I asked one of my runners about going from non-runner to doing her first 5k. Here’s Clare’s story…

My running ‘career’ has got off to several false starts… beginning with the nightmare and embarrassment of the school cross country! Of course even the worst memories fade so a few years ago I found myself signed up to a 5k run in Hyde Park. I had great intentions but didn’t put my trainers on once and it was suddenly too late – I missed the race. In 2015 I joined a gym and got straight on the treadmill – I lasted all of 6 minutes before, out of breath, weak and slightly nauseous – I gave up. It’s all been a bit of a challenge.

Then after Christmas my friend invited me to take part in a mini triathlon – including a 5K run. With a bit of hesitation, much nervous laughter and the usual triumph of hope over experience I said yes… after all I told myself – I can swim, I had a bike and a pair of (neglected) trainers. My New Year’s resolution was set.

And that was it – eight weeks later my trainers were still languishing at the back of the cupboard and resolution was turning to regret. The timing couldn’t have been better when mid-February I found out about Lazy Girl Running from a friend and signed up to the 0-5k group in Finsbury Park. The usual worries kicked in – what to wear? Who will be in the group? Can I do it? But finally, on Thursday 31 March, I donned my nearly new trainers, a pair of leggings and a t-shirt and headed to the park.

Everyone seemed a little nervous but we had turned up and that was the biggest step. After a warm up which included a gentle jog, side stepping, high knees and skipping (which should be not be reserved for under 10s) we did a minute of running followed by a minute of rest and repeated it 10 times. I couldn’t believe it but it actually seemed easy.

Each week we had “homework” that echoed the running we had done in the class and someone even suggested meeting up to do the practice runs together. For me that was key – I’ve discovered I find it easier to run as a group and we often did a little more than we were set!

Laura encouraged slow running which really helped and we gradually increased the running time over the next few weeks. Twenty minutes of continuous running was a really rewarding milestone.

On the final week we ran 5km in 33mins 10 secs. It wasn’t easy but there was a great sense of achievement. All those weeks building up to it were definitely worth it. Last weekend we took part in our first Finsbury Park Run. Everyone was so friendly, it was a great buzz to run with so many people and we even made a new personal best!

Starting slowly and building up with the group has been a really positive and achievable experience and I’m so glad I overcame my nerves and signed up.

At the end of our course Laura gave us a badge that said ‘I’d rather be running’ – it’s a slight exaggeration but at least now I know I can!