After indulging in all that Christmas fayre it’s not surprising that our favourite jeans which used to fit just right are all of a sudden a little bit too snug despite the built in elastane. But thankfully (and our excuse is) the colder weather means a little excess body fat will help to keep us warm, am I right?
The truth is, it’s easy to over indulge at this time of year, the TV adverts keep tempting us with seasonal treats we seemingly can’t do without, and our supermarkets have been packed to the gunnels with so many mouth watering temptations it’s hard not to fall for their clever marketing ploys but as the sayings go, “we are what we eat” and “a moment on the lips is a lifetime on the hips” so we have only ourselves to blame if our otherwise athletic frames have begun to show the cracks.
Fear not, for help is at hand. Forget enrolling in expensive gym memberships, kitting yourself out in all that designer gear and spending a small fortune trying to look like all those svelte young models, why not step out of your comfort zone and give running a go.
Yes running! I know, the thought of it turns you to stone which is exactly how I felt when somebody suggested I joined Rye Runners. What me running? I’d rather stick my fingers in a vice was my first reaction but, bowing to peer pressure and with the opportunity to try something different I ‘signed up’ with the beginners group in 2020 under the watchful eye of Gareth McCully and his group of coaches and trainers.
For those of you who have yet to meet Gareth, believe me it’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. He is one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet, great fun and with a wicked, totally non-PC sense of humour, but his heart is in the right place, he cares passionately about his runners and has a natural ability to motivate and with a charisma to match, a unique tutor who gets the very best out of his pupils without them even realising it.
My experience was that Rye Runners isn’t really about running, it’s not about training to run races or marathons either, it’s about taking part and running at a pace which suits you no matter if you are a gazelle or tortoise nobody is judging you, nobody is taking score, nobody gets left out and nobody gets left behind.
You don’t have to invest in lots of flashy sports kit, just a decent pair of trainers and the ability to join in with those around you who are all feeling just as apprehensive as you. I speak from experience and can honestly say it is really good fun and yes, you ache in places you didn’t know you had and yes you run whatever the weather, come rain or shine and yes, you have to make a commitment to turn up each session, but it really is worth it and they are a great bunch.
Have you set yourself a goal for 2022? Want to get fit but not sure where to start? If you need some guidance or inspiration, talk to Gareth or one of his team and consider how you could increase your strength and stamina as well as getting fit and losing some weight.
Starting on January 15 is the next Rye Runners beginners group which is open to anyone over 16, and best of all the ten week course is completely free! Of course, the usual Covid rules apply but you will be joining others who are just wanting to get a little fitter for 2022, no pressure, nothing to pay and you never know, you might just enjoy the camaraderie and experience.
For more details go to info@ryerunners.com and start the new year on a positive note. At last, 2021 is behind us, make 2022 your year to remember by setting yourself an achievable goal. Gareth and his team will give you all the help, support and encouragement you need to make your goal a reality. Good luck!
Image Credits: Rye Runners .