by Tricia Venables
I'm not sure of the main reason for joining the sessions - increasing my fitness, facing a challenge or wanting to meet new people. But, by the end I had achieved all three.
During the first few training evenings I must admit that I felt quite relaxed and could achieve the tasks quite easily. However as the weeks progressed they became more of a challenge. I think the most challenging, but subsequently most rewarding time, was the week when we went from running for eight minutes to running for twenty, and this was going to include Squirrel Bank! I was all for giving up. However the volunteers were brilliant and kept us going steadily. The feeling at the end was quite euphoric and from then on my mind set changed and I was determined to complete the sessions and graduate. I did make the effort to do a third run of the same time duration with my daughter each week and I feel this helped with my confidence greatly. The next big fear to face was Cartway. For me it was third time lucky to get to the very top without walking but again I was given lots of encouragement and there was a great feeling once I'd achieved it.
I didn't have any qualms about entering the Park run, it was to be the end! The atmosphere there was good and I liked the way Will got us all together to give us a 'team talk'. When the race began I did briefly wonder if I was doing the right thing but I got carried along with the rest of the pack and before I knew it one lap had gone by. People around the course we're very encouraging, I don't think I've been called a lady quite so many times in one day - "well done ladies", was shouted frequently. The second lap was more of a challenge but I kept going at my slow and steady pace and eventually the end was in sight. Woo hoo! At the final bend I saw a friend and her family and felt the urge to begin the sprint finish that we were asked to do. I couldn't wait to step over the finishing line.
I don't think the sense of achievement sank in on the Saturday but on Sunday I felt really energised and had a general sense of ' wow, I've run 5k'. That was it then challenge done, I never had to run again. However, where was I on Monday evening at 6.55? Yes,under the Town Hall waiting to run another 5k!!
I'm not sure of the main reason for joining the sessions - increasing my fitness, facing a challenge or wanting to meet new people. But, by the end I had achieved all three.
During the first few training evenings I must admit that I felt quite relaxed and could achieve the tasks quite easily. However as the weeks progressed they became more of a challenge. I think the most challenging, but subsequently most rewarding time, was the week when we went from running for eight minutes to running for twenty, and this was going to include Squirrel Bank! I was all for giving up. However the volunteers were brilliant and kept us going steadily. The feeling at the end was quite euphoric and from then on my mind set changed and I was determined to complete the sessions and graduate. I did make the effort to do a third run of the same time duration with my daughter each week and I feel this helped with my confidence greatly. The next big fear to face was Cartway. For me it was third time lucky to get to the very top without walking but again I was given lots of encouragement and there was a great feeling once I'd achieved it.
I didn't have any qualms about entering the Park run, it was to be the end! The atmosphere there was good and I liked the way Will got us all together to give us a 'team talk'. When the race began I did briefly wonder if I was doing the right thing but I got carried along with the rest of the pack and before I knew it one lap had gone by. People around the course we're very encouraging, I don't think I've been called a lady quite so many times in one day - "well done ladies", was shouted frequently. The second lap was more of a challenge but I kept going at my slow and steady pace and eventually the end was in sight. Woo hoo! At the final bend I saw a friend and her family and felt the urge to begin the sprint finish that we were asked to do. I couldn't wait to step over the finishing line.
I don't think the sense of achievement sank in on the Saturday but on Sunday I felt really energised and had a general sense of ' wow, I've run 5k'. That was it then challenge done, I never had to run again. However, where was I on Monday evening at 6.55? Yes,under the Town Hall waiting to run another 5k!!