Congratulations to all runners on your achievements this spring. Whether you’re mid-way through a zero to 5km or nursing blisters from an epic ultra, we know that running is tough. If you’ve laced up your running shoes and embarked on a run of any speed or distance, then kudos to you.
Read on for our latest news and plans.
Zero to 5km
The zero to five beginners' running program continues to gain interest, with around 12 to 18 people signing up each time. As you might expect, however, not everyone completes the course. Each week gets more difficult in terms of the number of minutes we run, and sadly, some people give up.
If you’re reading this and you’re still with us on the course, then well done - and don’t give up!! You’re nearly there. Imagine how good you’ll feel when you can say you can run 5km.
Image: Zero to 5k group
I’m encouraging those who complete the course to consider joining our Wednesday 5 to 10km running group. It looks like this could happen with the current cohort. I’m seeing some great potential.
And a new zero to 5km running course is starting 6 September 2022 from War Memorial Park, Coventry. You can sign up via our website or click on the link here:
Wednesday and Sundays 5 to 10km running groups
The 5 to 10km and Sunday running groups continue to grow in strength, and I’m seeing runners getting stronger and more confident with every run. Now that the weather is better, I love that we can run on trails and explore the Warwick Uni campus and woods. Some of our runs have places available, so anyone who is looking for a friendly running group in Coventry - please join us!
The Two Castles Race
It’s one of those - you either love the Two Castles or loathe it. Not everyone likes hills, and there are two of them with this event! This year, the race went well, and everyone that entered smashed it—absolute respect to all of you and well done.
Image: The Two Castles 2022
The Llangollen Ultra Marathon
Who knew that within the first year of launching AATTs, we would enter a team into their first ultra marathon?
I always knew the group would be amazing, but honestly, I don’t think I knew quite how outstanding they would be in terms of mental and physical resilience.
Image: The finishing line
Those of you who have spoken to me on the subject of long-distance running will know that I strongly believe you can achieve way beyond what you think you can with the right mindset. Of course, crucially, you need good core fitness. But the rest is down to nutrition and being in control of your mind.
I’m wary of overtraining because of the risk of picking up injuries. My theories are based around military experience and training plans, and personal experience. I trained the team to embrace and enjoy longer distances, relax, keep their energy levels topped up, and rely on one another when things get tough.
The four of us completed the event in 8 hours 22 minutes, covering 50k and nearly 7, 000 feet of ascent. And we’re already planning the next one…..
So, what’s to come?
Beyond New Forest Trail Races
We have a number of runners signed up for the Beyond New Forest trail runs on Sunday, 23 October 2022, starting at 10.00 am. You can choose to run a 10k, 16k, or half marathon route through the beautiful forest. The organisers say there are no cut-offs and therefore encourage new runners to enter, regardless of experience. If you want to enter, you can do so here:
If possible, we’ll try to stay over somewhere the night before so we can eat together. Watch this space.
Stratford 10km
Tempo Events’ Stratford’s Big 10k takes place on Sunday, 4 September 2022, at 9.30 am. Organisers say the route shows everything Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon Avon has to offer, with a finish coming past the RSC Theatre. So if you’re keen to test your speed, this is an ideal opportunity; the race is ideal for gaining personal best times. Also, on the day, there is a kids’ race at 11.00 am.
Here’s the link to sign up:
Curry night
We’re planning a curry night on 15 July 2022. Venue is to be decided, but it will be local, and everyone is welcome. We’ll post details on our WhatsApp group.
Finally, if you can run 5k or you can for roughly 30 minutes without stopping, we’d love for you to join us on a Wednesday or Sunday for a run. Wednesday runs include some exercises to develop core strength, and Sunday runs are a great challenge if you want to push yourself a bit harder or faster.
So sign up and give us a try. You’ll be so glad you did.
Check out our Events and Activities here.
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