First thing, I feed the cat, keep the dogs away from him, moan about the weather if it’s raining, get dressed…

I am passionate about helping people of all shapes, sizes and ages to run/jog and do Pilates, for health, fitness and general wellbeing. Anyone can run. Really.  I lead a local running group, we’re called Harri’s Running Team which has the unfortunate  acronym of HRT. Running is life-enhancing, it gives one a sense of self and sense of freedom, builds confidence, difficult to explain, but I can’t live without it.

Pilates is an amazing, magical form of exercise that keeps us strong, flexible, coordinated, mobile and improves posture and mood. I discovered it by chance really, and it’s still associated with older people but it really is for everyone. I am currently developing a Power Pilates class to attract those who feel the need to sweat.

I haven’t always done this as a job –  I  went to drama school  (LAMDA) and then worked as an actor.
Eventually I got a ‘proper job’ and I worked for Weight Watchers in their Programme Development department. I was also a Company trainer. In addition, I have a Diploma in Creative Writing and about half a degree in Sports Science – interesting mix. I am lucky that my studio is at the back of my house. This is actually my sitting room and conservatory combined, so with a few walls knocked down, furniture moved to the side for the day, it provides an excellent space in which to teach – but what do I do first thing? Hoover up the dog hair.

Incidentally, Border Terriers are supposed to be good runners. I planned to run with both of ours. I used run with our gorgeous old labrador too. But Archie, the eldest Border gets so excited when he runs that he just jumps up and bites my bum. Figgy, the younger one, has congenital knee problems, so it’s no go there either. I am on the look out for a gentle rescue dog of any variety who loves to run and has no issues regarding my bottom or their knees.

I usually have up to 8 people in a class. I teach both men and women, oldest is 84, the youngest 14. My classes are low key and laughter is compulsory. I want everyone leaving happy, energised and feeling good about life.

 

Afterwards I do a quick turnaround, trainers on and out the door for a private running session which could be with a nervous runner whose goal is to run a half-marathon say, or a complete beginner. And then after that I usually have another running client who might want me to send her up hills or help her run faster.

Back home and my lovely husband has usually made soup for lunch – he is semi-retired.

In the early afternoon I have a TRX class to teach – this is  suspension training. Briefly, these are straps with handles, attached to the wall and you work against your own body weight to improve strength, flexibility and balance while toning up  – they were invented by Navy Seals and are the most brilliant piece of kit, suitable for everyone. Difficult to explain in words – have a look at my website, link below, for details.

 

And so it goes on…

 

Thursday is my writing day. I don’t want to do or think about anything else and if I could stay in my pyjamas all day and not speak to anyone at all, I would.  I like to immerse myself totally in what I’m writing.

I have just received the first copies of my book ‘Pilates for Runners’ published by Bloomsbury and it is very exciting to see and feel the finished work. I am currently writing my second book for Bloomsbury now – ‘Pilates for Living –  get stronger, fitter and healthier for an active  later life.’ It will be published in April 2018I also write poetry, short stories and features.
Future plans? The novel needs writing of course, it’s in my head…And I would love to write full time…and live in sunnier climes. But for now, I am very grateful for my lot.

My contact details: harri@pilatesandrunning.co.uk
Website: www.runwithharri.co.uk
Blog: www.inthepinkoflife.co.uk
Twitter: @harriangell
Instagram: harriangell
Facebook business page: https://www.facebook.com/trainwithharri/