“I believe if I can complete a 10k, anyone can and would encourage you, no matter how young or old, fit or unfit to have a go.”
One day whilst chatting over lunch we, a group of middle aged work colleagues with no running experience decided to start our own running group.
At the beginning of spring 2016, our group of four ladies began to meet for one hour after work each week. Initially we went to the local park and used lampposts as markers – we’d run from one lamppost to another, then take a breather before starting to run again.
As winter approached one of the group suggested we set ourselves a goal and should enter the Blackpool 10k Fun Run and collect sponsorship for Trinity Hospice – from then on we called ourselves ‘the Trinity Triers’. Our goal further inspired us to continue to meet and train on cold, dark evenings.
Gradually as our fitness and confidence grew, the distance we ran increased. We changed our training venue to Blackpool promenade. Firstly we ran from Bispham to North Pier, then a bit further to Central Pier until we progressed to run 10k to the Pleasure Beach and back.
At 58 years old, I am the most mature member of the group. I was very nervous about taking part in a 10k running event, especially one with other 2000 people taking part! On the day, our families and other work colleagues came to cheer us on and celebrated with us as we crossed the finish line. When I received my medal, I was so overwhelmed I cried – it was such a massive sense of achievement. I believe if I can complete a 10k, anyone can and would encourage you, no matter how young or old, fit or unfit to have a go.
I am also very proud that ‘The Trinity Triers’ raised £594 for such a valuable cause.
