Well the rain didn't put off our runners this week, with more turning up than last week. It may have been the sheer thrill of running or possibly the lure of baked goods, who knows?

Either way, no one can doubt the determination of everyone taking part when faced with rain and the smoke from a recent fire blowing in our direction. This week Paul and I were supported by Ashley, Claire, Linda, Richard and Vivienne from the club. It's great to see everyone supporting each other and coming together as a group. This week was 4 mins of running (efforts) and 2 mins of jogging (recovery) and we covered 5km. 

This is much harder than previous weeks, where we walked during the recovery element, but the whole group stuck together and got through another run. Running in the rain takes things to a new level where a runner will often question their sanity, but it's being together and the great feeling you get when you finish that keeps you going. 

Everyone was rewarded for their efforts with a brownie, definitely deserved a treat this week!

Here we are at the halfway point in the training and week 5 of 10. After the rain we've had over the last few days, I wasn't sure if we would need a canoe but the sun came out for our runners and Kiveton Community Woodland is displaying a full spectrum of autumnal colours. We were supported by Paul (AKA the Southern Softie), Ashley, Claire, Richard and Vivienne. Claire led an excellent warm-up, where many of us realised we don't have any coordination or balancing skills.

​After the critique last week, I had a new whistle at the ready and feeling very much like a teacher/referee, although I'm guessing some runners may have had some choice names for me during the run! This week we increased our running, 3 minutes (efforts) and 1 minute walking (recovery). It definitely feels harder each week but our runners gave it their all and we all managed to cover the 5km distance and smile (grimace) at the end. 

Well done to everyone who keeps turning up and keep putting the hard work in, you're all superstars. I have been listening to repeated references to cake week, I might bring some scary treats for our runners next week! 

The nice weather seems to be continuing to turn up on a Saturday, as do our runners. I've missed a week and can really see the huge difference in everyone's progress. This week I was in charge, although needed to be reminded to stay at the back. I've also been told to add a better whistle to my shopping list, but not sure if Paul is secretly missing the power!

This week we had Ashley, Claire, Gill and Vivienne supporting us, hopefully you know who me and Paul are by now but helps that we have 'Coach' written on our hi-vis vests as a reminder.

This week was more difficult and we ran for 2.5 minutes (efforts) and 1 minute walking (recovery). In four short weeks, we have already built up to running 3 miles (5km). This is amazing and everyone should be proud of what you have achieved so far, turning up and putting in the effort each week. 

Well done everyone hopefully we will see you next week for more nice weather and bit of running!

With the start of a new month, the weather has definitely started to turn cooler but that didn't put off our group of hardy runners. The weatherman was kind to us once again and the sun was shining for our second run. 

The good news is that we didn't put people off last week and we had a bigger turn out, with 23 runners raring to go. Some even managed to convince their friends and relatives that getting up early on a Saturday morning to go for a run, is a good idea. We will report next week to see if they are still speaking!

This week was slightly different, instead of running in circles we went along the base of the woodlands, although I think some were genuinely wondering if we were going to make them run up the massive hill (we'll save that treat for another day). Our session this week was a little harder, with 90 seconds of running (efforts) then one minute of walking (recovery). 

Everyone did really well, this was only the second week and people are running 50% more than last week. Expertly led by Paul and supported by Claire, Gill, Lynsey, Stuart and Vivienne. Hopefully we will all get to know more of each other, but it's been great to find out more about you and what's motivating you to run. Looking forward to next week's adventures and don't forget your homework!