Once upon a time this was a running blog more than anything else. Then, after my second and last marathon in Cork (June 2010) that side of things gradually fell away. I’ve done very little in a couple of months now but on Tuesday went out for a very pleasant jog/walk with our receptionist from work, a gal 1/3 my age determined to keep in shape.
Then this evening I got this lovely email from a woman I coached a year or so ago. It reads.
Hi Roy,
you probably dont remember me, I was on your couch to 5k course last september and missed the last 2 weeks because I was away (I was the one who struggled!!). This is just to let you know that in october I competed in the Bupa great south 5k, the first time I had ever run that distance, I ran the whole way in a time of 39 minutes 12 seconds. Quite amazing as when I entered I put down an approx time of 50+ minutes. I absolutely loved the experience and have kept up the running since. This is just to thank you for your patience with my starting attempts when you kept me company at the very back, without your encouragement I would never have turned up each time!!
So now then, I’m going to make a concerted effort to get a new group, Jersey Joggers, off the ground before the New Year. It will offer coaching and running company just about free of charge, rather than have people pay £75 or so for a 9-week course via the local adult education college. It will give me a new impetus and hopefully I’ll get into shape fit enough to race in 2013.
Back On The Rock 
Back problems permitting I’d love to join your group Roy. I’ve done the c25k before and really enjoyed it so would love to continue it. I enjoy following your blog and also thanks for the book! Haven’t finished it yet but thanks for popping it in and sorry I missed you. Clodagh. Vallee des vaux.
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Hey Clodagh! I’m impressed you’ve not thrown ‘Barry’ in the corner. He should be your running inspiration! And yes, look forward to meeting up as Jersey Joggers – watch this space.
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What a lovely letter to receive! Good luck returning to your running routine. I used to run when I was in law school, but there isn’t time for that now. I’ve exchanged running for exercises that allow me to read at the same time.
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Certainly family life mitigates against running, though there are many that manage it AMB 🙂 How do you exercise whilst reading?
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I usually use a stationary bike, which leaves my arms free to hold a book. It works well.
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Great luck with your Jersey Joggers. I would definitely join if we were in the same area. I’ve always been a wanna be runner (or even jogger).
Have a great day!
Currie
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Hi Currie! Coaching running is certainly rewarding and it’s good to see beginners often take wings after a while, as if to the manor born. When in (old) Jersey you’ll be welcome on the team 🙂
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This is fabulous – good luck with the jogging, Roy! What a great letter to receive (you are a very inspirational person) 😀
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Ah, thanks Dianne, but indeed I’m not. I can point out many that are truly inspirational – I just coach runners and if they get value from it then I’m happy. Hope your move is going well.
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I was just directed to your blog by A.M.B., aka The Misfortune of Knowing, who recommended you after reading my post earlier today about finding destination runs overseas (for me that means outside North America). I’m so glad she did; I love your blog. If you do have any recommendations for half marathons or shorter in Europe/UK in autumn that are fun for old, slow, keen runners, I’d love to hear about them. Meanwhile, consider me a new follower!
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Hi Jane, glad to have you along. I hope you don’t mind too many ‘book-type’ posts but yes, running is making a comeback! I’ll certainly wander across to your blog later and suggest one or two runs for you. Speak soon.
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