Louisa has been running since childhood, taking it more seriously during university with half marathons. She joined Wells City Harriers in March 2023 for structured training, and talks about how supportive and enjoyable being part of a club has been. Finishing second in the 2023 Somerset Series was also a running highlight, and now she talks about how she aims for a half marathon personal best this autumn.
Louisa Saunders
Burnham-on-Sea Half Marathon, October 2023
Interview - August 2024
When did you start running/what got you into running?
I’ve been a runner for as long as I can remember. School sports day was always the best day of the academic year and I would run in all of the distances. I started to take it a bit more seriously during university when I started running some half marathons and following training plans.
How long have you been a member of Wells City Harriers for?
I joined Wells City Harriers in March 2023. I had just run the Weymouth Half marathon and knew that I needed some more structured training to improve my times. I was a bit nervous about going along to my first track session but everyone was so welcoming and it really doesn’t matter how ‘good’ you are, it’s about showing up and doing what you can.
What runs did you enjoy the best?
Difficult to answer! I would say that I enjoy road events most but this year I have tried out some cross country and track races and the variety has been a lot of fun. Cross country brings out my inner child with all the mud!
First experience of Gwent League Cross Country at Port Talbot, February 2024
Are there any standout moments during your time at Wells City Harriers? (for yourself or other members?)
This summer a group of us have been training together for some half marathons in the autumn. The training has been tough at times, we have all had highs and lows but we have pulled each other through and I am excited to see how it all comes together on race day. The team spirit of Wells City Harriers is phenomenal, everyone just wants each other to do well. Every run no matter the time of day or the distance is easier when you have a group of others to rely on and support you.
I went to watch the 2024 London Marathon because there were several members of the club running and I was completely blown away by the atmosphere. It was so exciting following them around the course and watching them succeed because they had all worked so hard with their training through the winter. It was such a special day and I felt so proud of them!
How did it feel finishing second in the 2023 Somerset Series?
It was a really nice surprise, because I turned up to the events without any knowledge of the routes and no real ‘race plan’. I just ran as hard as I could! There are some fantastic races in the Somerset series of varying distances and terrains, I would really recommend it and will definitely enter the series again in future years.
With her Somerset Series Award after the Brent Knoll Multi Terrain Race, November 2023.
What are your future plans for running?
Hopefully a half marathon PB this autumn…
To view Louisa's performances, visit her 'Power of 10' and 'Run Britain' profiles, by clicking on the images below.
Missed an interview? Click on the links below to Meet another Harrier.
Graham Goldsmid - January 2024
Sophie Nicholls - December 2023