‘The biggest benefit of running was that it opened my eyes...’
COLUMNIST
IUSED to roll my eyes when people posted on Facebook about their running achievements. Seeing things like: “Just knocked out a quick 10k this morning,” made me contort my face into a “yuck” expression.
But the truth is, I was only like that because I was jealous.
Just running around after Luke in a quick game of chase made me pant until I saw spots floating in front of my eyes. So I knew I could never in a million years just “knock out a quick 10k”.
Then I had a period of anxiety and knew in my heart that I had to do something, to add something into my life that would get me out and get me moving in the fresh air.
I love the outdoors and my garden and getting out always lifts my spirits. But between work and being a mum, the opportunity doesn’t come along as often as I’d like.
Then I saw a post on Facebook from a very lovely friend, KerryLynne, who had been brave enough to join a running club. She’d done a 5k training run and looked fantastic. The sense of satisfaction and achievement shone through in the picture of her face.
So I tentatively asked to join the Pencoed Panthers too.
I’d written a story about them when they’d first started up as a ladies’ club for all abilities and now, as an affiliated member of Welsh Athletics, they had expanded their membership and were part of the Bridgend County Running League.
I was so nervous going to my first session that I almost chickened out.
But I was greeted by a diverse and friendly group of people who were truly of all abilities.
If I was an American teenager in high school I’d probably be voted “least likely to join a proper running club” but, after my taster session, I liked it and decided to take the plunge.
Seeing others from all walks of life getting pleasure from running and hearing them talk about the great times they’d had at races made me want to be a part of it.
Worries I’d had that I’d be laughed at, shouted at or just ignored faded fast, thankfully.
Within a few weeks of joining in July, I agreed to do the 5k Bridgend County Running League race at Kenfig Sand Dunes. Panther member Donna said she’d run with me and gave me a big hug when I turned up terrified on the evening.
The race itself was incredibly hard going for the likes of me and I walked a good deal of it. But I got to the end and was pleased.
But the biggest benefit I got from it was that it opened my eyes.
I’d thought the other clubs would all be populated with uber-fit elite athletes who’d look down their noses at my paltry efforts.
But they’re not. While there are many elite athletes among them, they are all friendly and supportive.
As I struggled along the first section on hated soft sand, a lovely chap who was an incredibly strong runner asked if I was OK as he zoomed past. I couldn’t even speak but managed to nod and grunt.
And on Wednesday I took part in the Tuska Beach 5K. Again, the atmosphere was friendly and overwhelmingly supportive.
I would never, ever have thought that others could want a total stranger to succeed, but people you’ve never met in your life cheer you on, engage in an encouraging chat as they pass you and run with people from other clubs just to make sure they cross the finish line.
The fantastic elites complete the race in about 18-20 minutes.
But there’s also triumphs at the back of the pack.
I saw a wonderful post on Facebook on Thursday morning from a runner from another club who thanked Panther Mel Thomas for running with her all the way.
Her gesture showed that it’s not all about points and times but about supporting others on their journey.
I’d like to thank the Panthers and members of the other clubs for making an unfit, almost-40 mum-of-one feel like I belong against all odds.
If you’ve never run because you think you’re too big, too old, too unfit, too busy or just too lazy, then I can tell you from personal experience that you’re wrong.
Just stick on a pair of trainers and give it a go.