Name
Sonia Karamat
Running since
“January 2015 when one of my daughters decided to do the C25k programme and I didn’t want her running alone in the dark at 6:30am. As soon as I completed C25k I started Parkrun in April 2015 but unfortunately my daughter never ran again.“
Massey Runner since “Starting Racefit in January 2016 and, at the end of the course, ran the Massey Easter 5 Mile race at the War Memorial Park. It involved a lot of walking breaks because I had not done all my homework! Since then I’ve run in all the Team events: Sutton Road Relays, Sphinx Relays, Hilly 100, numerous WRRL races where I am was podium 5th place in my age group in 2023. I didn’t try XC until January 2022 and then really wished that I had run them before!“
Best thing about Massey Runners
“I joined Massey because they are so welcoming and cater for all running abilities. It’s like family and I can’t imagine ever leaving.“
Favoured distance
“All distances from 5 miles to marathons. I’m not enjoying 5k so much at the moment unless I have run a good warm up first.”
Favourite parkrun event
“Oaklands because it’s my PB course – 24:21 in August 2022. Then of course, there’s Babbs Mill which is very local for me and has great waffles at the nearby church. The volunteers at both Parkruns are also some of the friendliest.”
Favourite terrain
“Flat road racing. If I need to be kind to myself, I will walk some of the uphills then make up for it with a speedy downhill later. There’s no point feeling guilty if you’re find it tough going sometimes.“
Toughest running challenge
“My 6 in 6 Race Challenge; running 6 consecutive Sunday races from September 1st to October 6th in 2024, raising money for the Global Care Charity.
I ran season bests in 2 races*, including the final race at the Chester marathon! It was mentally and emotionally exhausting.
SEPT 1st: Wilne 10k
SEPT 8th: Great North Run Half
SEPT 15th: Balsall Common 10k
SEPT 22nd: Tissington Trail Half*
SEPT 29th: Berlin Marathon
OCT 6th: Chester Marathon*
Pre-race ritual
“I like to eat jam and bread for breakfast because I usually can’t face anything else. This can be tricky when running in another country.
I also have my favourite safety pins for my bib, of course!
Otherwise, it’s just chatting to fellow runners (Massey members if I’m lucky) while waiting to start because it helps to calm the race nerves!“
Running year ahead
“Four Abbott World Major Marathons, including 3 Good for Age qualifying times (Tokyo doesn’t have GFA qualification times).
Hopefully redeeming myself at the Hilly 100 because I got lost in 2024!
Plenty of WRRL races because I was injured (or running my 6 in6 Challenge) and couldn’t run many last year.“
Best piece of running advice received
“Never regret a training run or race. Instead enjoy the accomplishment of trying and finishing. Also: Consistent training is key to improvement.“