Meet Harriet From England!

Harriet Ballantyne is from Shropshire, England, and we asked her a few questions about running:

Why do you run?

Of all the sports I do, I find it the most calming and the most liberating—the sense of freedom and accomplishment when you hit the top of a hill never ceases for me, no matter how many times I’ve climbed that hill in the past.

Describe your favorite place to run.

I grew up running with my primary school cross country team and my all time favorite place to run is still on Grinshill in Shropshire. Bluebells, crocuses and a beechwood for one of the best surfaces to run on.

What’s your go-to pre- or post-run meal?

Pre-run has to be the breakfast of champions: Porridge with homegrown raspberries and chopped banana. For post-run, straight away I drink a strawberry milkshake and eat a banana, then it’s scrambled eggs with avocado on granary toast. Serve alongside a cold, crisp beer—the ultimate malted recovery beverage!

What makes you a badass? 

Bring on the challenges! I cycled across Canada last summer, and this year I’m running a long-distance trail run of 130 miles around my home county, as well as competing in a team Crossfit competition. Bring it on!

How will you celebrate Global Running Day?

By doing what I love—getting out on the trails and getting more than a bit muddy—followed by beer, as always!

Read all of our Global Running Day stories from runners all over the world here.