“That feeling when you accomplish your run, it’s like nothing else!”

I used to run when I was younger, but that was my teens. Since then I’ve I left school, got a job, had kids and suddenly - running wasn’t part of my life. I’d tried gym memberships, pounding the treadmill, exercise classes but with no consistency. So I was starting back again as a novice.

It felt easy because there was absolutely no pressure. There were people at different stages – people like myself who I could relate to who needed a breather or to walk a bit, take the pace down etc. But also seeing people who were quite experienced, they’d sometimes pull back and help and encourage.

We’re a group of women mostly age 30s and 40s but there will sometimes be some younger or older runners joining the odd session. What unites us is this effortless mutual support - it’s like camaraderie and it really helps to spur you on. 

I’m an introverted extrovert. When I run I have my headphones in, sometimes I’ll take them out and talk, sometimes I don’t want to – but I’m still with people. Running can be quite solitary but, in the group, you know you’re not alone.

Every week is different. Sometimes people will be heavily focussed because they’re training for races etc. I haven’t yet but I think that might be one for me this year! 

But it’s always light, a good laugh. Sometimes people come and you can tell they’ve had a bad day – the vibe is always to cheer people up. I’ve been in that boat and the support is really helpful. 

Everybody’s been through different things in life – grief, relationship breakdown, life and its tests -whatever mindset you come in, I can guarantee you won’t be feeling like that when you leave. You will be feeling uplifted in whatever way.

It feels like safety in numbers. I like to say I’m not scared of anything, but if I was running somewhere quite dark on my own and passed a group of men, I can’t say I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. You hear things in the news. 

But to be honest, we’ve only ever been cheered on by members of the public.

Running helps to lose weight which can be a motivator for many people after Christmas and all that indulgence. But it’s also about turning up for yourself, week in week out. So even if you don’t see a difference on the scales, you will quickly see one in your wellbeing.

You’re also going to get a tonne of endorphins and have great craic with the girls. Whether you’ve got a group of friends or are looking to find more you may as well come and try it – they’re friends for life for me.