In September, myself and 50 other ultra runners will be at the start line of a special and crazy event called It's Why We Run - on the build up to this together we are aiming to raise not only much needed funds for the wonderful Big Moose Charity, but also hopefully inspire others to get out the door.
As part of my aim to raise awareness I decided to launch the Why We Run HR Interview series. I wanted to explore the stories behind the miles, the real, messy, joyful reasons people run. Especially those of us in HR, where the emotional labour is real and the schedules relentless.
I reached out to Nicola Marshall, People Director at Welcome Break, after I saw that she had recently finished the London Marathon. I asked her if she would like to take part and very lucky for me, she said YES.
Nicola leads the people team at Welcome Break, a 24/7, 365-days-a-year business with 6,000+ employees and one of the most operationally intense HR environments you can imagine.
Here’s what I learned from our brilliant conversation.
From Gym Hater to Marathon Addict
Nicola's running journey started not with grand goals, but with a dodgy holiday photo, a gym membership she loathed, and a case of mistaken race distance:
“I signed up for what I thought was a 5k Santa run. It was 5 miles. In a Santa suit. Took me an hour… but I quite enjoyed it.”
What followed was a chain reaction, half marathons, running clubs, a surprise ballot place in the London Marathon, and eventually even a Half Ironman in Marbella (complete with a brutal mountain and an even more brutal cut-off at 71km... just 1km from the checkpoint).
Why She Really Runs
Despite what her friends think, Nicola doesn’t run for the medals. In fact, they often get tossed on the side (yes you are right – I gasped at this #iloveamedal) when she gets home. What she does run for is:
Mental health clarity
“It’s my space to process. If I’m home and a bit frazzled, my husband will just say, ‘Can you please go for a run?’”
Sociability
She rarely runs alone. Her Sundays are booked for long runs with her club, and Saturdays for Parkrun + sausage sandwiches.
Cake. Chips. And More Chips.
“I run because I like to eat. McDonald’s chips, oven chips - anything with mayo. Running balances it all out.”
Leading By Example
As a senior HR leader, Nicola doesn’t just talk wellbeing, she models it. Her team champions mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing across the business. From charity challenges and walking competitions to their employer-supported volunteering programme, she’s embedded wellbeing into the culture of Welcome Break.
She also recruits from her running network - “I’ve hired people I met through my running club,” she says, showing how movement builds community in and outside of work.
So How Does She Fit It All In?
She protects Sundays for long runs. Her family knows that’s her time.
She builds routine: “If you commit to Monday night, make Monday night your run night. Getting your trainers on is the hardest bit.”
She holds herself accountable by planning group routes - “I can’t skip, I’ve got the route in my head!”
Final Words of Wisdom
“I hate running, but I love what it gives me.”; “You’re never too old. My knees are still carrying me just fine.”; “Everyone has 30 minutes in their day… if we’re really honest with ourselves.”
If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have time,” Nicola’s story might just change your mind. And if you're thinking about taking on something bold, a 5k, a half, or 250km in Wales!!!, this one is for you!