Meet #TeamCardiff – Tom Reeder

Tom Reeder (BA 2016,  International Public Relations & Global Communications Management 2016-) is running the Cardiff University / Cardiff Half Marathon to raise funds for neuroscience and mental health research.

I’m unfit, and have been unfit for a long while – that’s my first reason for deciding to run. I’ve always preferred exercising outside, but I needed something to force me through the front door.  I could never run a half marathon without training, and hoped my signing up would help get the trainers out of the cupboard.  Secondly, some colleagues in the office are taking part, and the allure of friendly competition was becoming somewhat unbearable!

I’m running for neuroscience and mental health research at Cardiff University.  I feel there is still a long way to go in understanding the complex issues around mental illness, and am proud to be a part of a university that is leading the way in this research field.

I’ve (literally) been taking small steps towards the big 21km. I used to be quite competitive when running in my teens, and it’s been disheartening seeing how slow I am and how short my maximum distances have become, but they’re creeping back up.

I’m excited about race day! If the weather is as gorgeous as it was last year, I think it’s going to be really enjoyable.  I’m planning to take the Monday off work, so I can spend the rest of the weekend indulging in Sunday Roasts and Guinness (which is full of iron and beneficial to muscle repair, don’t you know?).

I find the best time to run is straight after work. It’s revitalising after a day in the office chair, makes me feel like I actually deserve a carb-heavy dinner, and leaves the rest of the evening ahead of me.  It’s also getting lighter, and the temperature is OK, so it’s altogether more pleasant than the last few months!