Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s running programmes are for everyone – whether you’ve never run before or you just want to become more active – and with many health benefits, running is certainly something everyone should try.
We must admit though, you’ll not hear more inspiring, encouraging and motivating words about why you should give running a go, than Eirin Thompson’s account of her recent Couch to 5K journey. Just have a read of this and we know you’ll be sold too.
Eirin Thompson, 2022 ABC C25K Graduate:
“Although I had been a very active child, always running around, or on my bike, or playing makeshift tennis wherever I could find a reasonably flat open space, and although I had walked long, brisk walks to college and work as a young adult, all that ended in my mid-twenties. Because I got a car.
“Now in my mid-fifties, I had really taken no meaningful exercise for thirty years. I know. It shocks me, too.
“For 2022, I resolved to move more. I wasn’t initially sure exactly how. Looking at the ABC council website, I spotted a Couch to 5K programme starting in January as part of the Get Moving ABC initiative – to me, that meant company and guidance, both of which appealed. I hovered over the keyboard only for a minute, swallowed all my fears about how unfit I might be compared to others and signed up.
“That first night, my knees were knocking. Running for one minute, times three – what if I couldn’t do it? I had visions of getting to the end and needing a stretcher and a tin-foil blanket! But, I needn’t have worried. Our brilliant coach warmed us up both physically and socially, everybody struggled a little bit, but all were still standing for the cool-down stretches. Week after week, we turned up, the programme pushing us just a little further each time. Some were considerably faster than others, but everyone respected and supported every individual’s journey.
“Friendships formed between people who naturally ran at the same pace, with an understanding that the chat occurred during the walking elements, but fell away when we ran.
“There were two group sessions each of the eight weeks, plus a solo weekend outing. By the end of week six, I was running 3k, which was the target, albeit I was running very slowly. I was delighted, although I thought it was unrealistic for me to expect to run a further 2k by the end of the programme.
“This month, I have just completed the 5K ‘graduation’ run at Citypark Parkrun, on schedule, at Craigavon Lakes and I am both amazed and ecstatic. If I can do it, really and truly anyone can. Don’t overthink it, just sign up and then do exactly what you’re told – it works.
“At one point, I asked our very experienced coach which item of gym equipment he would most recommend to buy for your home. He didn’t hesitate – ‘a pair of trainers’. (Do break them in before you start the programme, though!)”
If you feel inspired to lace up your running shoes – for the first time or once more – why not join us on one of our new running programmes, kicking off from Monday 28 March and Tuesday 5 April 2022.
For more information and to register onto ABC Council’s spring running programmes, please see below:
For more information, contact Amanda Mogey on .
