Moy Park Miles Blog – Brenda

‘Moy Park Miles’ is a collection of interviews that are showcasing some of our wonderful staff as they prepare for Belfast City Marathon this year (you might have heard we’re the title sponsor)!

Today, we’re chatting to Brenda Harris. Brenda is Moy Park’s Executive Assistant and she gives us the low down on how she’s getting prepared for the Belfast City Marathon.

Hey Brenda, how are you? Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi everyone, I’m Brenda Harris. I am 54 and work as an Executive Assistant for Moy Park. I’ve worked in Moy Park for six years and I love the variety and fast paced nature of my role.

Wonderful to meet you, Brenda. Are you doing the relay or the full marathon?

I am going to give a full answer for this! I have participated in the Belfast Marathon for the last number of years. I have run the full marathon, the relay, and have volunteered with my running club. It is a fantastic occasion to be part of. Belfast really comes alive. This year, I am taking part in the relay with my work colleagues.

So, you are a seasoned vet! Any fun facts to share?

I am a Run Director with Wallace Parkrun in Lisburn and have volunteered almost 300 times. Parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Every Saturday morning, it’s a 5k. If you are looking for a place to start your fitness journey in a safe environment, Parkrun is the place to be.

We’ll be heading to a Parkrun to help us prepare for the marathon then! Any trainers you’d recommend for people on their running journey?

My go-to trainers for the last number of years are New Balance 860. I need a stability shoe, so these definitely suit me well.

Belfast City Marathon helps raise money for charities every year. Are there any charities you are supporting this year?

Yes, my colleagues and I are running for SANDS, the baby loss prevention and support charity.

A charity Moy Park are very proud to support. Where do you love to run, and do you do any extra training to help with your running?

I’m part of a running club and train a few times a week around Lisburn. I do enjoy a variety of running, speed, tempo, and longer running sessions. I also do a little bit of weight training and Pilates to try and cover all bases.

We definitely need to vary our style of runs. Have you had any challenges with training?

I’ve had a few issues with injury this year, so training has not quite gone to plan but you always have to have a Plan B. I am aiming to complete Berlin half marathon in early April which will stand me in good stead for the relay on 5th May.

Wow, that is very impressive! Do you have any quotes that help motivate you when training?

I don’t have a specific quote but the majority of running is all in your head so I am constantly telling myself that If I put one foot in front of the other, I will get to the finish.

Good words to live by. Do you listen to anything when you’re running?

I do love listening to music when I run, and I’ve loads of music that I’ve built up over the years. A few that I have on my playlist are Mr Blue Sky – ELO, Chelsea Dagger – The Fratellis, The Pretender – Foo Fighters, Walk Me Home – Pink, Dancing in the Dark – Bruce Springsteen, Dakota – Stereophonics.

We’re adding those tunes to our playlist now! Any Moy Park Chicken dishes thst you’ve been using to fuel your runs?

There’s nothing better than Moy Park buttermilk chicken breast burgers in a wrap with salad after a run. Quick to cook in the airfryer and very tasty.

Another great recipe for the airfryer! Thanks for taking the time to chat to us today, Brenda. Wishing you all the best for your training and race day!

Want more marathon training tips and like getting to know our team? Make sure to check back next week to discover from our next runner to hear how they’re preparing for their great Belfast run!