Lucy Vamplew

Ladies Captain’s Introduction

Hello, so I guess it’s my chance to share with you a bit about my background!

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Lucy, and I’m your Ladies Captain — it’s my second year in the role. I suppose it’s hard following on from the previous four epic committee members, but here goes!

Early Sporting Life

My running and sporting background started while I was in middle school. I found my love for netball — our girls team really hit it off, we had a great coach and we all worked really well together. Team work makes dream work, as they say! We won quite a few trophies whilst playing together, and most of the ladies are still good friends 30 years later.

I ran for my school, we won the girls relay race at Dorothy Hymns. I loved rounders, but I found playing hockey a chore!

Growing Up in Ryhill

My love for off-road running was no surprise really, as where I grew up in Ryhill I used to go out from my back garden gate straight into the farmer’s field, down the old railway lines, right over to the brickyard to Nostell — only crossing two roads on my 7-mile loop.

I used to try to coax our family Jack Russell into coming with me, but nine times out of ten he used to bugger off back home at the second crossing — he’d had enough! 😂

Running with Friends

Fast forward 10 years — a husband and three kids later — and I’m back running again. This time running with company: a few good friends I made at Thornes Park gym. I used to do three spin sessions, two HIIT classes and a boxercise class weekly at Thornes, back in the day of youth and good knees!

University and Running as an Escape

In 2009 I started university as a mature student — I loved it. By the time I’d completed my nursing degree I had three young children, a student loan to repay, and a divorce.

Running got me through. It was a difficult time in my life; running gave me the escape that I needed to breathe and reset.

First Races

My first race was at Upton Fun Run — I won it! 😂 My first ever 10k was Rothwell 10k.

I was introduced to Trunce in 2013 by two amazing runners who I’m still good friends with to this day, setting a time of 40:57 on the old course.

Parkrun Memories

My middle child and I used to go to Nostell Parkrun together when I wasn’t at work on a Saturday, and those memories and that time spent together will never be forgotten. ❤️

We used to see this blonde-haired lady coming first at parkrun every week, thinking “wow, she’s incredible!” — that was Liane Warren.

Joining Ackworth Road Runners

Fast forward another few years to 2018 — my three children were at an age where I had some extra time to spend on leisure activities, so I decided to go and see what a running club was all about. 💙

Let’s say non-club running was never going to be a thing for me after that day. The friends, memories, support, laughs, holidays — the friendliest best banter ever. When times are hard I go to the club; when times are good I go to the club.

The car-sharing — journeys to and from races — always good fun, great times. I will never forget the journey I shared with Dave, Will and Paul to Stamford 30k! 😂

Health Challenges

During 2020 I had 12 months off from running. Unfortunately I’d been diagnosed with mild hip dysplasia and two bulging discs in my spine (L4 and L5). Sometimes I’m okay, sometimes I’m not — it’s just one of those things. It is what it is; I just try to manage my pain as much as I can.

What Makes Life Special

Materialism is not my thing (okay, yes, I do like Sweaty Betty!) but generally I enjoy exploring new places — international as well as UK — and spending time with like-minded people.

• Travelling is my thing.
• Meeting interesting, inspirational people is my thing.
• Running is my thing.

Put all those together and Ackworth Road Runners is 100% my thing. 💙

Friendship and fun, the sharing and celebrating of each other’s achievements. 😍 My best friendships have been made during the time I’ve been with Ackworth, and for that I am extremely grateful.

Special people were there for me when I sadly lost my mum, which is a kindness I will never forget.

Looking Ahead

I found my partner Chris during our club training nights and we’ve been together 15 months. I never thought I’d find someone worth sharing my life with after my divorce, but do you know what — he is definitely 100% worth it. ❤️

Our club has a special place in my heart, and those memories can never be taken away.

Thank you to you all. xx