Following on from our First Steps Programme launch last week we wanted to highlight the importance of a steady stepwise running journey. Ogmore Phoenix, who we have already featured in our Resilient Runners Series, have developed a great follow on group for those graduating from their Zero to Hero C25K programme named Hero to Legend. So let’s all go on a virtual trip to the beach to find out more about the club and its efforts . . .
Ogmore Phoenix are a volunteer-run running club with roots firmly planted in the Ogmore Valley in South Wales. They have members from the Ogmore valley, Garw valley, Llynfi valley, Bridgend and beyond. People of all different backgrounds, making it a wonderful mix, a running family. A family of men and women of all ages ranging from minimum age of 17 all the way up to the oldest members well into their sixties!
The club was established in 2012 by a small group of people getting together in Ogmore Vale to create a focus for local runners. The Club has grown and seen many changes, not least of those a change of name. It has over 300 members, many of whom have graduated through the club’s Zero to Hero beginners group, taking complete non-runners to achieve their first 5k and beyond. Many of these are now marathon runners. From couch to marathon! An accolade to the Club ethos of inclusivity.
Trips to races with large numbers typify the bond and camaraderie between all the runners in the club. It provides a platform not only for physical well-being but also social interaction and many of the members have become lifelong friends through it. Slow runs become outings with friends, an opportunity to chat and keep fit at the same time. Members know that being part of this social club is as important as the running itself. We all know that running is good for the soul and that it provides therapy for many, but sometimes you need the support of others to help you get there.running itself. We all know that running is good for the soul and that it provides therapy for many, but sometimes you need the support of others to help you get there.
The club is affiliated to Welsh Athletics, the national governing body of athletics in Wales.
The Club have a range of training opportunities for various levels, but many of the runners have come through the Zero To Hero programme. There is a clear pathway for runners to improve their ability at a slow and steady pace, thus avoiding injuries and ensuring retention.
Chris Pratt, Chairman of the Club explains: ‘The Zero to Hero has been something we’ve been proud of for many years and is fundamental to our growth. It is our name for a “couch to 5k” programme, turning people of all abilities into running heroes!
The programme has evolved over several successful years and is enjoyed by many new to running, a large percentage of whom have gone on to run much longer distances! The key is that all abilities are welcome. We understand that a lot of people are starting from different positions and we nurture all runners from wherever they are to achieve their initial 5k goal. Who knows where that will take them!
Although we start the course on a specific date, we encourage newcomers to join at any time and they will still be supported through their journey to becoming a hero! We have plenty of run leaders to support everyone whatever their capabilities are. We stay with people and support them from day one until graduation 10 weeks later.
Our Hero to Legend group was born from what we originally, rather plainly, called Intermediates and is continuously in development. It’s development is thanks to an amazing team of dedicated leaders including one of our national award winners from last year’s Welsh Athletics awards – Brett Bonell. He is focused on developing and evolving the programme each year with the team in an attempt to create the middle ground between achieving 5k to being more ready to tackle other club sessions and to feel ready for the next steps of their journey. It’s still evolving but the ethos is sound and we are seeing good retention of those who go through it.’
Fantastic stuff Ogmore Phoenix!
We love hearing all about your group and individual running journeys so please keep getting in touch to let us know what you’re getting up too irun@runwales.org.uk