Club Running

When I first started running, I went along to a running club in the city in which I lived.  At that time, the club didn't cater well for new runners.  The runs started from the university, which was at the top of a big hill.  Everyone set off together in a big group, with most runners running at sub-8 minute mile pace.  They had to wait for us newcomers when we got to the bottom of the hill and, having had a few minutes to catch their breath, immediately sped off as we arrived.  After about 3 miles and having reached the other end of the city, we asked how much further they were planning to run.  The coach described a hilly route taking us further away from the start - we gave in. Never having run more than 3 miles before, we took a short cut back and began the slow climb up the hill, being overtaken on the way by runners.  It was demoralising and I didn't go back.


Having moved to a new area a few years ago, I decided a good way to meet people would be to give club running another go.  I looked on the internet and thought that Washlands Women Runners looked like a fun bunch.  I joined up and it was a good job too as a few weeks later I received notification of my place in the London Marathon.  The club was fantastically supportive during training - not only in terms of company during the long runs, planning routes but also for advice on all aspects of running the marathon.  


Partly to say thank you for the support I received, I now volunteer as a coach at the club every two weeks.  Unlike my experience previously, Washlands welcomes all levels of runners.  We offer 3 runs each week of different distances, as well as monthly speed and hill work sessions.  We try to ensure there are at least 3 coaches with each group - a fast coach, a middle coach and a back coach (we don't like the use 'slow coach'!).  I'm planning to volunteer as back coach this week so I can make sure I keep an easy pace!


We are occasionally invited to run with other clubs, including Hatton Darts' Tuesday night cross country sessions.  Unfortunately my husband cycles on a Tuesday so I can't usually make those runs.  However this week a football match meant I got a pass out and was able to join them.  It was too dark for cross country so we were pounding the pavements again but the route chosen definitely met the required 'hills' in our schedule!  Of course, the best thing about the Tuesday night runs are the refreshments laid on afterwards!