Newyddion

03/07/2022 00:00, I Mewn Blog /

Back in 2021 a few of the run leaders of Just Run Penybont attended the Guide run course held with Welsh Athletics and Disability Sports Wales. 

Following this they were keen to look at how they could put the skills they had learnt to use and be a benefit to the community. And so, this is when the VI Walk to Run programme was born. 

Working with locally charities and groups, in March 2022 a taster session was pulled together. This was a great way to come along and find out more about the sessions, ask questions, meet the guide runners and hopefully get rid of any fear and anxiety they may have.

Following the initial taster session, the group has been meeting on a Saturday each week, and they are all doing brilliantly with confidence across the group growing. There is no pressure on how much or how far people run, in fact you do not have to run, if they want to come along and walk that is great too! It is a safe environment to help members build their confidence. The last 2 years have impacted everyone, and this group not missed from that. 

Leighton Jenkins is a regular at the group, and as well as attending on a Saturday afternoon, now also attend parkrun on a Saturday morning – he said:

I can honestly say that this group has really opened so many possibilities for myself. I had become a recluse but having the chance to meet others in the same predicament makes you realise you are not isolated – but the ultimate benefit is seeing yourself get fitter, I can’t thank the organisers enough.

The sessions are held on the running track in Bridgend, but they travel from Swansea, Hereford and Cardiff to attend. Here you can see a video of Maggie who is talking about the impact the group has had to her wellbeing. 

Over the last 8 weeks Ryan has started his journey with us, building up his run/walk each week with a goal at the end. The last two weeks he has completed his goal and he has run Llanishen parkrun.

Would you like to get involved? 

Sessions are free. 

They take place every Saturday, 1pm-2pm on the Bridgend Running Track If so email justrunpenybont@gmail.com 

Follow the group on Facebook and Instagram 

Upcoming Guide Running Workshops are below:

• Wednesday, 13^th July 2022 Newport Welsh Athletics Guide Running Workshop
• Wednesday 5^th October 2022 Cardiff Sport Wales Welsh Athletics Guide Running Workshop
• Wednesday, 15^th March 2023 West Wales TBC