Becca Proves That This Mum Can

To sign up for the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run, visit greatrun.org/Manchester

A TEAM of around 20 mums on the run will take on the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run after joining a women-only running group.

This Mum Can Fitness was launched by Sale entrepreneur Becca Broadbent in October last year, and the personal trainer has recruited a score of women to take part in the 10k event on Sunday, 28 May.

Becca, 34, launched her business after her own personal struggle with fitness after giving birth to her two children. She joined a fitness class 12 weeks after the birth of her daughter and, nine months later, was back to her pre-pregnancy weight.

Now, Becca is determined to get more mums running – and is using Manchester’s greatest run as the target.

Becca and a squad of 20 mums will be pounding the pavements of Manchester on Sunday, 28 May, in the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run, which has grown to be the biggest in Europe.

She said: “It’s one of Manchester’s best days and I’m looking forward to taking part again. Last year, I ran with my mum, who is 60, she’d never done a 10k before so we ran together in Manchester.

“This year I’ll be running with people who, 22 weeks ago, couldn’t run for a minute, now they’ll be running for an hour.

“The Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run is an excellent event, everything about it is so inspiring and the atmosphere is fantastic.”

We’re celebrating all of the #RealRunners who take part in the Great Run series. Share your running tales and fails across our social media.

Why did you first start running?

I’ve run on and off for years but I started properly running after baby number two in January 2016. I was made redundant whilst on maternity leave and I decided to use it as an opportunity to do something that I love and am really passionate about, so I set up a women’s only running group called This Mum Can Training. I now want to help mums on their own fitness journeys and meet their own goals and at the same time, give them the opportunity that I had – to be able to meet new people, get some support and get active.

What is your favourite, can’t go without piece of kit?

My phone and headphones. I can’t run without music. I have created my own playlist of an eclectic mix of my favourite songs.

Where do you train, how often?

I train in Sale, south Manchester mostly round the streets and down the canal – I’m off to Hong Kong next week and am hoping to try out some of the running trails they’ve got there.

Do you ever have any running nightmares?

I dream about not making it to the start line on time but that’s about it!

What do you eat before and after running?

Before I’m a huge believer in cereal! Love a bowl of cornflakes with cold milk! Afterwards, for me it’s all about carbs. A sandwich or toastie or something like that is fab.

What do you love about running?

The fact you can just put your trainers on and go-don’t need to faff about and can go for as long or as short a run as you need to. It clears my head, gives me a break from a stressful life and gives me a chance to take a moment to think through things which I don’t have time for in normal life!

What do you hate about running?

The fact that some days you can run for an eternity and then a few days later you go again and struggle to do 5k!

Would you say you’re an athlete?

No! People might think I am but I’m not.

How many pairs of trainers do you own?

Four – and I’m planning my next purchase at the minute.

Who is your running idol or main inspiration?

Jessica Ennis-Hill – she’s my girl crush. She’s amazing-especially for going back to the Olympics after having her baby-that’s right up my street with the whole This Mum Can thing.