To my own amazement
Hi, I’m Jeannie
That’s me far left waving during the 2008 Stroud Half Marathon. How did I get there. Let me tell you ……
I shall start, by telling you that I am not a runner. No way. But here I am discovering a new me.
It all started when my husband volunteered me for the Stroud Half Marathon
Faced with such a challenge I protested loudly but eventually capitulated and I have to say secretly enjoyed the thought of pushing the boundaries.
I still had no confidence that I could do it but once I started turning up to a few training sessions soon realised that I was not alone in having such fears. It was a real mixed bunch of people at training – some serious runners, some fun runners and some in-between - soon showed themselves to be a great gang of mad-caps who have not only given me the desire to keep fit but also have a whole heap of fun along the way. The training and encouragement are great and I always come back from the sessions feeling uplifted.
I still protest now and then and come up with reasons not to run …
– my knee aches for example (how many times have I heard people blame that one) – or it’s just too damn cold (another avoidance excuse).
But the bottom line is I can blame the odd ache and pain or I can get less and less fit physically whilst getting less and less fit more generally, or I can keep pedalling so to speak. Of course I take care not to get injured or to push myself to ridiculous lengths but I feel fitter and happier and somehow, to my own amazement, I keep on turning up, again and again.
One year on I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s brilliant.
“Oh and by the way, I did it – the Stroud Half Marathon. Can’t quite believe it myself.”
Jeannie from Stroud and member of Cotswold Allrunners
Aerobics avoided
March 17, 2009 by Simon
Late last year a friend of mine, Vicky, was challenged to run the Bath half marathon. I had just come out of a long term relationship was feeling a bit down on myself and decided it was time to get fit so I offered to go for a jog with her and keep her company.
The first night I ran I was completely exhausted by the time I got to the end of the road, we must have looked hilarious to anybody driving past! A few weeks later we were doing about a mile but really struggling, we had no motivation at all. By this time my friend had persuaded me to join her in the half marathon, somehow I had agreed and came to the conclusion if we were going to take part we had to do it properly.
One evening in January, on the way into our aerobics class we saw the Cotswold Allrunners gathering in the foyer of Stratford Park Leisure Centre in Stroud.
>>>> read more of Aerobics avoided
Treadmill to Towpaths
March 13, 2009 by CA Press
“I’ve been running for a couple of years on my own, mainly on a treadmill in the gym. I’d reached a point where I was finding it hard to motivate myself and wasn’t really sure how to improve.”
So, I joined Cotswold Allrunners and what a difference!
“Its great fun running with a group and being out in the fresh air. I’m amazed I’ve kept going during the winter months, even through sub zero temperatures and snow!
This is largely due to the support of the coach and everyone in the group. I’ve made some really good friends and everyone is so encouraging no matter what level they are at”
I’ve seen a huge improvement in myself, made good friends and there’s no greater motivation than that!
Liz Workman, member of Cotswold Allrunners
Failure at Gyms
March 4, 2009 by Simon
“I attempted running a few years ago when I reached the age of 50, with the notion of trying to get fit. I’m a complete failure at gyms or regimented exercise so thought I’d give running a bash.
Having never run before in my entire life and not having much of an idea of what I was a doing it became quite a challenge!
Over the next few months I started with a walk, and then progressed to a walk and jog, then a jog and eventually a run! I can remember being amazed when I actually managed a whole mile of pure running… without actually stopping or gasping for air! So on and on I plodded (literally being flat footed!) and managed to enter the Stroud Half Marathon and few other races along the way.
I don’t know when it happened but all of a sudden I began to love running,
it was quite sad as I could not wait to get home from work and don the old running shoes and get out there. Totally useless at it but loved being out there -. I’d be driving home from work and see someone running and think I want to be that person.
Then I got to the stage that I never improved and almost stagnated. I ended up doing the same old runs
(usually up and down the Nailsworth old cycle track) coupled with copious amounts of conversations to myself!
Around July last year I discovered Cotswold Allrunners. I was very nervous about joining at first and thought given my age I would be totally out of my depth and feel intimidated, but that could not have been further from the truth. I was instantly welcomed by everyone and within a week felt like part of the team.
I love the company and feel privileged to run alongside such lovely friendly people. If I don’t manage to make the club then I feel I’m letting everyone down and certainly miss the weekly chats and updates.
Everyone at the club are so motivating and encouraging and you always feel so welcome.
It astounds me how much I have learnt and improved in such a short period. Thanks to Simon, I now have the confidence to run up and down hills, I adore running through mud and puddles and my running shoes are now a very dirty brown colour which I’m led to believe is the mark of a true runner!
And to be honest it feels so good to be out in the open air, the views, the company and the countryside are so amazing- and it’s all there on your doorstep.
My ambitions in the future are to try and run a Half Marathon in 2 hours, but most importantly just enjoy every minute of it.”
Dinah from Stroud & member of Cotswold Allrunners
Best decision I have made
February 17, 2009 by Simon
I started running in July 2008, taking part in the 5km ‘race for life’. I suffered from sciatica since the birth of my daughter and had tried to keep fit, going to the gym, aerobics or swimming.
Two and a half years of constant pain, but when I ran I had no pain! I decided to start running more often, initially on my own, and then seeking out a club to run with as my husband was concerned with me running alone at night.
Running with others and the support of the coaches and other
members, has most definitely boosted my self confidence, and encouraged me to challenge myself even more. I have now completed the Stroud half marathon, and
I am set to run Bath half marathon in 4 weeks time. It really is fun, this comes from someone who would ask her mum to get her out of school sports as often as possible, with all number of excuses!
At 32 years old, this is my time for me, time away from all the pressures of life, enjoying the fresh air, our countryside and keeping fit.
I can honestly say this is one of the best decisions I have made in a long time
, and also gained some great friends who all enjoy doing the same thing.
If running is for you, and you are thinking of joining a club, why not come along and meet us, we are of mixed abilities and all really friendly.
Kate, from Stonehouse, and member of Cotswold Allrunners
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