We had no idea how popular our head torch runs would be so we were delighted to throw another one into the mix before the lighter nights set in! We were truly in awe of just how exhilarating our runners found wearing head torches whilst running along the river in the darkness! Stacks of fun and everyone stayed safe under close supervision. We will definitely be bringing these popular runs back later in the year.
When we say we invest in our volunteers, we really mean it...
We are absolutely delighted to be in a position where we can invest in our volunteers. Huge congratulations to Trish who completed her mental health first aid training, to help with her work in our Mental Health support team. Bronagh from the club will also be taking the same qualification to join coach Jane as one of three coaches with this fantastic qualification.
Then there’s a shout out to Coach Bram who is going to be taking on more running coaching qualifications with England Athletics and completing his Level 2 Coach in Running Fitness Qualification!
Hats off too to our new qualified Level 1 Running Coaches - Sasha, Tara, Mark, Janette, Bronagh, Trish, Charlotte, Jill and Kath! It is also great to see the majority of our coaches are also first aid qualified, again, we have been lucky enough to find funding to finance this important training. (Coach Jane also qualified as a Personal Trainer this month, but this was funded personally).
With 13 coaches now at the #MileShyClub in Trafford alone, we are setting the foundations to start up more clubs. We also couldn’t go without saying a huge thank you to our non-running volunteers - our social events organisers and our social media experts! We really are a great team.
Trafford 10k - We came, we saw, we... swam...
Sometimes when weather conditions are so horrendous, you have two choices - to give up, or plough on. We’re happy to report that all of our runners completed their race, with one or two of you completing your first ever 10k. We have had confirmed reports of there being plenty of tears at the finish, but we’re happy to keep up the pretence that it was just the rain…
We’re not going to tell you how bad the weather was, just have a look at this photo which speaks a thousand words…
Coach Jane gives an inspiring talk on International Women's Day
As part of IWD celebrations, coach Jane was invited by Trafford Council to deliver a talk at the Sale Waterside Theatre about her experiences and reasons for setting up the #MileShyClub. The talk gave a humorous insight into what it was like starting a club when suffering with anxiety, and being able to push ahead with progress, despite being scared. Earlier in the week, coach Jane also delivered a one off session to Trafford Council employees, and we are pleased to say we have heard that one or two are still plodding away! Thanks to much to Trafford Council for supporting us.
First timers take over Stretford ParkRun
Just under 40 #MileShyClub first timers turned out today at Stretford ParkRun to take on their first 5k. This was truly an epic achievement for us as a club - it was so wonderful to see everyone achieve their goals. We really had a strong presence today at the ParkRun, and it was great to see so many of our more experienced runners come out and run and volunteer, cheering everyone on. We hoped you liked the Slimming World inspired goody bags too!
The #MileShyClub teams up with Slimming World
We were super excited and grateful for an invite this evening to Slimming World. We met with existing members of Slimming World and gave a talk about what we do here at the #MileShyClub and how exercise in any form can be a way to help lose weight. We really had a lot of interest from our session, and we have a feeling we’ll be seeing lots of you soon! Many thanks to Area Manager Claire, who organised our visit.
We donate fitness clothing to charity shop, The Light
During January, one of our club members, Caroline, took it upon herself to collect any pre-loved fitness clothing, or unwanted Christmas gifts, which could be passed on to those wanting to get into exercise in an affordable way. It was wonderful today to present our items to The Light charity shop. Many thanks to other running clubs in the local area who supported this initiative.
Club Founder Jane appears on BBC Radio Manchester to talk all things running...
Radio DJ Chelsea Norris is training to complete her first 5k, and who better to invite along for advice than #MileShyClub founder Jane Dennison! It was a pleasure to talk all things running with Chelsea, and offer some expert advice. We’re looking forward to seeing how Chelsea gets on!
Our Mental Health Support Team Launch 'Run Around the Block' sessions
We are super excited to share news of a very special monthly 'run'. You may know that we have a mental health team here at the #MileShyClub and the team are going all out to try and encourage more of you to try running for the first time. We are calling these sessions a 'run around the block' - we won't be covering more than a mile, and you are free to walk rather than run. The aim of the session is to provide you with a much more relaxed introduction into running, and it will be a chance for you to meet some of our coaches (and find out what all the fuss is about!). Our flyer with more info about these events is below. Our first Run Around the Block session is next Wednesday, so if you are one of the many people who often get in touch to say you're going to give it a go, but lose your nerve, then this session is specially for you.
We visit Trafford College and talk all things running!
We are big believers in getting everyone into running so jumped at the chance to be part of Trafford College’s Health and Wellness event. It was a great way to meet other like-minded companies, and to introduce ourselves to the students and teachers, with free mini goody bags and on the spot prizes! What a great way to be involved in the community, and we look forward to enticing lot of newbies to our popular sessions in the Trafford area!
