Let’s get something clear from the start – I’m not a runner, never have been, quite likely
never will be – I don’t see myself squeezing into anything lycra or fluorescent at any point. I
may, therefore, seem like an unlikely candidate for a couch to 5km but I read the advert
“couch to 5k “your way” and some key words struck me, words that I would not usually
associate with a running club – “friendly”, “gentle-paced”, “inclusive”, “value is friendship”
and the club mantra “no-one runs alone”. It piqued my interest sufficiently to put out some
feelers, but I felt an honest approach was needed and I declared early that I was pushing 50,
out of shape and hadn’t broken into a jog since running for a bus… about 23 years ago. I
received an exceptionally kind and supportive response and, nerves abound, signed on the
dotted line and paid the very reasonable amount of dosh for the course.
Ready to go for session 1 (who the hell ever invented a zip fronted sports bra, it’s like doing
ten rounds with Mike Tyson), I had a family emergency and, instead of meeting the rest of
the brave new recruits, made an emergency dash to Somerset …wearing said sports bra.
Now feeling on the back foot even more and missing the initial induction I had to have a
stern word and put on my big girl pants (not lycra) to show up to week 2. What kept me in it
then? Well, kind and supportive words from complete strangers (many now friends) on the
WhatsApp group set up to support the process. A group where fears, disappointments,
celebrations, many laughs and mutual encouragement has been shared week to week.
Highlights including “it’s really not a hill, its an upward flat section” and regular words of
positive encouragement and tips from fellow couch to 5k’ers and Matt and Louise, the group
leaders (more about them later).
A group of 20+ of us started, all at different points in our journey – some already seasoned
runners returning from injury, others fitties with long levers and youth on their side who had
never run but looked like a 5km was in their sights by week 3 and a handful of people
affectionally called the “walk/jog” group by the leaders (we all know we were the “slow” group
really!). Sessions started with structured warm-ups before a variety of interval-based efforts
designed to help us progress within our own comfort zones and capabilities. All effort and
progress was recognised and celebrated without critique or judgment with frequent
reminders that any effort was better than being at home and sitting on the sofa. We naturally
split into pace-based groups and session buddies (no one runs alone, remember?) and the
sessions were supported by quite simply brilliant, patient and generous club members who
volunteered their time – big shout outs to Janet and particularly the amazing Val for the
endless encouragement and patience at the back and others including Nick at the front (I
rarely saw him but heard equally great things about him from other group members)!
As a group, we turned up weekly and walk/jogged/ran through gales, hale, rain and plenty of
darkness having some right old laughs along the way through the winter months. I couldn’t
be prouder of seeing my running buddies get stronger every week and build their confidence
and fitness. My own journey is slower – I think I have really tested the ”5k your way” slogan
and I can honestly say that if 5km means walking, powerwalking and engaging in effort
(whatever that means for you) then it’s okay by the club. My body has definitely protested at
times and told me not to be so stupid and my inner demons of self-doubt have told me that I can’t do it, but with the support of the group, I have had moments of progress and, dare I say
it, times when I have actually felt quite good about it (admittedly, these are few and far
between, but I am told that they get more frequent)! Our journey ended with our graduation
parkrun or 5km alternative which heralded the end of one process and, for many of us, the
start of club membership (you don’t get rid of us that easily!).
I don’t think any of us would have kept with the programme without Matt and Louise guiding
us – their different styles of leadership and support provided a well-rounded approach with
something for everyone which enabled individual progress. It’s hard to find the words to
recognise their contribution without sounding clichéd but, with all sincerity, grateful thanks
from the whole group for your support, guidance and friendship – you have a great thing
going at Sherfield Park Runners and I look forward to continuing my (very slow) journey with
you. You never know, I might even be able to jog a whole 5km one day!
Helen
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