Hilary Goodreid started running after overhearing a runner in Sutton Park say – “I never thought I could run a mile!” She looked around and saw a group of normal looking people, of different sizes and ages, all talking about their times in running a mile. For someone who has always hated organised sport and loathed the gym, running wasn’t something that had appealed to me.
This is Hilary’s story: “In 2010 I was a homeworker, aged 47 years and often tempted by snacking. I put on over 1 stone in weight in no time. I was walking my Labrador twice a day covering about 4 – 5 miles, but the weight was still going up and my checks with the doctors showed my breathing was not improving (I also have asthma).
I was encouraged to have a go at the running starting with one minute and then walking, easing myself into the group. The other runners were inspiring when they talked about how their running and fitness had improved.
Amazingly, from that first session, I was hooked. Not only was I getting exercise but I was talking to really friendly people and when you work from home that counts for a lot! I was even inspired to take my trainers with me on holiday and ran on the treadmill once a week to maintain my fitness.
I ran my first timed 1.5 mile run in September and was very pleased with myself. Now I was running with my dog as well, doing 3 sessions a week and by December I completed 3 miles without stopping. In January when I went for my asthma check up, my breathing was better than it had ever been! Now I can even run with my husband who has done the Birmingham half marathon.
As I sit here writing this, I have lost 12lbs in weight since September but more importantly, have toned my stomach and hips and can already fit in clothes one or two sizes smaller than I could last summer. And last but not least, I have found a really encouraging, supportive group of people. Now, where is that Great Midlands Fun Run application form …