Why We Run – Mat Hemming
Why We Run – Mat Hemming
Why We Run is a new series from Like the Wind magazine that explores the personal reasons people lace up and head out. Read on to hear from runners around the world.
MAT HEMMING
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📍 Where you run
Dorset, UK, and I love to take my running shoes when I travel.
👟 How often you run
4-5 runs a week
🎶 What you’re listening to on a run
Alays podcasts, never music! I listen to a real mix of stuff from Freetrail, SWAP to House of R, Ringerverse, Rewatchables, to Rich Roll and the Diary of a CEO.
📸 Favourite running photo of yourself, or view from a run
Currently this is my fave running pic. It was taken during the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 50km when I was just about to summit Snowdon for the 2nd time. I also love the amazing views from the trail in Dorset!
How often and where do you run?
4-5 times a week, and I usually run along the South West Coast Path which is a beautiful hilly trail that I can get to from my front door, or along the Weymouth seafront.
What first got you into running?
Honest answer, it was so I could justify getting some gear! An Apple watch and some running shoes!
Why do you keep running now?
Now it is one of the most important parts of my life! It keeps me sane, fit, motivated, and it helps me get into interesting events and explore new places. It is an important part of my social life and now I get to talk about running for my job!
Do you run with others or solo?
Solo during the week and with others on the weekends.
Any rituals, gear, or quirks?
I like to run in the mornings – if I leave it until the afternoon it probably doesn’t happen! Always after coffee. As we live on the seafront, it is quite windy, so I always mao my runs so I can run along the seafront with the wind at my back if possible!
Is there a specific run or running moment that stands out to you?
Finishing my first 100 mile race (South Downs Way 100) by running around the track with my kids. Then crying!
How does running fit into the rest of your life?
I am lucky to be able to run in the daytime when the kids are at school or in the morning before everyone wakes up! However, running talk does take over quite a but of my life. Also, now that I am trying to organise holidays around running events, it can be a bit controversial!
What runner would you love to hear answer this series next?
Courtney Dauwalter!
If you’d like to take part in the Why We Run series, we’d love to hear from you. It’s as easy as completing this form.