Runstreak Day #449 - full day of NWR

This whole 'setting up a running club' thing seemed like such a simple idea.  We had lots of members of our Facebook group.  Plenty of willingness.  And oodles of enthusiasm.

The reality is that it's a LOT of work, taken on by a very few people.  In the last week, I've set up an AGM and promoted it, attended a meeting with the city council, I've drafted a club constitution, posted role descriptors ready for nominations, come up with a system for voting and prepared a load of posters for our new beginners and improvers' sessions.  As well as writing emails to my beginners group and delivering the session itself.  You have to really want it to happen to get it to happen.  Fortunately, I believe that it's the right thing to be doing and am happy to put the time in... but you sure couldn't do this stuff half-heartedly!!

So... today's run was actually two runs.  One was a run to my beginners' session.  Not particularly fast, but a nice steady pace which felt good.  The second was the 25 minute run with the group.  They did amazingly well again - some running a lot more than 25 minutes.  It blows me away to see their progress.  And I love their enthusiasm and passion for their running too.  I knew I wanted to run beginners' sessions when I decided to do the LiRF last year, but I had no idea exactly how rewarding it would be.  It is so much fun but it is such a privilege as well.  You get to see the difference running makes to other people's lives... and it's wonderful.

Simple ideas take a lot of effort.  Simple ideas can make a real difference.  And if you want to make a difference, you have to put in the effort!  If nothing else doing this runstreak has taught me is that you never regret finding a way to make time for the things you believe are worth doing.

449 days.  Yup.  Don't regret any of 'em.

Runstreak Day #444 - Tesco Tuesdays

I love my Tesco Tuesdays!!  About 25 - 30 from my beginners' group on a Sunday meet to repeat our Sunday run on Tuesday evenings!  It's flippin' brilliant.  Someone said to me this evening was I sad to see my little flock flying the nest as they ran their 20+ minutes... but that's not the case at all.  I LOVE seeing them able to run.  I don't think they have any idea how happy it makes me to see them flying along!  They have gone from my beginner group to being my newest running buddies.  It's awesome and I am the proudest proudest mother hen around!

I noticed this evening that in the first few weeks, while they were walking, they'd chat... but when they were running, it would go silent.  Now they run and chat at the same time!  How cool is that?  Everyone's comfortable enough with their running that they've got beyond the 'OMG immagonnadie' bit of the first minute of running... and now they're running.  They're properly running.  And chatting too.  WOOOO HOOO!!

It's just fabulous to see everyone from those who are at the front and can run a bit further to those in the middle who push themselves... to those at the back who are trying and trying with every step... it's wonderful to see what they can achieve.  I used to run on my own.  Always on my own.  I didn't realise that running with others could be such a privilege.  And when it's runners who you've shared such a change with.  It is the most incredible thing.

And on Thursday I've been invited to talk about our running group... and I can't wait to do that either.  It's a special community we've created.  I hope other people can see it too!

Runstreak Day #442 - Sunday beginner funday

Yay!  Today was a fab running day.  I got to run with my beginners' group again... we now have 96 runners registered at my Sunday morning sessions... isn't that mad???  I never thought when I did the LiRF last year that I'd get to lead such a big and amazing group.  Or that it would give me far more than I could ever have imagined.

My group did their first ever 20 minute run today and the atmosphere was electric.  Full of nerves before they started... and then... such pride at the end.  Lots of cheering when the 20 minutes was reached, high fives, hugs... it was awesome.  I don't know that many of them could believe they'd done it.  And done it in style too.  Full of ace socks and happy runners, chatting as they went and supporting each other brilliantly.

I could wish that when I'd started I'd had a group to run with.  It took me a year to brave running with other people and I was so nervous about being 'found out' that I wasn't a proper runner.  Yet, here is this big, fabulous group of women, running together round the park while other park users smile and watch them go.  It's just incredible to be part of.

Is it daft if I actually feel a bit tingly and teary when I think about it?  I am just SO proud of them and all they've achieved in the past few weeks.

I'm also a teensy bit proud of myself today... I've managed my first ever 40 mile+ week and have clocked up over 200 miles already this year.

Just goes to show, it doesn't matter if you're running for 1 minute, 20 minutes or racking up the miles in some other way - running gives you so much to feel positive about.

