My run progress recently has been a bit poor.
I’ve had two niggly injuries – a recurrent scar tissue issue with my calf and a muscular problem with my back. Physio has helped, but it’s taken time to figure out what we think is causing them (tight hamstrings and despite the size of my backside, my glutes need waking before I run), and fix them.
But we’re getting there, which is good because I have about 10 weeks til I run the Great North Run for The Eve Appeal. So…. no panic. Yet.
Unexpectedly, the day job has come to the rescue. Following on from the success of their UMBUG group in getting more staff to cycle to work, they’ve turned their eye to their runners and to encouraging run commuters.
UMBUG works by providing support, cycling buddies who can guide you in and out of the city, as well as monthly events (with a free breakfast) to engage with their 1000+ members. We Run UoM want to create that same community, so those of us interested in getting involved have volunteered to run routes with people, from a short jog with me from the gym some mornings (around 2km), or with me to/from home once a week (around 8km), to those running in from Stockport and Trafford, collecting fellow run commuters on the way.
This week saw our first event – and for some, their first run commute. With pick up points on Oxford Road and at Piccadilly, and the fab company Wagl helping out by collecting bags from runners and taking them to the meeting place in the Alan Turing Building.
As this run was taking place on a Thursday, I was only running a short distance from the gym after my spin class. I left as Martin began the stretch session, topped up my water, shrugged on my teeny backpack and set off.
I soon spotted other runners heading the same way, and as I reached the Aquatics Centre, I spotted one of the guided runs behind me. Being the competitive type, I sped up a teeny bit. I know. I can’t help it.
We arrived to coffee, tea and a very welcome pastry or two – I was by this point running on empty as I don’t eat ahead of my spin class, and a jam filled pastry, whilst not exactly the healthy option, soon stopped my shaking fingers enough to grab a cup of coffee and chat to some of the other runners, as well as meet people from Sweatshop, Park Run, and McrRun.
There was another familiar face too, and that was Mike, my personal trainer. A keen runner himself, he was there to not only support me and members of his Uni Fit groups taking part, but to also offer advice to new runners and to the more experienced who are looking at adding other areas of fitness.
After a group picture, I did sadly have to leave the group and go and get washed and changed before heading to the office. But I love knowing that I’m not the only one who loves running and not the only one who sometimes runs to and from work. We’re lucky to have such a supportive employer, who recognises the benefits of promoting fitness in the workplace.
Oh and as a bonus, it’s cheaper (and sometimes quicker) than the bus.
Win.