I remember standing at the end of the Potters 'Arf waiting for my mum to come through the finish line and thinking 'I wish I could do something like this.'
The only exercise I'd been done for the past 18 months was walk the dog, so a half marathon felt utterly unachievable. After thinking about joining the gym (again!) and searching online for circuit training classes, which had scary names, (as well as before and after pictures of flab to abs in six weeks) I decided that neither were for me. I wanted something which I would stick with and more importantly, enjoy! Getting married in April is a huge motivation to get fitter and feel better about my body. With that in mind, and some motivation from my mum who has found so much joy since joining, I came to Potters Trotters in July. I was a little apprehensive at first (like most ladies I imagine) and sat pondering, 'What if everyone can run faster and further than me? What if I come... last?!' After my first week in the run/walk group I realised that in this club the answer to those questions is 'so what!' Here no one comes last, everyone is encouraged to walk or run faster but your only competition is yourself. I've never felt so supported, motivated or energised to run or generally push myself to get fitter. Each week I'm running a little bit further, getting a little bit quicker and feeling so much better. Like most of us the stress of work (& life in general) doesn't stop when you log off the computer. And over the past month I've realised that going for a run with a group of like minded, friendly, supportive and empowering women is as good for my mental wellbeing as my physical health. My initial goal was to simply go back to Potters Trotter the following week. I've achieve that and look forward to every club run, and more recently Park Run. My next goal is to look great for my wedding (hopefully training for a 10k and maybe... a half marathon will help me get there). But my ultimate goal is to make sure I keep finding so much joy from running because it feels great and I've got Potters Trotters to thank for that. |
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