I <3 running!!

And tea.  And my running friends.  And awesome socks.  And my trainers!!  And being outside and feeling inspired, free and completely happy on a Sunday morning.

*happy dances*

Runstreak Day #435 - soxy!

Hooray!  It's me and some of my fab Beginners' group from this morning's session *points at photo*  ... and look... crazy sock wearing is spreading all over Nottingham!!   YAY!!!!

Beautiful morning for a run today. I could almost... almost start to feel that *whispers* Spring might be in the air.  Almost.  The sun was out and there was a teensy bit of warmth to it.  There was lots of happy chatting as we ran.  And I even managed to be outside without a bobble hat on for.... ooooh... seconds!

As seems to be the case at the moment, my running was broken up into smaller runs.  One run to the park - where I thought I was late and took a stupidly steep shortcut - and then arrived early.  Whoops!  One run with the beginners' group around the lakes... totally inspiring as ever.  I LOVE it!  And one run around the lakes again at the end looking for someone's keys which had been dropped!  A little extra bonus of a run right at the end.  Gotta love it.  Still, at least I wasn't standing around getting cold today.  I got to enjoy the company of a whole load of other incredible women.  And had moments with Zoe Blackburn​ which made me laugh my face off.

What's not to like about starting off a Sunday like that?  As I was doing my final bit of running to look for the car keys I was running thinking 'must concentrate on looking for keys... oooh... isn't it lovely to be running along in the sunshine... and look at the sparkly water... and oh, there's some geese... and a puppy dog... hello puppy dog... mmmm, running under the trees... soon be Spring... la la laaaa... Whoops!  Should be looking for keys... concentrate... concentrate... keys... right... look for them... oh, hello blue sky!  And snowdrops!  Oh and mind out for the puddle... doo be doo...'

I didn't find the keys.

Fortunately, someone else did.  Phewie!!

Day 435 - you were a goodie!  And I've finally brought my weekly mileage back up above 35 miles.  Result!!

Runstreak Day #428 - beginners are brilliant!!

Is it too early to be in bed?  No?  Oh, that *is* good!  Because I am wrecked!

I'm struggling to remember what I've done today let alone what number day of running this is.  Possibly day 428?  Maybe?  I dunno.  Anyway, this is what is called 'the run after the sleepover the night before'.  Which means running on even less sleep than normal.  *ya-a-a-a-a-awn*

Fortunately my runs today were amazingly positive ones.  First was a run to the local country park... a quick couple of miles or so, tootling along, listening to music and generally being in my happy place.  Second was my beginners' group.  We're now up to 93 people registered for our Sunday morning group, which is mind-blowing!  And today they were just so, so, so fantastic.  The very best bit is seeing how happy everyone is.  And how proud they are.  And after the run, we get messages to our Facebook group like this:

"I speak on behalf of everyone saying we are all buzzing off your motivation and support and it then helps us to encourage and support each other. Since I started last Sunday and including today I have clocked up 10.5 miles and that for me is a major deal"

"Today was amazing. It was so nice running back to a group of ladies clapping and cheering! Everyone's so friendly and encouraging. I felt so proud of myself after I had finished and though "wow I can run" Never done any running before since I started these sessions 4 weeks ago but I'm definitely hooked! I love the buzz you get after finishing a run! Already looking forward to next weeks session"

"so lovely to see so many ladies all together and encouraging each other"

"the support from Everyone is amazing,I love the fact I can be running along and turn to talk to anyone of you"

"Can't believe I managed it today but so chuffed with myself, as soon as I finish I'm thinking bring on next week. It really does help having everyone else around you, without doubt if I was on my own I wouldn't have got this far"

"Finishing the extra loop was amazing. Feeling so proud. Great sense of achievement!"

"So proud of how far we have come...thanks Sarah & team #thesegirlscan"

Isn't that just the loveliest way to start a Sunday?  I get tingles when I think about getting to run with them all.  I feel so lucky and so honoured to be part of them all making this change to their lives.  Two years ago, that was me, starting out running... but I was on my own.  Now, I get to share what running means to me and see the blossoming self belief and confidence in so many other women.  Who are all supporting each other.  It is a powerfully beautiful thing.

