On Wednesday 26th April 2023, the PSF Wellbeing Running Group was officially off the ground and a new running journey started! Positive commitments were made to make changes to improve health and wellbeing. Meeting regularly, the Group followed the NHS C25K App – adopting their own personal, flexible and encouraging approach to get everyone through the weeks and months of their running journey.
“We (Mandy, Nicky and Jude) could be spotted running in sunshine and showers around Haverfordwest, and Neyland – the pouring rain often not putting us off! We were all committed! It was tricky at times, with holidays, injuries, sickness, etc and it may have taken a few extra weeks to complete, but we got there! The point always was, that it should be fun, and that we should complete it together!”
The Group has, is fair to say, formed a great bond and they recognise running as being a great stress reliever. They have all supported each other’s running journey and shared the highs and lows – with coffee and occasionally cake! The group welcomed a new joiner, Mark Heron (known as a Paul Sartori Volunteer, but also our very own Paul Sartori Community Choir Musical Director) in October, and they have also had a few guest runners along the way! Mark completed most of the C25K programme himself (in record time), but joined the PSF Running Group, and joined them for their “Fun Runs”!
“A year ago, I would never have thought that one day I would be a regular runner! I It can be quite daunting starting off on your own, but I took the plunge and began the C25K journey. Jude had told me about the group and I was really keen to join them one day, once I had completed the first few weeks of the programme. I haven’t looked back! I love getting together with the others for our runs (and laughs!). The feeling of achievement at the end of a run with others is amazing – what a buzz!!”
The first “Fun Run” was the Neon 5k Parkrun (to raise money for a defib for the Parkrun group) in Milford Haven on Saturday 11th November. This took place along the Milford Marina Parkrun route.
“Who thought running could be so much fun! The selection of the costume was part of it, and I don’t think we could have had anything more to make us stand out! We had it all – flashing shoe laces, flashing hair bobbles, flashing arm bands and finally neon pink leg warmers and tutus (for the girls obviously!).”
The second and last fun run of 2023 was altogether on Sunday 3rd December (raising money for Carew Club). This was the Carew Santa 3K Run! Although Santa costumes were preferrable, the Running Group had to reuse the pink tutus and leg warmers and appear as Paul Sartori Pink Christmas Fairies for the occasion!
Sadly, this concluded the outings for the year. The Group were going to do the Neyland Santa Run together, but due to illness and COVID the Pink Christmas Fairies were unable to make it!
It has been a wonderful journey running together so far, and the journey will continue – with more coffee, cake and frivolities! During 2024, the existing group will alternate leading the new cohort of the PSF Wellbeing Running Group (staff, volunteers, trustees and voting members welcome!). Jude, Mandy, Nicky and Mark will lead the next group after Easter 2024, starting from Paul Sartori House on Wednesday 10th April at 4.30pm. So, if you fancy improving your physical and mental health, and having some fun in the process, register now to show your interest by emailing Jude, judith@paulsartori.org. We look forward to being part of your running journey!