I became evangelical about running, probably a bit of a running bore. I was the exercise equivalent of the ex-smoker who becomes the most vocal about why all their friends should give up smoking immediately. I’d seen the light and I wanted everyone to join me.
I’ve stopped banging my drum so loudly in the past couple of years. I know that people have to come to the decision to start exercising themselves. But along the way a few friends have expressed a desire to have a go at this thing we call running. And I’ve been there to help and encourage them.
I went out running with a friend who hadn’t run in more than 10 years. We headed to Finsbury Park where his aim was to complete one 1.5 mile lap – we ran two. I’ve helped four friends to the finish line of their first marathon. More important than the finish line glory is the fact that they’ve carried on running. They’ve become runners and learnt to love it.
Last year I trained as a UK Athletics Leader in Running Fitness which means I’m insured and qualified to lead groups of runners. I’ve been doing this a bit through my running club for the past couple of months and have been a ‘mentor’ to other club members taking on their first marathon.
Now, though, I’m starting my own running group. It’s a beginners’ running group taking people from 0 to 5k. People who are just like I was five years ago – who like the idea of running but find it all a bit hard. I want to show them that running can be fun and it can be something they can do.
So if you know anyone in North London who wants to start running, send them my way.
That is so awesome.
Shame I don’t live in London, would love to join your running group.
You will totally rock it.
I just wish I were living in London (for several reasons), and I wish I were at the point of wanting to be able to run at all – just for the fun of having you as my running mentor 🙂
As it is, I stay put in Denmark and enjoy reading your blog and try to take your running advice.
Keep up the good work!
Ah thanks guys, that’s really nice to say. Conny, I’m sure you’ll get there.
Laura.
You are brilliant and will be brilliant at leading your running group because you are dead brilliant.
Oh, I have just left living in London. I would have loved to have joined your running group. Would be great to meet new people and also be more motivated to work out.
A great idea to set up a group. Always think you are more motivated if you are in some sort of club.
That’s great news! We’ll be sure to send any North London based newbies your way.
Will you include updates on the group’s progress on the blog?
Gotta get back to my joggin!Thanks for the inspiration!
Jen
Hard to stay motivated so setting up a group must really help! 😉