My Other Life is a new NDA column that steps outside the day job. In each column, we ask someone from across the digital media space about the hobby, passion project or side hustle they pursue when they’re not in the office
What is your day job?
I’m a Planning Director at Nectar360, Sainsbury’s retail media business. I lead a team of 23 planners who help brands connect with customers through data-led media, measurement and strategic planning. My role combines commercial thinking, customer insight and leadership, helping clients grow while delivering better experiences for customers.
What’s the “other life” you lead outside the industry?
Running is my other life.
I’ve been a member of Mornington Chasers running club since 2008 and running has become a huge part of who I am. It’s how I stay physically fit, mentally healthy and connected to a brilliant community of people.
I’ve completed five marathons and continue to train for half marathons, but for me running is about much more than race days. It’s time to think, reset and escape the demands of everyday life.
I also love supporting others in their running journeys, whether that’s fellow Chasers, Nectar360 and Sainsbury’s colleagues, or friends from across the media industry.
How did you get into it, and how long have you been doing it?
I joined Mornington Chasers in 2008, initially looking for a group to run with as I unexpectedly got a place in the London Marathon through the ballot first time (which is very rare!). I then transitioned from playing football for QPR to spending more time running. The Chasers opened my eyes to all types of running, including trail running which continues to be a favourite even though I don’t have as much time for it as I did pre-children.
What keeps me coming back is that no two runs are ever the same. One day it’s a hard training session, another it’s a social run with friends, and sometimes it’s simply half an hour to clear my head.
How much time does it take up in a typical week?
Quite a lot! I run around 45 miles a week on average. Between club sessions, long runs and races, it takes up several hours each week.
People often ask how I find the time, but I see it as an investment rather than a commitment. Running gives me energy, helps me manage stress and improves my overall wellbeing.
One thing I definitely am not is a treadmill runner. I need to be outside. Rain, wind, cold, heat, darkness, it doesn’t really matter.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about it?
That runners are naturally motivated all the time. The reality is most runners have days when they’d rather stay in bed or not face the British weather. The secret is simply showing up (running with others helps with this), regardless of how you feel.
People also assume running is all about racing and personal bests. For many of us, it’s just as much about health benefits, friendships and enjoying the great outdoors.
Has it taught you anything that’s actually useful in your day job?
Absolutely. Running has taught me resilience, discipline and patience. You don’t become marathon-ready overnight and most worthwhile achievements at work don’t happen overnight either.
It’s also taught me the value of consistency. Small actions repeated over a long period can lead to remarkable results, whether that’s training for a race or building a successful team.
What’s the proudest moment you’ve had doing it?
Completing my first marathon will always be special, as was getting my first good for age (which means an automatic place in the London marathon).
However, my proudest moment wasn’t one of the races I won, but where I came second. It was a night trail race in France, I didn’t know the area or course and my French isn’t the best. I’ll be honest, the only reason I think I was fast that night was due to being scared that I would get lost in the woods, so kept as close as possible to the runner in front of me!
Does anyone at work know about it – and what was their reaction when they found out?
Most people at work know I’m a runner, partly because it’s hard to hide when you’re fitting training runs in around meetings and family life.
I’ve tried to start a Nectar360 run club. Participation hasn’t quite matched my ambition, although my boss and a few colleagues are enthusiastic. Having said that colleagues are very supportive of my running, and in our recent Move for Meals (charity initiative for Comic Relief) their encouragement helped me to increase my milage to gain additional sponsorship.
For me, running isn’t really separate from the rest of life. It’s one of the foundations that helps me show up as the best version of myself, both at work and at home.
