Recently our Wreake Runners ‘learn to run’ group graduated into the 5km Parkrun Hall of fame! Rewind ten weeks and we had 18 completely new to running participants nervous about the forthcoming weeks ahead. We also welcomed the return of some of our members who had not run for a long time and wanted to get back into it again. From the first week the group showed up to run in freezing conditions including rain, snow, sleet and high winds. The downpours that happened didn’t dampen their spirits at all and with the help of club members assisting each week meant a good rapport was formed. This Winter/Spring 2018 group had a very diverse age range from university students through to retired, all took it in their stride. We’re so proud of their efforts each week, and the club members look forward to seeing the learn to run group progress and achieve new personal goals. They are a credit to our club members and themselves. Many people in the group have now joined our club, and can look forward to joining us on a variety of scenic runs throughout the spring and summer months ahead.
Don’t take our word for the success of the group, below are some comments from some of our recent graduates:
Jill K-H says:
“As a mature Woman who has never been involved in any sport throughout her adult life, I joined Wreake Runners Beginners Programme to improve bone density & fitness. Each meeting included stretches & a warm up. From the first night we were competently trained & well supported throughout the Course. All Club Members who ran with us were very friendly & patient as we improved. Each week was challenging but satisfying & every stage required some self motivation to put in the additional runs needed each week. Did I run 5km? Yes I did! Was it rewarding? Oh yes! When you join you will meet me & we can exchange experiences. Good luck.”
Mark H says:
“I would like to thank you all for your help, support and advice during my time with you doing the ‘Learn to Run’ program. You all made me feel very welcome and the encouragement I received from all your members and participants helped me through. I would like to recommend anybody to join this friendly club weather you are a novice like me or an Olympic athlete.”
Poonam M he says:
“Prior to joining this group, the thought of running made me laugh. Me running? I’d think to myself… never!!! I thought of all the excuses under the sun of why I couldn’t do it. The usual – I don’t have any nice trainers, I’ll embarrass myself and the best one – I don’t have anyone to join with. Then one night I emailed one of the lovely members who run the group and decided to take the plunge. I’ve not looked back since. The group is just what you need if you’ve never ran before, are a beginner or simply if you want to run with a group of people. Everyone is so nice, the wonderful people who run the group and the new people running just like you. Every week it steps up a gear and you rise to each and every challenge. On many nights, I thought I wouldn’t make it but I went along… and I did. It’s a wonderful feeling, seeing the progress you make. I still can’t believe that in 10 weeks from nothing, I ran 5Km. I’ve ran my first Park run! I am still shocked. Not only this, I’ve now joined the Wreake Runners on a Tuesday club night too. So if you are thinking twice about doing it, just do it.. you’ll never look back. Best thing I’ve done this year”.
It was such a successful group we plan to have new ‘learn to run’ group in Autumn 2018, so if you fancy this contact us today to find out more.
If you can already run over 5km come along to our club night and give us a try! We are based at the Roundhill Academy, Thurmaston. We are a small and friendly club and we warmly welcome runners from the fastest to the not so fast from the surrounding villages. We have club nights twice a week, attend local races, and have regular social events. More information on our website: www.wreakerunners.co.uk