Congratulations to DW Fitness First’s February Group of the Month: RunTogether Sole Sisters North Leeds.

Nominated by Cheryl Stephens and Abigail Steinman, this women’s only free social running group established two years ago and meet every Monday and Thursday in Leeds. Cheryl, who joined the group in September 2019 after suffering bereavement, joined the group after researching and finding that running was good for both mental and physical health. Having not run since her school years, Cheryl was a little apprehensive to start running at the age of 40, but due to the supportive environment of the group, reached week nine of the Couch to 5k programme, but then unfortunately became unwell. After sharing her depression and anxiety with her group, it encouraged “others to talk about their mental health and why they began running.” The Sole Sisters were so supportive of Cheryl, that they walked a parkrun with Cheryl to encourage her to return to her running journey with the RunTogether Sole Sisters. Cheryl went on to tell us that “this group deserves to win, because we are so supportive of each other, we are able to open up about things we may not have been able to do so. They make me feel welcome.” Runner Abigail, echoed Cheryl’s views, having explained that the group has gone from “strength to strength” following the Couch to 5k programme in their local park, with Abigail describing the best think about the group is that “so many ladies have said it as been amazing for their mental health.” The group ensures nobody ever gets left behind, and are “always listening and giving advice is someone is struggling.”

We think this group is AMAZING and are worthy winners of the February Group of the Month title, congratulations Sole Sisters - one pair of trainers courtesy of DW Fitness First, will be on its way to you.

Congratulations to DW Fitness First’s February Run Leader of the Month: Fiona Cross of RunTogether Rayleigh RAT Runners

Rayleigh RAT Runners who are based in Essex, have grown from a small group of runners to well over 60 members over the last three years , where six members of the group have trained to become RunTogether run leaders! Runner, Jo Restall, got in touch to tell us about one of the amazing run leaders, Fiona Cross. Fiona has just completed 12 marathons in 12 months and in doing so has inspired many runners in the group to take on longer distance challenges themselves. Jo explains that, Fiona “regularly runs at the tail end of our running sessions, making sure everyone is okay and keeps them going.” Fiona also leads a Couch to 5K programme, where “seven new runners have joined and are making great progress thanks to Fiona’s positivity and resilience.” Jo told us that Rayleigh RAT runners are an inclusive running group and a core part of the local community and this is “particularly down to the work of Fiona and her fellow run leaders”.

Congratulations Fiona you have won a pair of trainers courtesy of DW Fitness First.