Our York 10k team: introducing Louise
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With less than two months to go until the York 10k, we’d like to introduce you to the team running for our alumni-funded scholarships. Anyone connected to York St John can join our team, including staff, current students and alumni.
In our second blog, we’re introducing Louise, who works at York St John in our Alumni and Fundraising Office.
How long have you been running? Are you a regular runner?
I’ve run before in the past, but didn’t keep up with it. So this time round, it’s been 5 weeks! I am training and doing the Couch to 5k and I go out every two days to try and keep up momentum.
When did you begin training for this 10k?
I decided to start the Couch to 5k at the end of April when I realised there was only 16 weeks left till the run!
Why did you sign up for this 10k?
I wanted to challenge myself but also support the Alumni Scholarships. I also wanted to bring Alumni together, our team and hopefully create funds to help all students access education.
![](https://i2.wp.com/blog.yorksj.ac.uk/alumni/files/2023/05/Screenshot_20230510_162551_Strava.jpg?ssl=1)
![A photo of Louise's muddy trainers after a run.](https://i1.wp.com/blog.yorksj.ac.uk/alumni/files/2023/05/Screenshot_20230510_162602_Strava.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i2.wp.com/blog.yorksj.ac.uk/alumni/files/2023/06/louise-10k.jpg?ssl=1)
You’re raising money for alumni-funded scholarships. Why do you think scholarships are important?
It provides the opportunity for students to access an education they may not have been able to before. Our scholarships can then support them whilst studying, whether that be for books, rent, food, child support etc to help them continue their university journey.
What’s been the hardest part about training for this 10k so far?
Getting started! Once I began it was fine, but it was just taking those first sessions and sticking to them. Now, I am really enjoying challenging myself.
What’s the best bit about training for this 10k?
It’s made me feel better and stronger. I hope to continue the training after the York 10k and then set another challenge next year to support another good cause.
I am in this to complete, not compete
-Louise
What’s your connection with York St John and what’s your favourite memory connected to us?
I have been at York St John University for 19 years and I love our community. The University is a very supportive place to study and work.
My favourite memory is how the University community rallied round me and help me get through a serious illness, that community support shall never be forgotten… also the old students balls were awesome!
You can support Louise and the wider team running the York 10k by donating to our campaign on JustGiving. You can also join our York 10k team by buying your York 10k ticket on our online store.