In the lead up to Run Jurassic, we are featuring a series of interviews from some of our amazing Jurassic Coast Trust fundraisers. These people are running the various Run Jurassic races in order to help the Jurassic Coast Trust in our mission to protect and promote our incredible World Heritage Site.
We hope you will feel inspired by our runners’ stories – either to donate to their JustGiving page, or to take part yourself in a race to remember.
Visit our online shop to book your place as a Jurassic Coast Trust fundraiser.
In this blog, Lisa McGinnis- a Hampshire resident and counsellor – hopes to raise awareness of the mental health benefits of the great outdoors.
What motivated you to take part in Run Jurassic?
The Jurassic Coast is an inspirational coastline and I wanted to do something inspirational. I chose the half marathon because I wanted to challenge myself. I will be running with two friends who are very experienced runners. Their encouragement got me to sign up. Also, as a counsellor, I am more and more convinced by the restorative powers of the outdoors. If I could raise money for the Jurassic Coast Trust and raise awareness of the positive benefits for mental health . . . I had to do it!
Enjoy wide open space on the Jurassic Coast. Photo by White Star Running.
Describe your relationship to the Jurassic Coast
I love the open feeling around the coastline. Moving west from Swanage I feel that things open up. It is the sea and the coastal footpath and me. There is always something to be interested in; either flora, fauna, geology or fellow runners or walkers.
What do you think will be the greatest challenge of the race?
Running up and down the hills over the whole distance! It’s a little daunting but I will just put one foot in front of the other.
What kind of training are you doing?
I am going to sessions with my local running club, New Forest Runners.
What’s your favourite spot on the Jurassic Coast?
The coastline west of Swanage and east of Bridport.
Visit Lisa’s JustGiving page to donate to her campaign.
