North Shropshire running club launches course to help people get back on track
A new eight-week course near Oswestry is aimed at helping former runners rebuild their confidence, fitness and motivation in a friendly group setting
A running club on the North Shropshire and Powys border is launching a new course aimed at helping people get back into running.
Run Chums has created its eight-week Return to Running course for people who may have previously completed Couch to 5K, or who used to run regularly but have lost some of their confidence, fitness or motivation.
The course starts in Four Crosses, near Oswestry, on September 7 and has been created by qualified run leader Caroline Johnson, who also runs the club's annual Couch to 5K course.
Caroline said getting back into running after a break could be daunting.
“If you haven’t been running for a while then taking those first steps can be pretty daunting,” she said.
“The Return to Running course will give you the excuse you need to put your trainers back on.”
The course will be less structured than Couch to 5K, with sessions designed to accommodate different levels of fitness.
Caroline said: “It’s been designed to meet the runners where they’re at. We’ll be starting off at an easy, sustainable pace, which will also include walk breaks when needed.
“The aim is to help you rebuild your confidence and stamina, and we’ll celebrate at the end by taking part in a Parkrun.”
Those joining the course can also take part in the club's weekly Wednesday run skills sessions, which are designed to improve running fitness, technique and speed.
The launch comes after a busy month for Run Chums, including the club's first plogging session, when members filled three bags with litter while out running.
Members also climbed Rodney’s Pillar to watch the partial solar eclipse and took part in an early morning run to watch the balloons take off at the Oswestry Balloon Carnival.
Club chairman Chris King said the club's friendly atmosphere was one of its strengths.
“We’re not the biggest club in the area, but we’re certainly one of the friendliest, and our members are always really welcoming,” he said.
“We also have very experienced leaders who are always available to offer support and advice when needed, so Return to Running is a really good way for people to see what we’re all about.”
The course costs £10, with the first two weeks free. Participants can also become full members of the club and continue running with Run Chums after completing the course.
For more information, email [email protected] or contact Run Chums through its Facebook or Instagram pages.