Meet Nicola Jones, a 39-year-old powerhouse from Connah’s Quay, North Wales. A mum of two, a dedicated sports coach at a local college, and a familiar face leading fitness classes across leisure centres, Nicola lives and breathes health and movement. But if there’s one constant thread that runs through her life, it’s running.
“As long as you have your shoes, you can do it anytime, anywhere.”
For Nicola, running isn’t just a workout, it’s a lifestyle, a mindset, and a journey of both physical and mental discovery. With over 20 years of experience as a personal trainer, she’s deeply rooted in the world of fitness. But her connection with sport began long before that.
A Lifelong Passion for Sport
Nicola’s love for sport started young. Whether it was the adrenaline of competition or the friendships built through shared challenges, she found herself drawn to the ways sport could transform not just your body, but your mind and your life.
“I loved everything associated with it, how it can develop you physically and mentally, and the relationships you build along the way.”
It’s a passion that’s never dimmed. Between juggling work, family, and travel, running has remained a constant. Its flexibility is part of the magic, no matter where you are, lacing up and heading out for a run always feels like home.
The Ultra Life
While many dream of finishing a 10K or maybe a marathon, Nicola has taken things further. Much further.
She’s tackled 100K and even 100-mile ultra runs, monumental feats that most runners can only imagine. For her, these aren’t just physical tests, but deeply transformative experiences.
“I love the journey they take you on, not only with yourself, but with the people surrounding you.”
These ultras are not just about endurance, but about community, resilience, and discovering what you’re truly capable of.
Trail Over Tarmac
Though she’s run on all kinds of terrain, Nicola’s heart belongs to the mountains and trails. The changing scenery, the peace of nature, and the sense of exploration keep her coming back.
“I enjoy mountain races and trail running probably more than road races, you get to see incredible scenes and explore new places along the way.”
There’s something raw and real about trail running that speaks to Nicola’s adventurous side. Every hill climbed and every muddy path conquered adds another story to her journey.
Advice for New Runners
With years of experience and thousands of miles behind her, Nicola has some sage advice for anyone just starting out:
- Don’t do too much, too soon – Let your body adjust, most injuries come from overdoing it early on.
- Set a goal – Book a 5K and work toward it. It gives you purpose and structure.
- Forget the stopwatch – Especially at the start, focus on completion, not competition.
- Try a parkrun – Free, friendly, and welcoming, parkruns are perfect for beginners.
- Discipline beats motivation – You won’t feel like training every day. Do it anyway.
“You won’t want to train every session. You will have to be disciplined to achieve your results.”
What’s Next for Nicola?
Between coaching, parenting, and racing, Nicola continues to live life full-throttle. But no matter how packed her schedule, the roads, trails, and mountains are never far away.
Her story is a reminder that running doesn’t need to be complicated. It doesn’t need fancy gear or perfect weather. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up, putting one foot in front of the other, and seeing where the journey leads.
