Concerned about the preparation of our local residents for the 2012 Great Midlands Fun Run I asked one of our runners how our Saturday training sessions have benefitted her in the past.
Liz Petley responded: ‘Only just over a month to go until the Great Midlands Fun Run! For many entrants, maybe the planned training never quite got going, and now 8 ½ miles seems like a long way! Whether you are already quite fit but don’t know the route, or you are planning to walk most of the way but could do with a bit of practice, a very good way to get prepared is to join the special training sessions, following the actual Fun Run route, held on Saturday mornings in May.
I have completed the Fun Run three times now, but have only run all the way once; the other times I ran and walked with one of my children, and I’ll be doing the same this year. The training sessions really helped me that first year. There were some unexpected parts of the course and I’m glad I encountered them early so I was prepared on the day. For example, I was surprised how much of the Run was on roads before entering the park, and again when the route left the park, just how far it was back down into town again. And the famous Cardiac Hill is not so daunting when you have practised every twist and turn and you know you’re nearly at the top when you spot a familiar tree.
There will be groups and leaders setting off at all speeds including walking. You can chat as you go round and get tips from people who have done the run before. You can also start your charity fundraising early as the £3 fee goes to charity. Meet at Wyndley Leisure Centre at 8.30 am and the groups will set off at 9am promptly. The distances are 5 miles on 12th May, 7 miles on 19th, and 8 miles on 26th. If you can’t get to all three, even one session will be a great help. Just turn up, though if you would prefer to discuss with Sally Ellis beforehand please get in touch’