Laura McGuffie, 36 years old, Teacher at the International School of Bergen From Scotland but lived in Bergen for 9.5 years

What distance do you run in BCM 2021?

42.2km Marathon

Why would you recommend others to participate in BCM?

I would recommend others to join BCM because of the whole atmosphere including the organisation, communication and support given to its participants.  Even in the lead up to the event the organisers are there to support the participants whether it be training events, seminars or even just a quick response to a query.

What motivates you to exercise?

Running is my way to get some “me time”, switch off from all the stresses of daily life and gain a feeling of those happiness hormones. Whether it is on the treadmill or outside in the pouring rain it just gives me a great feeling.  I run for me rather than against others. The aim is to work on improving my own results and keeping healthy in body and mind.

Signing up for BCM is a huge motivation as it gives me something to work towards and pushes me to keep challenging myself.

Running is a huge part of my life

– perhaps some would say my life revolves around running! As my passion for running has grown over the years I have come to also love sharing and gaining advice from others who share an interest in running. Being an active member of Aktiv365, many people see me running and often ask if I am training for an event and why I run so much!

Running is my way to get some “me time”, switch off from all the stresses of daily life and gain a feeling of those happiness hormones.  When I first moved to Bergen 10 years ago I could hardly run 1 km without stopping. Determination and patience allowed me to build up the distances and speed over the years. I can proudly say crossing the finishing line of the Bergen City Marathon in 3:45:01 last year was one of my biggest achievements so far, especially considering I had a sickness virus 4 days before!

Running was my medicine whilst overcoming my struggle with anorexia.  It gave me the motivation to become stronger, work towards a goal and gain a sense of achievement.  Everytime I come back from a run, even if it was more demanding on the body,  I have a smile on my face and a feeling of satisfaction whether it be on the treadmill or on the streets of Bergen.  I run for me rather than against others. The aim is to work on improving my own results and keeping healthy in body and mind.

Prior to my experience in the Bergen City Marathon I completed many 5km and 10km in Norway building up to complete half marathons in Paris, Oslo and Stavanger.  I have participated in Bergen City Marathons 10km, Half Marathon and last year completed my first marathon in Bergen!

I still remember the experience from my first half marathon in Paris.  I was so nervous, trained so much, ran the distance on a number of occasions to prove to myself that I could do it.  The atmosphere was amazing, standing in the pens talking to people you had never seen before and most probably would never see again.  During the race, around 10km I tripped and fell over a pavement dividing a cycling and road path.  I went down with a bang, scraping all my knee, elbow and hip – I did not stop though, I got up as fast as I went down and continued to run.  Another runner ran by me and asked if I was ok, we then chatted and ran to the end together! – And I still keep in contact with her via social media today!

Feel free to contact me if you want someone to run with!