HRR Member Spotlight: Meet Julie Leppard
Our Member Spotlights introduce the people who make Hart Road Runners such a welcoming club. We hear how they got started, what keeps them motivated and the goals they’re chasing. This time, meet Julie Leppard, who shares her journey from orienteering to ultramarathons—and a parkrun milestone on the horizon!
WHAT FIRST GOT YOU INTO RUNNING?
I started doing orienteering and was so bad at it! My husband Bob thought it would help if I started running to get fitter for orienteering. I did get fitter but I still can’t read a map, so it didn’t really help with the orienteering and I found I enjoyed running much more.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT?
When I’m running with friends I enjoy the camaraderie and when I’m running on my own I love that I can just go off into my own world.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE DISTANCE OR TYPE OF RUN?
I’ve always liked 10k road races because I like pounding the roads but, mindful of ageing joints, I now run more trails and I do appreciate nice scenery when I’m running.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR?
That has to be Thames Path Ultra 50 miles. I realised I wasn’t going to improve my marathon time so thought I’d try a longer distance. I chose carefully: 8 a.m. start so it didn’t wreck my sleep and totally flat. It was a great experience – made me realise you can do anything if you set your mind to it.
WHAT’S YOUR NEXT RUNNING GOAL?
My 500th parkrun – 60 to go!
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED?
The hope that running will keep me fit for years to come.
