The Dasher of the Month for April is Suzanne Sale, a recent convert to parkrunning and the current leader of the Ladies’ Parkrun Championship.
1. Do you have a nickname?
I was known as ‘smiler’ at school because I rarely did, and also Dolly Parton!
2. What is your favourite piece of running kit/equipment?
My Garmin Forerunner. After years of carrying my phone around to use Strava, I, finally took the plunge!
3. What is your favourite race and why?
A cheesy favourite but the Manchester half marathon - nice and flat with good Northern support.
4. Any pbs that you are most proud of? (race or distance)
I don’t really keep a record of times because I am always around the same times but here they are:
Parkrun/5k: 26.56 Alexandra parkrun, Manchester
10k: 57.00 Southport 10k
Half marathon: 2.02.43 Great Manchester Run
5. What has been your worst running injury?
I tore my cartilage in my knee in my early 20s. Consequently, they removed it which is rarely done today and I have issues with it now.
6. Improving Dasher to keep an eye on?
I struggled with this one as everyone seems to be improving and impressing me, but John Randall is rising to the top in a short space of time, achieving excellent times and positions.
7. Where is the most exotic place that you have ever been for a run?
Cape Verde on land, and docking into many Caribbean islands on a treadmill in the ship’s gym on a cruise ship.
8. Highlight of your running career so far
My highlight happens every time I manage to complete a run, whatever length, I always feel euphoric.
9. Any hobbies we don’t know about?
I only have two hobbies: horses (I have 3) and running.
10. Interesting fact about yourself
I represented Bolton in 1990 in a three day team event (dressage, cross country and show jumping) in Le Mans. We won!
11. Most interesting job (past or present)
I have only had two jobs in my life - hospitality and dog grooming. I owned my own business for 25 years.
12. Dasher you admire and why
A cop out but every single one of you! I am in awe of the many achievements you all complete. You all inspire me.
13. Any future running ambition?
My main ambition is to be able to continue getting out and running. Nothing is guaranteed.
14. Favourite song on your playlist to run to?
Anything by Pantera or Slipknot.
15. Which person, past or present, would you most like to run with?
I would love to run with my son or daughter but I can’t get them to do it. Maybe one day….
16. Best thing about the Darwen Dashers
Fully inclusive and encouraging.
17. Any running (or other) superstitions?
I always want an 8 in a race number. If not, I try and make one by adding or subtracting.
18. Your perfect, indulgent, post run meal
A vindaloo.
19. One piece of advice for a new runner
I always say this to them, “If I can do it, anyone can!”. Also, don’t be ashamed to walk if the going gets tough.
20. Sum yourself up in 5 words
Determined, humble, grateful, stubborn & forgetful.
