Anyone for tennis?
I asked Anne Sharland what impact running regularly had on her game of tennis:
‘I started running about 4 years ago, when a group of friends at The Four Oaks Tennis Club decided to take part in the ‘Great Midlands Fun Run’ to raise money for local charities. I felt that perhaps I should have some training having never done any running before and really as the name suggested, I should run and have fun – and that is what I have been doing ever since! With the help of Sally and her very supportive leaders I have gradually improved over the years. I have to admit that tennis is my first love but my stamina on court has really improved and at last I have the ability to sprint for a short ball! During Sally’s training sessions, when she says ‘run as fast as you can’ I find it really difficult, but when I see a ball that I am determined to reach on the tennis court, I feel that I can now really go for it.
I have a habit of doubting myself and wondering why I still run, but the leaders at SE Fitness are consistently giving me the confidence to keep going and to realise that I am gradually getting better. There are of course times when I have missed a few sessions, but considering that I do no other running apart from the weekly sessions with SE Fitness, I have gradually gone from the beginners and recently managed to run 5 miles.
I must admit, that what really keeps me going are the people that I have met through running, on the days that it is a little harder there is always someone there who helps you out. Spending an hour running through such a beautiful park putting the world to rights really lifts my spirits. So thank you to all the leaders and everyone that I have run with, as I wouldn’t still be running without all of your encouragement.’