Meet the Monday Group
Hi, my name is Cheryl Gibson and I am 67 years old.
I'm writing this for anybody who would like to run/jog but think they never could. I didn't start running until I was in my late 40s, up to that point I had problems even running for a bus. I used to hate sport at school, had no interest let alone inclination. My love of running came about quite unexpectedly , my husband was in the army, had been for a long time so we had a lot of moving around, in the mid 90s we brought a house and actually put down roots, my brother was also in the army and had brought a house six months before us on the same estate so it was nice to be settled especially near family. We started going out for Sunday morning jogs all together , just around our local lanes, about two and a half miles, nice and leisurely and I found that I really enjoyed it. I then started going out on my own during the week, or with my sister in law or a neighbour , I was hooked. I then started bumping into Julie Ann saget while out running, she is one of our leaders , we became good friends and she introduced me to women on the run, From then on I have done things I never thought I could including two half marathons and a lot of other organised races, I can honestly say I have had so many laughs and good times with my running friends, lots of happy memories , there is nothing better to sort out your mind than a good run and a chat with a friend. So, to anybody sitting there thinking about starting I would say , do it, it's never to late and you will enjoy it and have fun, it's hard to believe that your actually doing something that's good for you( sometimes), Our club has quite a few local groups on different nights that cater for all abilities, and actually that is what the club is all about , all abilities, Cheryl xx |
‘You must do the thing you think you cannot do’
It was a very daunting process starting to run outdoors as I have never been at all athletic and was fairly unfit despite slogging away on a treadmill in the gym. I started off doing lamppost intervals in the dark, stopping whenever I heard a car! It was slow progress but I built up to a solitary 5k. I continued until I was able to run about 10k, but I took the same flat route each time, mostly at the same pace. I can’t imagine now how I did that as it was so boring! Deciding to join a running club was difficult but I knew that to see any improvement I needed to mix up the distances and pace - so I took the plunge and joined a running club; in fact I ended up joining two! I’m now passionate about running: not only for the physical health but also for my mental and emotional well-being. It’s a great antidote to modern life and gives me a lot of focus and satisfaction. I choose to join Women on the Run specifically because I’d heard what a friendly and supportive bunch of ladies they were. Julie and Elle are always smiling, energetic and ready to put us through our paces. I love seeing new people join and develop and feel really lucky to be part of something so inclusive and positive. It’s not all running talk either! I’ve stayed with Women on the Run for a few years now because of the warm welcome and support always available. Even if I’m feeling tired or have done a long run at the weekend I know that together we’ll get in a good few miles on a lovely route. It has become part of my normal week now and when I make it to the Monday night run I know the week is off to a great start. I have come a long way since my solitary runs. I have amassed quite a few races now including several half marathons. In 2014 I took on my first marathon (something I thought I could never do) and I’ve just completed my second. I’ve also enjoyed several local races with Women on the Run and those are always great days out; it’s lovely to be part of the team. I’m so pleased with what I’ve achieved and if anyone is thinking of joining a running club I would say: do it and you absolutely will not look back! Laura |
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Where we meetSainsbury's, Pinhoe Road, Exeter, EX1 3PF (by the bottle banks).
Every Monday at 5.50 for a 6.00 start. |
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Our leaders |