I’ve been running for over 10 years
I’m Katie and I’m a hiker, and runner, and lover of all things outdoors. But way back when I was younger, self confidence and pride in how I looked and felt was a huge struggle. That, and lots of other things impacted my mental health.Back in secondary school, at Shire Oak Academy, in the UK, I did the Duke of Edinburgh silver and gold award. That’s what really got me into hiking. It helped grow my confidence as a young woman – I was a bit of a nerd in school. When I got started running, I loved it! I did my fair share of fun runs, 10ks and more! It started with running with my Dad.. and then I after lots of training, I did a half marathon in Birmingham.
I’d been running on and off, but hadn’t been doing much else, no strength training, and no confidence. I write this now (in 2025), and I almost feel as though I look slightly ill in that first photo from 2016. Fast forward to now, I’m running stronger and happier! Here’s a picture of me running in a Birmingham park at a photoshoot I had done.
I joined the hiking society at University of Birmingham, UK
When I went to University of Birningham, I quickly joined the Wayfarers Society. There, I met other young women who all loved the great outdoors and hiking! I felt right at home. We would make trips to go hiking locally around Birmingham – some of the girls were on my course too; I studied Anthropology (which is the study of humans, super fascinating!) Here’s us on an excursion.. How young do we look?! (I’m on the far right with the frizzy hair!) And then I graduated with a 2:1 Degree!
Since then, I’ve always loved the great outdoors. It was food soul. And it still very much is. I love all forms of running and hiking! I’ve done 2 half marathons too, one in Birmingham and one in Ironbridge.
My Ironbridge half marathon (Telford, UK)
Since then, I’ve moved to the countryside, which is amazing for those walks in the great outdoors! Short walks every morning, or lunch time, and in the evening. I love it all.
My hiking experience
In 2023, I completed the Malvern Hills end to end hike challenge for Newlife with my friend Sarah Chattwood and her colleague Jennifer. We raised over £500 together for disabled children, and terminally ill children.
hiking for charity
In 2024, I clocked up more miles on Runkeeper. And in 2025, I converted to Strava. Lots of other like minded runners are over there, and I decided to make the leap! It’s quite a leap I’ve tracked a total of 366 miles.. which is apparently over 42,000 calories!!
My Runkeeper record
Started accepting guest articles
I worked with Sam Crowter, a sprinter, several years ago, and posted a collaboration post on Instagram.
My running journey since 2024 and 2025
Since 2024 and into 2025, I’ve continued on my running journey. I signed up to a 10K in January 2025 and bought a ticket to the National Running Show in Birmingham, but had to cancel both because I got poorly. I was absolutely gutted especially for the running show because it’s an annual event. But I’d like to go next year for sure! I love logging my running journey on Instagram – there’s a whole community of people who love running there! I’ve enjoyed experimenting with Parkruns at the end of 2024, and I’d like to do more! 
Incorporating strength training, stretching and yoga into my running
In 2024, I joined my local leisure centre; I’d been living in the Peak District in the UK with my boyfriend and our little pug for 3 years, and so I decided I’d sign up to that one (and move from my parents’ gym! There, I grew an understanding of how using other forms of exercise can all help to make me a better, stronger runner – with less niggles! I’ve always enjoyed using weights and building some strength to my arms, legs and hips etc. And so when I got my gym membership, I was buzzing. I’d go 3-4 times a week to work on my fitness – mostly strength training! 
I wanted to build better, stronger muscles to help me run faster. I’ve never really run to lose weight. That’s never been a goal. I’ve done it to feel good and feel strong.
Now, I still do lots of walking and hiking around the Peaks
In 2025, I still love going for walks solo and with other people. My dad is a fellow lover of the great outdoors. So I’ll often book in hiking days together..
You can contact me on: lifeofamissfit@gmail.com You can find me on: Instagram | LinkedIn | Runkeeper | Strava | TikTok