Mum who began running following her dad's heart attack is now an inspiration to others
Our Mums Who Inspire series celebrates all mamas who are doing/ have done something truly remarkable; whether it’s caring for a sick child, showing resilience during tough times, helping people in their community or simply making a difference in the life of someone else, we want to give them the recognition they deserve.
As part of our series this week, we have Laura Graham who was inspired to start running after her father's heart attack.
When Laura Graham’s first child was just five-months-old, her unknown love for running began.
Her dad had just suffered a heart attack, and in an effort to raise funds for Northern Ireland, Chest, Heart and Stroke, Laura signed up for the Belfast City Marathon.
With no training or knowledge of marathon running, the Co. Down woman completed the race six years ago, and has not looked back since.
Fast forward to present day, she is now a mum-of-four, who has completed several marathons including the London Marathon.
And last year, Laura won the Belfast City Marathon a mere EIGHT days after returning from London – in a personal best time of two hours 41 minutes and 47 seconds.
The first woman to win the marathon in over eighteen years.
How does she do it, juggling motherhood and marathons?
“Stubbornness is a lot of it; I like to better myself,” Laura tells MagicMum.
“Sometimes it is hard though, I feel guilty leaving the kids, but I always feel good after a run, I enjoy being a mum more and I feel it helps me be a better mum.”
In the midst of training for the upcoming SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon, Laura says she is delighted to have such a supportive husband and family.
But running isn’t just for her; it can be enjoyed by the whole family too:
“The kids join me on my runs, and that’s what I want too, for them to be determined when they get older.”
However, for Laura "it's not about winning, it's about the sense of achievement, bettering yourself, doing yourself justice."
After chatting with the inspirational mum, we are totally going to dust off our trainers and head out with the kids – will you be taking up running as a hobby?
The SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon is taking place on October 29th. Last year, the event sold out and with entries being capped at 20,000 for 2017 it's best to get yourself registered ASAP before it closes. The 5th largest marathon in Europe, registration is only €70 with an increase to €80 after May 31st.
If you know someone who has done something inspirational or you have your own story that you would like to see featured in our Mums Who Inspire series, email mary.byrne@sheologydigital.com and we'll be in touch.