Olivia

I am new to Newton Stewart having moved here in January. I was keen to meet new people, make friends and also keep up my fitness level. I am new to running having taken it up in February 2017 where I followed the couch to 5k plan using the NHS app. I’m quite a slow runner and have never gone to a running group or club before. I thought that joining the group would be a way to stay fit and meet people. At first I was worried I wouldn’t be fast enough for the group but the leader Andy encouraged me to come along and give it a go. I’m so glad I did. It’s lots of fun and really nice to run with other people. Those in the group are always so encouraging and it’s great to see the progress in others to. I’ve got to know lots of interesting running roots for when I go out by myself. I’ve also meet lots of great people. Since joining the group I’ve seen my speed and distance improve and I’ve now entered a few 10k races. I started off run, walking them but a few months ago I got a new PB as I ran all of it, which is something I never thought I would have been able to do. It certainly wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of the group. Having a group that meets at a set time and place means you have to go then and so I make the time for it. I know I can go running myself but i find it harder to get motivated to do so, as I often put it off thinking I’ll go in 5 min but never do. The group really helps with this and I missed it whilst it stopped for the holidays. I would recommend joining a Jog Scotland group to anyone.