The Hartlepool woman, 67, who will represent GB in the world duathlon championships - and she has a message on keeping fit

Sue Watson, from Greatham, will represent the UK at both the European and World Championships in 2021, less than three years since she first dabbled with the sport.

We first told her story last year when we reported how Sue came fifth in the world in her very first race representing GB.

Now she is ready to get back into action and also had a message to the people of Hartlepool and East Durham on how to keep themselves activated during the lockdown.

"Over the last 6 months I have been amazed at the number of people who are getting out there,” said Sue.

“Keeping fit doesn't have to be expensive. You can do a lot of good core work, such as pilates from home.

"Set yourself a target such as trying couch to 5k which is a great starter for budding runners.

"Keep a check on what you do and write down numbers, times, distances then try to improve them. It becomes better than a video game.”

She also urged people to ‘find some like minded buddies so you can run, cycle together and always finish at a nice cafe for tea and buns (not essential but it works for me). Enjoy it.”

Sue’s own amazing story saw her win the Best of Hartlepool Role Model Award in 2018.

She admitted: “Generally, I'm not a very motivated person when it comes to training. I need to have a goal to make me get myself going. I tend to look for small short term things to work towards such as running a mile every other day or taking part in the (not) parkrun.

"I play a lot as well to make it enjoyable. For example, I go out on the mountain bike just to enjoy the countryside. I do things that I know I can finish as well so I don't get demotivated.

“I've also used a lot of online training with a very good local fitness coach, Cheryl Laycock. It is a really good way to keep fitness going as you can do it from home with very little equipment.

"I do keep a check on what I do and write down my times for a run or a ride, I can then compare my fitness level every month.

"At the moment, I'm not in serious training but I do push myself and expect to do at least four exercises per week that get my heart pumping for a good 30 minutes plus.

"In normal training times I would do that nearly everyday, so its a bit less stressful.”

Sue only began dabbling at the sport in October 2017. She went with a friend to have a go at training with the town-based Tri Life organisation because her first idea - to have a go at open water swimming - didn’t work out.

She has never looked back since.

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