Maverick Run Project - Steph Steele

I started running 4.5 years ago after a triple ankle break, and running provided me with the opportunity to increase fitness and improve mobility. It became something that brought a quicker paced adventure to my love of solo hiking, and a gratitude for my body.

Deciding to enter races was nerve-wracking because so far I wasn’t social in my sports, but quickly found groups - including Maverick - that offered the support, laughs and guidance I was after.

I’m not a quick runner and don’t really feel like I need to be, instead preferring to test my ability with endurance and technique - downhills are my absolute favourite for the thrill of letting go, which I can’t say I do regularly in normal life.

I like to find new routes - even in my urban environment of London - to bring an appreciation to what we have around us. So for this, I also supplement running with road cycling, outdoor swimming when I can, and bouldering.

Other than this, I work in sustainable textiles and ethical fashion, along with being an organic food grower. I’m from the North East of England and have lived in London potentially for too long, yet I still find pockets that make it home - and would love to share this with you.