On a freezing cold and blustery Thursday morning, deep in the heart of the Llynfi Valley, the Woodland walk to run group held its first session.
The frosty reception could not discourage the hardy ladies to venture out for the first walk to run meeting. In fact, as we followed the couch to 5k plan, it seemed like conditions were nigh on ideal for a run. Run Activators Andrea and Hannah with the help from Old Parish Church Runners’ James, coached the ladies on the beautiful trail with the famous walk to run method.
“There’s nothing better than day 1 of couch to 5k.” Hannah and Andrea agreed.
“And the route is perfect.” added James said whilst keeping an eye on his trustee stop watch.
The group meets every Thursday morning at 10:00am from Maesteg Sports Centre with an aim to get women in the area running 5k, afterwards everyone goes for a lovely cup of tea in the local supermarket – what else’s needed after a good run! So, if you are a woman in the Maesteg area wanting to get out, meet new people, make friends and get yourself fit please do come along!
This opportunity has been possible thanks to Changing for the Better Grant Scheme, a local grant fund that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the local population in the area of Swansea, Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot. As part of the wider LV20 and Woodlands Creation Project, Run Wales is working in partnership with Natural Resources Wales to develop this opportunity to open up safer outdoor environments for all in the community to enjoy.
Natural Resources Wales said,
“People who are active and enjoy the outdoors are more likely to live longer, be healthier and happier and Natural Resources Wales helps by providing places to go running, walking and mountain biking.
Over the last two years we have been working with the communities of the Upper Llynfi Valley to create a community woodland which not only benefits the environment but helps people improve their health and well-being.
Working with Run Wales to develop an exclusive ladies-only running group on site is something that we hope will encourage local women of all ages to take up social running perhaps for the first time, and experience the multiple benefits that running together in the outdoors can bring.”
Why not join the Llynfi Valley Woodland walk to run group this week!