Featured Athlete: 
Sue Cooper: Road runner and England International cross country runner
Interview by Margot Bowker

Would you give us a brief history of your athletic career? I did no competitive athletics as a junior except for occasional 100 yard sprints in PE lessons. I wasn't very good; sprinting is definitely not my strong point. I always loved running, though, and I can remember torturing my sister by racing her home after school. I would never walk anywhere if I could possibly run. I started running 20 years ago. I just wanted to get fit again after having children and running was an easy sport to do. I used to do circuits of the estate where we lived but I would only go out after dark, as I was terrified of the neighbours seeing me!

What was your first race? The first race I entered was the Southport Pier Half Marathon in 1986. It took me over 2 hours to complete but I was very proud of the achievement. Eventually I joined Formby Harriers and the discipline of running with others and entering a lot more races meant that my times really started to improve. I did a lot of marathon training around this time, running London twice and also doing Nottingham and the very last Mersey Marathon. The low point in my running career came in 1994 when I suffered a slipped disc that didn't mend. I eventually had an operation and recovered but I lost nearly 2 years of racing and training. I joined SWAC in 1997 after meeting up with Norman and Sheila at a local race. Despite getting older, I have achieved my best times since joining, so it was definitely a good move!

What motivates you now? I want to do the best I can as I progress through each vet category. I suppose I also want to maintain the same standard for as long as possible

Do you have a favourite distance or race? I prefer longer distances, ½ marathon or 10 miles because I can maintain a steady pace. The Coniston 14m must be a favourite; fantastic scenery, a challenging course and a really well organised race.

Where do you keep your trophies, medals etc? Trophies are on show in the living room; two beautiful stone clocks from Coniston are in use and the medals are in several shoeboxes! 

What is your training schedule? I have to admit to not having one! Demands of work and family mean that running has to be fitted in. I try to do one long, enjoyable run a week and at least one speed session. On average, I run about 5 times a week and aim for quality rather than quantity.

Do you engage in any other sporting activities? Cycling and swimming, with no pretensions at being good at either. I also enjoy hill walking.

What else do you do? I am an adult guidance careers advisor and I spend the rest of my time looking after my family and home.

How do your husband and family cope with your training? They have got used to it. They have been very supportive and long-suffering over the years, listening to the hours of post-race analysis!

Any advice for young athletes? Make the most of things if you have a talent. I didn't have a real opportunity to run at school but I now deeply regret not pushing myself harder when I started running as an adult. I saw myself as a 'jogger' for too long.

Have you any role models or a mentor? Paula Radcliffe. I really admire her commitment and dedication. Nearer to home, it's got to be Steve James and Norman Marshall. Steve is a real role model and introduced me to veteran athletics. Norman's commitment to the Club is legendary and the pride he takes in his 'ladies' doing well is a great motivator.

What have you achieved this year? (2003) In the Northern Cross Country I was 1st woman. The BMAF 5K Road Championship I was 1st LV45. The BMAF Cross Country Championship I got silver. I was selected to represent England in the British & Irish Masters XC International in Cardiff and was delighted to lead the England LV50 team to victory and take an individual silver!

And you were featured in the national rankings I believe? Yes. In 2002 I had a W45 10K ranking of 8th for a 38:00 run in the Liverpool Women's 10K and a W45 5K ranking of 5th for 18:48 at Croxteth Park.

Any special moments? Completing my first marathon at Nottingham. I just broke down and cried!