Meet Holly, a creative designer from Cheshire, originally from the south. She creates bespoke marketing for high-end properties and manages social media for her estate agency — a career shift she made three years ago after working in education and social care, and one she hasn’t looked back from.
When she’s not working, Holly is happiest in the Welsh mountains or Brighton by the sea, taking photos on her old film cameras and enjoying the outdoors.
How It Started
Holly’s running journey began in 2024 when she decided to take part in the Mental Elf 5K charity run for Mind. At the time, her mental health was a rollercoaster, and she wanted a positive challenge.
“I loved the idea of dressing up as an elf!” she laughs. She roped in her boyfriend and colleagues, who were new to running too, and together they raised £480 for Mind — a proud start to her running story.
The Journey
Running quickly became healing for Holly. What started as a 5K charity run evolved into a regular routine. Initially, she hated running, but the way she felt after finishing each run kept her going. Over time, running became part of her weekly rhythm, helping her navigate grief and life’s overwhelm.
She has completed one 10K race so far (RunThrough Northwich), and although speed and PBs aren’t her focus, she loves the community energy and atmosphere. Holly is now training for her first half marathon in April (London Landmarks Half) in memory of her grandfather, raising money for Mental Health UK.
Highlights & Challenges
Holly’s proudest moment? Signing up for her first half marathon. The distance once felt impossible, yet she’s remained disciplined, consistent, and excited to take on the challenge.
She’s also proud of the personal growth running has brought. “I was defined by my grief for so long,” she says. Running has helped her reconnect with herself, both mentally and physically.
Her toughest challenge so far? An ankle injury that kept her from running for six weeks — she realized just how much she needed it for her own sanity. And of course, hills remain a challenge, though she admits to strolling up most of them!
What Running Means to Holly
Running has given Holly mental clarity and space to process emotions, grief, and life changes. Having lost her dad at 12, her brother at 17, and her grandfather to suicide in 2022, running has become a lifeline, helping her process grief and build resilience.
Now, running isn’t just something she does to cope — it’s something she chooses every week, regardless of mood, because it brings her joy, clarity, and focus.
Favourite Events & Clubs
Holly typically runs solo, though she occasionally persuades her boyfriend to join her. She hasn’t yet attended a parkrun or joined a running club, but plans are in motion for 2026: her first Parkrun (in Japan!) and signing up for four races throughout the year.
Advice for Beginners
“Do what feels right for you”
Holly says. Running has no rules — it’s what you make it. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but the key is remembering why you started and not losing sight of it.
For Holly, running is personal, therapeutic, and joyful — and her journey shows that even the smallest steps can lead to big transformations.
