Runner of the week: Karen Wright

Karen Wright, 45, from Wandsworth

Get a running partner is Karen's advice to anyone who finds it hard to keep motivated.

"When I plan to go out running by myself I often talk myself out of going," she says. "It's boring. I do listen to music when I am on my own but I much prefer chatting – for a start I then know that I am still breathing!"

Her other top tip is to get proper running shoes. "I had insoles made in Profeet in Clapham (www.profeet.co.uk) because I was getting pains in the soles of my feet. They do a running analysis using video and a foot scan and then build an insole that fits your feet and your gait."

When did you start?

Around six and a half years ago when a group of mums at my daughter's school decided to do the Nike 10k – and I agreed. I trained over the summer for five weeks.

Was it easy?

To see if I could do it, I went out for a run. I managed just 12 minutes and then I thought I would collapse. I gradually built up the time I could run – and then managed it in around 1 hour.

What is the longest you have run?

A half-marathon. For that I did some serious training from a training plan I downloaded from the internet. I did that in March and it took me 2 hours and 10 minutes. It was a lot harder. I have done loads of 5ks and six 10ks but this was the furthest I have managed. But it has not put me off. I am hoping to join the Run To The Beat half marathon in October.

What was the last run you did?

At the start of July I joined around 25,000 other runners on The British 10k London Run. I ran in support of the Myotubular Trust and raised £200 for the charity.

How does running for charity help?

I think the fact that I have a personal link to this charity motivated me more (I know the mother who founded it after the death of her son from the condition). It was a great experience – all those runners gave it a brilliant atmosphere. There was a group of us all wearing the same T-shirt for our charity – and whenever we saw each other we cheered each other on. At the end, we all agreed that it felt amazing.

What is your training plan?

I do two short runs during the week of around 3 miles and then every Saturday I get up and start at 7am – although its was 6.30am last weekend – and run much longer with a friend – around 7 ½ miles or 10k.