Run Wales

Porth Eiras Runners 0-5k Beginners Experience

LETS RUN 0-5k

10 week course Started 21st January

I’m too old to run I told Paula. Last time I had even tried to run was 34 years ago at school. Paula said I would be fine, she gave me the forms and encouraged me to join the 0-5k beginners course that started in January. I talked my daughter into joining me, she said she would go for 1 week only (to keep me company!!!).

Week 1, it was dark and cold. We ran for 1 minute, then walked for 1.5 mins, it felt like a marathon. It was great chatting to all the other new runners though.

Paula is a great run leader and very encouraging, instructing us in warming up, running, walking and cooling down. Not forgetting to do our stretches before we leave each session.

Each week it did get easier. With Paula’s support we were able to run that little bit further for that little bit longer. My daughter felt so included and happy in this group she was motivated to come to both nights each week….for 10 weeks!!!

By week 7 we both felt so confident from our training we decided to try running the Conwy Parkrun 5k. We have now completed 5. We are slow but we enjoy it, and our times are improving every week.

Week 10, the final week of the course arrived and we all ran 5k along the promenade….all at different paces but it didn’t matter because we all achieved it.

Sitting on the couch 10 weeks ago the idea of running gave us thoughts of misery. How wrong we were….running makes us happy…we’ll keep on running.

Paula and Gemma are brilliant run leaders and the running group are so very welcoming and friendly. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about starting to run to do it!!

Thanks to Mel and Jade Palmer for sharing their story with us.