Athlete profile · England Masters
Penny
Barber
Road · trail · cross country · 91.52% age grade
Penny did not start running until she was 51. Sixteen years later, she has represented England Masters in cross country, recorded a 91.52% age grade over 5K and still has every intention of racing into her eighties.
400m
77.1
5K
19:43
10K
40:49
10 miles
68:07
Half marathon
89:58
20 miles
2:42:55
Marathon
3:32
5K age grade
91.52%
How it started
Penny took up running while supporting three young women doing Race for Life. Their combined age was less than hers — and they chose the 10K rather than the 5K.
She was then talked into running a half marathon for the charity she worked for, so decided she had better join a club.
Why Tipton
“It’s the kit! Classic design — and green and white is so flattering on a bright red, over-exerted face.”
She knew of the club through Labour Party comrade Peter “Geno” Griffiths. The location worked for home and work too, with a brisk warm-up walk from Tipton station.
Proudest moment
Being selected at her first attempt for the England Masters F55–59 cross country team.
Her main racing is road, trail and cross country, across distances up to and including the half marathon.
Tough periods
Injuries meant trusting a great physio and doing exactly what he said. Personal training helped her use what still worked, with challenge and praise lifting the low mood.
She also found that helping others mattered: marshalling at parkrun and races, and helping coaches with timing.
What Tipton means
“Everything. I would not have developed at all without Tipton Harriers.”
Ray Stanier, Amie Williams and Kate Williams said the right things at the right times when she started. Andy Bentley now ensures she keeps making an effort.
Goals
Next up: a full cross country season.
Long term: keep going until 80, record another age grade over 90%, and be selected for another England Masters XC team — counting in the race again.
Training week
Tuesdays and Thursdays follow Coach Andy’s sessions. Sunday is a steady 14 miles with a couple of others; Friday is rest.
Monday is a steady five miles on the canal, Wednesday is five steady miles over grassy hills, and Saturday is parkrun or another steady run.
Monday is also the big gym day: yoga, heavy weights, run, swim, HIIT and Pilates. Wednesday brings heavy weights, kettlebells and yoga.
Daily mobility work keeps plantar fasciitis at bay, helps her back and keeps an arthritic left knee behaving.
Favourite: grass sessions at Baggeridge or Himley, and the Sedgley Beacon hill session. Least favourite: Ball Park 800s.
Inspiration & quick fire
Her most inspirational athlete is Billie Jean King.
Best advice: swing your arms back far enough for your hands to hit imaginary pulled-out hip pockets. It keeps the shoulders pinned back and the chest open.
Road or cross country
XC
Track or trails
Trail
Morning or evening
Morning
Solo or group
Group
Headphones
None in a group; nearly always when solo
Post-race treat
A Bathams Mild — and the second one isn’t bad either
Surprise fact
Roofing qualification and a motorbike licence
“Do it — there’s loads of room at the back with me to start, and you’ll soon be leaving me standing.”
