Shake off your running nerves with Haverhill Running Club

If you’re inspired by the London 2012 Olympics and have a New Year’s resolution to get fit, but are nervous about running, then joining your nearest running group is the place to start.

And Haverhill Running Club is helping people keep up their resolutions and run off those mince pies with the added motivation and guidance that comes with joining a group, thanks to its beginners course which starts on 19 January.

And its efforts have even been picked up by the local paper: “The course lasts for 10-weeks and follows a programme put together by England Athletics coaches,” club chairman Trevor Bunch told the Haverhill Echo (read the full article here).

“The programme is designed with complete beginners in mind, and culminates in a 5K challenge event. All sessions are led by qualified coaches and run leaders from Haverhill Running Club, who have already helped 50 beginners through the course in 2011.”

Rebecca Prigmore and Jo Nichols are friends who both have young kids. They joined just last year but are already preparing for the Virgin London Marathon.

“I would have never had the motivation to go out on my own,” Rebecca told the paper.“It was really lovely to see my progress week on week.

“The support from the whole group is fantastic and I can’t believe that at the beginning of the year I couldn’t run 1k without stopping. I never thought I’d be out running at 7.30am on a Sunday and enjoying it, but I am now.”

While Jo told the Echo: “I feel so much fitter, healthier and I’ve lost a stone. The course is suitable for all abilities and no-one is ever left on their own to struggle.

The course costs £40 and includes 10 sessions, a technical running top, drinks bottle and complimentary membership of Haverhill Running Club.

To find out more contact Kim Gregory on 07535183536 or Shirley Fowler on 07765170223 and visit www.runengland.org/join to sign up to Run England and receive news, tips and special offers.