I joined RKR 16th July 2019 after doing the NHS c25k on my own and wanting to find a group where I can do regular runs. I run for my mental health, I have anxiety and sometimes it gets too much, but when I’m out running, all I’m thinking about is the next step (or which direction!) It’s amazing how a bit of fresh air and a run, no matter how slow, can help. I was so nervous for my first session, but I was wholeheartedly welcomed into the group and was given every bit of encouragement and positive reinforcement which helped me to come back every week. After a few sessions I started volunteering to help out on sessions and eventually decided to take the plunge and go on the leadership course. It is so satisfying to see people join for a first session, full of nerves, then over the weeks, see them blossom into proper runners who enter races or who run for the sake of running, knowing that you played a part in that.

I started as a nervous runner with severe asthma who could barely do a mile, now I’m still a nervous runner with severe asthma but I’ve ran multiple 5k & 10k races, as well as a few half marathons.

You are as good as you want to be and you can achieve it if you’re prepared to work for it.