Not a Runner - Until She Was
Four years ago, Angela Gibson still described herself as “not a runner.” She’d always enjoyed staying active – swimming, walking, gym classes – but running felt uncomfortable and unappealing. That changed when she discovered the Couch to 5K programme.
Starting small, Angela followed the structure to the letter. By week two, her neighbour persuaded her to try a local parkrun. “I wasn’t ready to run the whole thing, but I realised there were lots of people like me - some walking, some jogging, all welcoming.” The community drew her in, and soon parkrun became a weekly habit.
Even injury couldn’t stop her - after a stress fracture, she volunteered as a marshal, became a Run Director, and is now Co-Event Director of her local parkrun.
A Career and a Training Plan in Balance
Angela’s HR career is as dynamic as her running journey. For almost nine years she’s been at TSB, leading trade union relationships, employment policies, and employee voice channels. She’s established strategic union partnerships and transformed policies to underpin a more progressive and dynamic culture.
Throughout her career she’s often been “at the sharp end” of organisational change - a challenge she relishes.
Running has become an anchor through these transitions. “Saturday morning is sacred,” she says. “Parkrun is non-negotiable.” Long runs are scheduled for alternate Mondays off; shorter sessions are fitted in around meetings. Strength training, swimming, and mobility yoga have also found their place in her weekly rhythm.
Mental Barriers, Mental Clarity
The physical benefits are obvious, but Angela is most struck by the mental shift. Running has eased menopause symptoms, sharpened her focus, and boosted her resilience.
“I don’t feel overwhelmed. My mental capacity is sharper, and I have more energy at work. It’s made me feel capable of taking on anything.”
Over time, she’s moved from “Jeffing” (run-walk intervals) to running longer distances non-stop, recently completing a 16K training run without a break. “I realised it wasn’t my body holding me back - it was my mind.”
Life-Changing, Life-Affirming
As she approaches her 59th birthday, Angela is already looking ahead. “I think there’s a marathon in me,” she says, smiling at the thought of a London ballot place one day. Until then, there are more Great North Runs, the Oxford Half, and perhaps a few international parkruns to explore.
“Running has been life-changing and life-affirming. It’s something I’m still learning, still loving, and I know it will always be with me.”