If anyone is thinking about doing the LiRF course and starting their own beginners' courses... DO IT!  It is by far and away one of the best things I have done in a really long time.  Running is a gift you give yourself... but if you can share that gift with someone else, it becomes something so incredible it'll knock your socks off.

Even when you're feeling dog-tired!

*happy dances off to bed*

Runstreak Day #422 - more fun with beginners

... and another double run day.  Which means that I am now officially exhausted.  It wasn't actually the running which tired me out though.  Okay, a little bit, but not much.  It was the lack of sleep after horrendous nightmares and then an intense counselling session which left me feeling pretty drained*.  Compared to that, running is a little gift of happiness.

I have been feeling pretty darned fed up of the whole PTSD thing, so being able to run and feel a physical energy flowing is bloomin' brilliant.  My first run was running my littlest to school.  He was on his scooter... and I ran.  And secretly enjoyed the surprised faces of other parents as I ran back home after them clocking me not looking my normal maternal self, and instead, running up a flippin' big hill.  That is a nice feeling.

My second run involved running with our Notts Women Runners Monday evening group.  I back-mark that group and I really enjoy it.  You get to have a nice chat with the runners at the back, you get to see the difference a bit of encouragement and support makes... and you get to witness women pushing themselves and feeling proud of what they have achieved.  When you're leading a session, you get a bit caught up in trying to be all eyes, ears and organisation... assisting is a different story.  They're both good in different ways, but it is special to feel that connection with a smaller group of runners.

And bed is calling...

*falls asleep instantly*

* this isn't to say that counselling isn't a good thing, it's just that it is an intense process of working through things which is very tiring.

Runstreak Day #421 - hooray for Sundays

Today's Sunday was awesome!

Y'know though, Sunday used to be a bit of a bleurgh day. It's really Monday Eve and with a Monday hanging over you it always takes the shine off. But it's not like that any more because every Sunday morning I get to lead our Notts Women Runners beginners' session at the nearby Country Park and it is so fabulous it makes my toes tingle with happiness. Firstly, I get to have a laugh with Zoe Blackburn, Sion Bostock and other running friends. Secondly, I get to be with oodles of other women runners. And thirdly, we basically take over the park!

I'd run to the park to get my legs warmed up (and get a few more miles in) and arriving to a chatty burble of women all ready for the session was another 'eeeek - this is really brilliant!!' moment. Today, we had another 11 new runners join us. That means our Sunday beginners group now has 91 registered members. 91! Added to 41 at our Monday group and in the past couple of weeks we've started over 130 women off running. Isn't that mind-blowing?!

It is an incredible sight to see everyone setting off on the run. A sea of women doing something fabulous for themselves and all believing more and more that they can actually run. So many of them tell me how happy it's making them. How much they enjoy running with other women. How proud they are of themselves. How they are starting to feel fitter. How the running bug has got them already! I absolutely love it.

Okay, so my trainers needed a wash by the time I got home (that park is nothing if not muddy!), but I'd had a morning of sunshiney running happiness and that filled up my tank of positivity for the rest of the day. Plus, for the first time in ages my mileage is finally back up to being above 30 miles in a week... which makes me feel like my June marathon may not be such a stupid idea after all.

Sunday... you were a little bag of epic loveliness. Same time again next week? Don't mind if I do! Oh, and I get to run with our other beginners' group tomorrow! YAY!!!!

I LOVE RUNNING!!!!

And tea. I really love tea a lot as well. :o)

Runstreak Day #414 - running changes lives

Runstreak Day 414 - and another day which blew my (RMR!) socks off.  The second session in the beginners course I'm leading at the moment and after last week's amazing 62 runners... we had 18 new runners join our existing group!!  It was incredible!  Fortunately a brilliant friend of mine was on hand to assist... as well as another 6 of our experienced Notts Women Runners to help as those numbers are hard to handle and it's so important that no-one is left behind and no-one is made to feel that they're not welcome.

I'd run there so as to get a bit of a 'proper' run in as well as to check out how icy it was at the country park... but other than being sparkly and beautiful, the ice really wasn't a problem at all.  By 10:45 there were already runners turning up.  And then... wave after wave of them appeared.  It is such a brilliant atmosphere though.  Chatting, laughing and so friendly.  It makes me feel so proud to be part of how good running can be for bringing people together.  I love that there wasn't anyone standing on their own, looking lost.

