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My first year in running shoes

LYNNE HAWTHORNTHWAITE 27 APR 2017
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On 26th April 2016 I took the first step and joined the Couch to 5K with Trawden AC programme at Seed Hill. My first session went well and I kept going back attending every session, some I found hard but it didn't put me off, it just made me more determined to complete the programme. So I stuck at it getting stronger with the help and support from the amazing leaders and volunteers.

Finally, nine weeks later, the day came - graduation day when I ran my first ever 5K! I remember running the final stretch down the bypass speeding up as I passed the track, hearing all the volunteers and other runners that were waiting and cheering people on to the finish. As I got round onto the track I ran with every last bit of energy I had left to a perfect finish, feeling like I wanted to be sick because I pushed myself.

But I'd done it - completed my first 5K - and it was an amazing feeling! I was so happy, I enjoyed celebrating afterwards in the pub having a few drinks and receiving my certificate and goody bag, chatting to the new friends I had made through the programme.

After graduating I went on to run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings with the follow on group, started doing Pendle parkrun on Saturdays, joined Trawden Athletic Club on 3rd September and ran my first 10K race the very next day in a time of 1:15:29 and it was a fantastic day!

In total I have now run eight 10K races, the Pendle Hill Dark Dash, a 10 mile road race, and the very tough TAC Winter Series which involved six races of varied distances and terrains, four of the six were quite tough for me, but with determination I completed each one for the famous TAC mug! But not just for the mug, they gave me experience in different types of running and helped me improve.

Overall I would like to say the C25K with TAC programme is definitely the best way to become a runner and without it I would not be where I am today with my running. I'm fitter, I've lost weight and I can run! This is all thanks to the fantastic support from the amazing leaders and volunteers who show their support every step of the way.

Finally I would like to say being a part of Trawden AC has changed my life and I'm happy to be part of such an amazing and supportive running club, along with my fiancé Paul Roberts who has also been on the running journey with me and is doing great. I'm looking forward to many more years of running, racing and socialising with you all, and thank you to each and every one of you who has helped and supported me through my first year!

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