Anne Holyland joined Wreake Runners a year ago, prior to joining she had only ran occasionally, since becoming a Wreake Runner Anne has gone on to win the ladies Leicester Half Marathon 2015, along with a string of league road and cross country races. Here Anne shares her thoughts on her first year as a Wreake Runner:
Asda Hill Reps to Home Countries Internationals – A Year in The Life of a Wreake Runner
March 2015 – So after months of toying with the idea of joining a running club and Googling to see which clubs looked the friendliest to join, I finally made it down to ‘The Hub’ one Thursday evening feeling somewhat nervous and not quite sure what to expect. The club schedule was for hill reps behind Asda and whilst this might not of been the most interesting of running experiences for my first night with Wreake, what sticks in my mind the most, even now, is how friendly everyone was to me and how much I really enjoyed my very first night at the club.
As I began attending the clubs nights on a regular basis, I soon realized what a great club this was. There was a varied club schedule which included pub runs, cross country in the summer, intervals and so much more. The club also has a number of social activities and has a good team turn out for the road and cross country league races throughout the year.
My first race for Wreake was the West End 8 and after being warned about some killer hills in Croxton, I was just hoping to get round in a respectable time and try to enjoy it at the same time. The hills lived up to their billing, but I managed to drag myself round and was shocked when I crossed the line in forth place! I had absolutely loved the race and being part of a team that supported each other and cheered each other on. I couldn’t wait for the next race, and have been proud to wear my Wreake vest at many races since.
March 2016 – So fast forward 12 months and I find myself in a Midlands vest in Scotland lining up on the start line alongside some top UK athletes. The sun was shining and the venue was perfect and the whole day will live with me for a long time. The race itself was very tough but thanks to great support from Jim and months of marathon training, I felt strong and was very pleased with my 8th place in a top class field. Who would of thought that when I joined the club 12 months ago, it would lead to this?
It really has been a whirlwind of a year and there have been so many highlights along the way – making lots of new friends, trying to keep warm in the tent before the start of a XC race, eating cake in the tent after a XC race, the Christmas lights run, the club handicap run, lots of PBs and many many more great memories.
I can honestly say that joining a running club is one of the best things I’ve ever done and Wreake Runners was the best choice I could have made. When I joined the club I was by no means a fast runner. I had run a few half marathons in the past but I hadn’t ever taken running seriously. But thanks to some great coaching and lots of support from everyone, I have had a great first year at Wreake and have a new found love of running!
Wreake Runners really does cater for all types of runners – whatever your ability or whatever your reason for running is.Thanks to everyone who makes the club what it is – I’m looking forward to lots more years of being a Wreake Runner!