Get to know…Maisie Trafford

For this week’s chosen member we are joined by the very focused and hard-working Maisie Trafford. Fresh from her team Gold winning performance and 6th lady at the Chichester 10k on Sunday, Maisie has managed to squeeze in some time for this week’s Q&A’s. It was very obvious from the start of joining Arena 80 that Maisie was a very determined and focused athlete when in only her second run in an Arena top, Maisie entered the Arena women’s club records taking the 4th spot for the Preston Park parkrun with her time of 18.43. Since then Maisie has got stronger and faster and now features very much in the starting line up for Arena. There is still a lot more to come from Maisie and we look forward to seeing her progression but for now let’s meet the lady herself…Over to you Maisie.  
Name: Maisie Lilly Trafford
1. When and why did you join Arena: 
I joined arena in March 2017. I had been advised to join Arena specifically for a number of years by Fiona Jamie, who I’ve been a client and friend of since I was in school playing Hockey and Netball. I finally gave in and joined after running the Brighton Half Marathon and realising actually, 91 minutes was a half decent time for someone who didn’t train. 

2. How long have you been running:
If you class running around a hockey pitch, football pitch and netball court.. since I was in Year 4 at school. But actually training/running competitively, maybe a year and a half?
3. Where did you grow up:
Brighton, Rottingdean to be specific, although, not much time was spent there. More so in the country at Bedes Senior School, where my school days of 7am-6pm became my home.
4. Which three words best describe you
Gullible, dedicated, dopey.
5. Apart from running what else do you do with your free time:
I’m at Brighton Uni training to be a PE teacher, apart from my studying, I’m often working earning the ££ so that I can spend it on all the clothes I want :D, or going shopping with my best friends and at the gym, with my other friends…

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now
Hopefully as a head of department in a school in the UK or abroad, preferably settled down with a boyfriend in a mansion with my Chihuahuas.
7. Tell me about something you would happily do again
Go to Barbados on a netball tour, it was incredible. Playing against the springy Bajan girls and then going for dinner with them on the beach. It’s one of the best life experiences I’ve gained while I was at school.  
8. You have a free day to yourself, what will you do with it
Go for a run, go to the gym, go shopping, get sushi for dinner and then watch prison break on Netflix, sorted.
9. Who is your sporting hero: 
CAROLINE HOYTE, obv. On a serious note, her passion for running and help she’s provided me as a training partner is second to none.
10. What do you hope will be a highlight for you in 2018
Getting a near to sub 36min/35min 10K time, getting a 1st on my dissertation, getting a 1st out of University and getting a job as a PE teacher for my NQT year OH, and going on a holiday in the Caribbean.
11. Have you anything on your bucket list that you want to do:
I don’t really do the whole ‘bucket list’ sort of thing, I just take each day as it comes.. if something spontaneous comes up, I’ll do it.
12. What’s the first thing you notice about people
Their sporting attributes.. weird, I know. It’s interesting to guess what sport or activities they’re involved in.
13.What was the last series that you binge watched:
Stranger things, unreal.
14. Name 3 people (dead or alive) you would like to sit in a pub with: 
I don’t really sit in pubs.. I’m more of a unique coffee shop type of girl. None the less..
Donald Trump to see how much I could annoy him, David Attenborough and Keith Lemon.
15. Tell us something we don’t know about you: 
I was in the England Hockey development squad from 16-18 years old. Also, as many people get confused, my name is indeed Maisie Trafford, not Maisie Lilly.
16. What motivates you: 
Getting a PB, other individuals who are just as motivated and I’m not going to lie, probably money if that’s in the mix.
17. What are your 3 most used apps: 
Iphone Messenger, Spotify and Mail – how boring.
18. When are you at your happiest:  
On a Sunday as soon as I’ve finished a long run, on the downs, in undulated amounts of mud.. wind.. and rain, with good old Jago and Dixie.
19. If you didn’t run what other sport would you like to have done:
Gymnastics, 100%.  
20. Is there any where you want to travel to and see:
Bahamas, Australia, Asia & Thailand. If anyone wants to book the flights feel free.
Our biggest thanks to Maisie for her Q&A’s this week and we hope that you feel that you have now got to know Maisie a little better. Check back next Wednesday for another set of Q&A’s with our chosen club member.