We started with a warm up walk... then they got stuck into their run-walking.  It is *the* most wonderful thing to see a group of women running, talking, laughing, and being together.  All different ages.  All different shapes and sizes.  Taking over the park and doing something brilliant for themselves.  And when we'd finished all of the running bits and only had one last walk to do, one of the women said to me 'I feel so proud of myself, I never would have believed I could do that.' and I felt all tingly with happiness.  That is the gift that running gives you.  The feeling of pride.  The feeling of achievement.  And after only two weeks, our runners are already getting to experience that.

How flippin' amazing is that?  Even though it was hard work for everyone, we had comments such as 'I loved every minute of it', 'fab run' and so many others.   I really am so lucky to be able to run... and to be able to share that with other people.  A bright, sparkly, special morning, shared with an inspiring group of women.  Goose-bumpy stuff!!

If anyone's thinking about doing the Leadership in Running Fitness course... or thinking about setting up their own running club... do it.  Make it happen and a door into something more awesome than you can imagine will open right up.

Tea.  And happy dancing.  Oh yeah!  I love my Sunday mornings.  They're the best!!  :D

Runstreak Day #408 - short, slow but sweet

So, an even shorter run than yesterday... but since I also walked over 6 miles (and had a counselling session which is always a hard, emotional experience), I don't really mind!  Short and sweet can be exactly enough some days.

Plus, I had the fantastic experience of helping another 31 women do their first ever run this evening.  Today,  I was assisting rather than leading the session and ran at the back to make sure that no-one was left behind.  Even though it was so hard when I was first beginning to learn to run, that experience is just so valuable when helping others to start out.  You know how they must be feeling... that lung burning, leg aching body shock that is running.  You can encourage them through those last few seconds of their run... you can tell them how amazing they're being by giving it a go... you know what the voice in their head is telling them about whether or not they can do it at all.

I loved being the tail runner.  And I felt so proud of all of the women we supported today too.  31 runners, 1 leader, 1 assistant and 5 helpers.  Such a positive, fabulous atmosphere.  Women supporting women.  Brilliant stuff.  And all from that little Facebook group I set up with a couple of other running friends.  We now have over 260 members and between yesterday and today have started off 93 women on their running journeys.

Tomorrow, I'll run more, but today I ran with people for whom today's run was a long and hard one.  But it could be life changing for them.  Isn't that just magic?

Lucky old me!

Runstreak Day #407 - my first beginners' session

Something amazing happened this morning.  Honestly and truly amazing!  Probably my best running experience to date and it blew my little socks off.

Day 407 of my running streak and it didn't matter about the pace or the distance I ran... but I was leading my first ever beginners' session and getting other women active and starting running was what it was all about.

We'd expected there would be around about 25 women - and as we waited for the session to start, more and more kept arriving.  There was nowhere to park in either of the free car parks by the time 11am arrived.  In the end there were 62 beginners!!!!  62!!!  Plus 5 helpers, 1 assistant (who also took the photos - ta, Zoe!) and me leading it.  69 of us basically took over a country park in Nottingham!

 Even thinking about it now makes me smile with happiness - all of us women, doing something amazing for our minds and our bodies.  Making a start on a new adventure together.  Brilliant!  And overnight our Notts Women Runners group has grown by over 30 new members and there are now more than 240 of us!

If I could bottle this feeling, I totally would!  I never in a million years thought I'd be leading a group of beginners.  Two years ago when I was starting to learn to run myself, on my own, I just slogged away at it until I got there.  But helping other women to support one another while they go through that same journey is a fabulous feeling.

Y'know, when we first talked about putting on the sessions back in September / October, we hoped we might have a handful of beginners.  I can't quite believe how many people turned up, or how brilliantly hard they tried the whole way through - and more are wanting to come next week!  From those who were obviously regular exercisers to those for whom any exercise had been a long while ago.  They were incredible.  So inspiring!

Every time you see someone starting their journey to becoming a runner, you are privileged.  I got to be part of helping 62 people do just that this morning.  I feel like the luckiest runner ever.

And afterwards I ran round the park with a couple of running friends, and felt lucky all over again that I have so many great people in my life, and all through running.

Today was amazeballs.  :D