Vicky was born in Bury in Greater Manchester in 1982. After playing Ollie Reynolds in Emmerdale for four years, Vicky moved on to the cobbles of Coronation Street where she has played Molly Dobbs since 2005. Vicky is now a regular at Great Run events, supporting the Leukaemia Research Banana Army.
Have you been running for a long time or have you recently taken it up?
I have been running for about five years now.
What inspired you to get running?
Seeing the marathon on the television in 2004 was the first time I ever even thought about running.
What is the best piece of training advice you’ve been given?
The best piece of advice, and also the hardest to follow, is “listen to your body”.
Do you train alone, with a running partner or as part of a group?
I train alone. Running for me is about three things - collecting my thoughts, pushing myself and listening to music I wouldn't dream of admitting to!
What was your first race and how did it go?
The first race I ever did was a 10k in Victoria Park for Leukaemia Research Banana Army. I remember feeling very nervous on that startline, 10k felt like a daunting distance then and I seemed to be surrounded by elites, but I was elated all the way home and that was the start of many more races for Leukaemia Research.
What is your greatest running achievement?
My greatest running achievement is a 15 mile training run. I was thinking of going for the marathon and wanted to see how far I could go. I went out alone and no one was more surprised than me that I managed that distance. The real achievement for me was the mental challenge of a 15 mile run.
Describe the atmosphere at a big mass participation event?
The atmosphere at a big run like the Great North Run is incredible, it is a humbling experience to be around so many people willing to challenge themselves and raise money for something or someone they are passionate about. It is hard to imagine the sheer volume of people all geared up for one goal and the energy that creates.
If you weren’t an actress, what career path do you think you would have taken?
If I wasn't an actress I would have liked to be in the circus.
What other interests do you have?
I like to paint recreationally and I love independent films. For me, a trip to the cinema or a browse round a gallery or craft fair is luxury.
What advice could you offer new runners preparing for their first event?
Don't do anything different than in a training run – a new pair of shorts or an alien breakfast can play havoc (you don't want tummy trouble or the dreaded chaffing on the big day). Also, run your race at your pace. I now realise it's inevitable I will spend the majority of a race being overtaken (often by a giant banana!).