A 10-week beginner’s course that will help you build on skills and fitness to be able to run a 5K is being held by Ely Runners.
The course, which starts on June 18, is run by qualified coaches and supported by established club members and is aimed at runners of all abilities with a very friendly atmosphere.
The aim of the programme is to complete a 5K run at the end of the course - usually at Cambridge Parkrun – but there is no obligation to do this.
The club is present at many races and athletic events at various levels and has a well looked after juniors’ section.
The beginners’ course will meet at the Paradise Centre in Ely on Monday evenings at 7pm.
It will cost £20 in total with this being deducted from full club membership should participants wish to join at a later date.
Lisa, a participant of the most recent course, said: “I heard about the beginners’ running course via Spotted in Ely, I asked people about this sort of course and the resounding response was how fantastic Ely Runners is!
“I decided to apply for the course as I have tried to run for about a year now, starting with Race for Life and I have gone from there, but I didn’t seem to be running right. I couldn’t ever manage to run for more than five minutes without having to walk. The course seemed the right fit.
“I’m a nervous person, that first day walking up the stairs I was terrified, but I was met at the top by the friendliest and most welcoming group of people I think I’ve ever met. We were all in the same boat and feeling nervous. Charlotte explained the course overall and what to expect etc and all the other coaches helped to put our minds at ease.
“I feel I have learned to run! I’ve learned techniques for combating the ‘hard parts’ of running (hills, and how to ease up without walking on a run) and so much more.
“Every single coach I have meet through the course has been supportive and kind. They are all so passionate about running you can’t help but feel the same way. It was great to complete the course with people in a similar situation to me and see how we all progressed. Even as beginners we all had different levels of fitness and running ability but this was easily accommodated within the course because of the number of coaches.
“The sessions were hard, but how are we ever going to improve without pushing ourselves? I drove away from the course every Monday with a smile. I had worked hard, but been supported and encouraged throughout each session, and I knew I was improving.
“Completing the course has helped me to knock minutes off my 5km time, it’s taught me to run correctly and introduced me to an amazing bunch of people who I hope to run/ train with again soon as a club member.
“I can’t thank the coaches enough for this course and can’t recommend it enough. Thinking about doing it? Don’t hesitate you will NOT regret it.”
Tracy, another recent course participant, added: “It is very relaxed, you feel comfortable straight away with all of the coaches. I have felt supported throughout the course and so motivated. I got to see that I can push myself a lot harder, I have learnt new techniques. The coaches are amazing, supportive but not in your face, they get you to do your best but do not put you under pressure. I have made new friends and will hopefully be running with them once I have signed up. I have definitely improved!!! I am now working on a 10k and I have signed up for a half marathon in September.”
Ely Runners meet come rain or shine, at the Paradise Sports Centre for 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9am on Sundays.
Tuesday sessions consists of hill training, speed work, repetitions and intervals.
Thursday training is usually a longer steady run around the city and surrounding countryside. Sundays is often a longer run.
New members can also come and try out a few sessions free of charge.
For more information contact Justin at justin@elyrunners.co.uk or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/elyrunners
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