Runner's fuel, Leader's empathy and a taste of PiYo at latest Run Kent Leader Workshop!

Saturday 14th May saw 22 qualified Run England Leaders and Coaches come together for the latest Leader Development Workshop organised by Run Kent.  Run Kent is the part of the National Run England programme which aims to get more people running, and running more often.

The free workshop was open to Leaders and Coaches who support the local programme and who register their runners with Run England.  Topics covered on the day included: Nutrition and Hydration for Runners; Psychology of Running; and PiYo for Runners. 

Special thanks go to the three guest speakers who shared their knowledge and expertise on the day:

• Ellie Hynes, a PhD Student in Sport and Exercise Science (Nutrition and Exercise Immunology) at University of Kent.
• Evie Seventi, a Sport and Exercise Psychologist and Deputy Editor of Running Magazine.
• Jane Dew, a qualified Run Leader and PiYo Instructor.  PiYo mixes the fast-paced, muscle-sculpting benefits of Pilates with the stretching and strengthening poses of yoga to help build a stronger, fitter more flexible body.

Ellie gave the leaders 'food for thought' when it comes to fuelling short/long runs and to drinking milk in recovery!  Shona, who heads up Shona's Runners noted, "As always, an enjoyable and useful workshop."

Jane gave the Leaders a taste of what PiYo is all about!  This blend of Pilates and Yoga is a must for all Runners....and Leaders.  However the session proved a lot tougher than it looked!  June from Rainham Fun Runners especially loved this PiYo session, "Thanks to all who delivered the sessions."

Evie got the Leaders thinking about resolving conflicts, the differences between empathy and sympathy, and communicating with their runners. Kay from FitKats Runners said that they were very useful sessions, she learnt lots and it was good fun.

The Workshop was a great hit with all the Leaders; Vicky from The Viking Running Club commented, "They were very interesting topics, engaging and enthusiastic presentations. It's always a great opportunity for networking and sharing best practice."  Suzanne from Maidstone Harriers added, "The sessions are always helpful, friendly, fun and interesting."

Lucy Tomlinson, Run Kent Activator commented, "It’s great to see so many Leaders making the most of our free workshops and willing to participate in the sessions.  The workshops are part of the on-going support we give our Leaders here in Kent.  They’re an opportunity for experienced Leaders and newly qualified Leaders to come together, share ideas and brush up on knowledge and techniques. They’re also just one of the ways we say ‘thank you’ to our Leaders for supporting the local programme and for helping to get so many people running in Kent."

Sam from Hawkinge Hurricanes summed up the feeling at the end, "A great afternoon. Thank You!"

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If you’re a qualified Leader in Kent who’d like to be part of the successful Run Kent programme and receive an invite to the next free Leader Development workshop, just get in touch with Lucy at lucy.tomlinson@kent.gov.uk