half marathon that either us would do.

Headed for Robin Hood’s Bay, the choice was either carry on or run back the five miles, so I picked myself up with some assistance from Nicole, who had just recovered from the sharp intake of breath she had had as she saw me airborne, and on we went.


I always said I’d never do a half marathon but we did and for both of us it wasn’t the last. In fact it escalated a little.


I’d ran before on and off after leaving university and it was maybe a three mile run, then four then six mile here and there.


We were both proud and surprised by ourselves and ever since then running has always been a part of my life.

Even when we lived in different parts of the country, myself and Nicole would swap stories about what we were training for and now we have both ticked off ultramarathons.


Hardmoors New Years Day - 30 mile ultra


The year before that training run back in 2015 I had sought the advice of a PT and nutrition expert.

Sometimes life happens and the two years previously hadn’t been great, cue bad diet and bad lifestyle choices.


It’s no exaggeration to say he changed my life.


He taught me about diet, nutrition and what your body needs to work well. This is not a diet as such (in fact he despises them).

It was about a lifestyle and being aware of what foods do what and what foods fuel activity and which ones aren’t worth it - but it certainly wasn’t about starvation and counting points and sins or extreme fasting for a few days a week.


I also, on his advice, took up weight and strength training at this time. In just a few months the results were tangible. I had the misconception that I’d end up looking like an 80s bodybuilder but I clearly don’t.


I love the idea of muscle and strength and for me this, combined with a better diet (it is not all the time, I mean I like nothing better than fish and chips and a couple of glasses of prosecco) and cardio works for me.


2015 Leeds half marathon


I work from home as a rural journalist and sometimes can easy be at the computer for 10 hours a day, so being outdoors walking, running or getting to the gym is extremely important.

If I can’t run or train, I get sketchy and then it is just the case that sometimes life gets in the way and you can’t keep it up - but with this base, it is always there to come back to.



113 views0 comments

Comments


  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
bottom of page