COVID-19 Lockdown

WHEN THE government put the country into lockdown life changed for all of us.   Old routines ceased and we had to start making new positive ones.   Not just in terms of how we are temporarily living but how we want life to be after COVID-19.   Please be aware that none of the groups are currently running but they will be back.. check the websites.

Ardingly 8km Village Run

A result of this is a lot of people have decided to start running.   People run for different reasons whether it’s to compete, improve their fitness or maintain good mental health.   Behind each person is a journey and a story of how running has impacted on their lives.   Running isn’t for everybody but for those who enjoy it there are huge advantages.

Running isn’t a destination, it’s a journey and here is mine with the intention of giving people options and ideas on what they can do, whether that’s to just continue with what they are doing or try to improve from where they currently are.

Three years ago, I suffered from work related stress and didn’t know how to deal with it.   I knew that exercise was good for stress so I joined the Dolphin Leisure Centre.   This was my first steps to improve my stress and fitness levels.

Worthing 10km

The Dolphin and its sister The Triangle in Burgess Hill were amazing. As a novice they gave me a personal trainer for three sessions as an introduction.   This gave me an overview on how to use the equipment and a tailored fitness plan to work with. This was when I discovered running machines.

I started to think about running outside instead of using a machine and downloaded the C25K app. (Couch to 5km).   There are many of these available but they are all roughly the same with the aim of getting you off the sofa and running.   The apps work in easy digestible chunks, slowly building up your endurance.

The (trainer realising that I was running more than rowing) asked if I had ever heard of Parkrun.   He explained what, where and how I could get involved so I looked it all up online, joined and by the end of the week I had completed my first 5km run.

Run Gatwick Half Marathon

Running suddenly took on a different meaning for me.   Up until now I had gone out on my own.   Suddenly it was about community and running with other people.   Parkrun isn’t a race, it’s about going out and completing the distance any way you want to do it.   Run, walk, run and walk it doesn’t matter. What did matter was the community around it from the runners to the volunteers.  Parkrun is held every Saturday at 09:00 in Clair Park, Haywards Heath.

Later I discovered the “Run Together” group J&M Running.   They are a registered England Athletics run group and teach people how to run using coaches and experienced runners.   Instead of using an app you can join a community from the beginning who help support and motivate you.   There is a small fee for the lessons which offer great supportive practical lessons.

Once I was established as a regular Parkrun member, I started to learn about other local events that anybody can take part in.   Lindfield 5km and 10km and Ardingly 8km both held on their village days and all monies received from the running goes to their local charity which is well worth supporting.   These were big changes for me as I had got used to running 5km. I was now pushing it out to 10km runs around the villages and countryside of Sussex.

Haywards Heath Harriers

There are a lot of running events you can sign up for and they can cost a lot of money.   You need to be choosy about which ones you want to do.   After starting to achieve 10km I wanted to have a go at a half marathon.   Being born in Redhill, Surrey I signed up for Run Reigate 10km and the following year I completed the half marathon as well as RunGatwick.   Because my wife is from Wales I ran the Cardiff University Half Marathon as well.

Still a member of Parkrun and enjoying their runs I started to talk to Haywards Heath Harriers and managed to get three taster sessions.   From there I joined and this really expanded my running.   I got regular training sessions with a qualified coach and support by both Harriers and England Athletics to run events including cross country.

Through running with Harriers I learned about the WestSussex Fun Run League, 18 affiliated clubs who organise one run per year for all the clubs to enjoy and race.   They are also open to anybody who wants to join in.   Current price is £3 per run which is fully marshalled and all are very different.

Cardiff Half Marathon Race Bib

Along with being a member of The Dolphin, once a week I do Hybrid Boxing for full strength and conditioning training which is about cross training for running.   This strengthens my core which helps to lift me through the difficult parts of a run.   Hybrid boxing costs £10 and is held every Sunday at Sussex Zest at 10:00.

From Parkrun through local events, Haywards Heath Harriers and West Sussex Fun Run League there is a real sense of community full of people who support and motivate you to join in.   As I said at the beginning it’s not just about running, it’s about community.

If lockdown has started you running and you are wondering how you can take this further then I hope this has given you some ideas.