Running free

Running has seen a renaissance in recent years and more and more people are lacing up their runners and hitting the pavement. Why run? Well, aside from the physical health benefits such as stronger bones and muscles and improved cardiovascular fitness, this type of exercise is also known for the positive effect that it has on mental health. The best thing about running is that it’s simple. Running doesn’t require any complex equipment – all you need is some enthusiasm and a good pair of runners and you’re sorted.

Running has been credited with changing lives and Suzanne Alcock-Thompson is one of many people who says this simple method of exercise had a big impact on her.

“The main reason I started to run was initially to get some weight off, but now it’s become [more]. It actually helps me so much,” says Suzanne.

Suzanne is currently a finalist in Rock N Run Idol 2016, a competition which raises awareness about and honours the life-changing impact that running can have and Suzanne says that her life was changed when she first came up with the ideal to start a free community running programme. Affectionately called ‘Sloggers to Joggers’ the group now has 250 active members.

“I have a hectic life. With family life and work balance it’s hard for any mother out there and over the years, when you start a family and you’re career driven as well, the socialising aspect of life leads at the weekend. You kind of leave yourself last,” says Suzanne.

“What happened with the running group gave me a social outlet where I wasn’t meeting to go for a bottle of wine and a meal with the girls. We were meeting and running together and catching up. The group allowed us to do that three times a week.”

Suzanne says that the group has become a hub of support for women and encourages them to keep moving and achieving their goals.

“At night when I was about to sit down on that couch, instead of going for the tub of Ben and Jerry’s I would get my runners on. I knew those women would be waiting at eight o’clock for other people and would be relying on other women to run with them, so it really gave me an outlet and something to do to free my mind. To focus on a bit of me time.”

Many of us would love to start running, but it can be hard to get started. Suzanne says that she was embarrassed when she first took to the pavement.

“I’d go out running in my estate and I’d wait until night time so nobody would recognise me because I have a business in Swords so I’d know people in the area. I said, “Okay, I’m going to hide myself.” I’d put my husband’s golf woolly hat on, zip up the jacket and run from lamppost to lamppost. I’d walk and then I’d run.”

Suzanne’s passion for running not only inspired the women who joined her group, it also got her mother moving too.

“She’s 62 and she ran her first half-marathon last year in the Rock N Roll in Dublin. She’s a legend and I swear to God, she’s such an inspiration for our group because she’s encouraged so many. She’s shown other women. Even younger ones say to me, girls in their early 20s or 30s, they say to me, “Oh my God I feel bad that I don’t go out and train when you mother is!” It could be lashing out of the heavens and she’s still out running. She never stops,” laughs Suzanne.

So what are Suzanne’s top tips when it comes to getting your own running regime started? The most important thing is to grab some friends.

“Grab a few friends to join you. When I do a solo run I can still feel like, “Oh God, there’s loads of traffic here,” or “It’s bright out!” I don’t get embarrassed as much as I used to, but I really think park runs are a fantastic way of getting out and doing a run with like-minded people or encouraging one or two friends to join you. Once you make a pact and you know someone is going to be waiting for you at eight o’clock, you’ll get out and do it,” she says.

Also important is the act of setting a goal to keep you motivated in your training.

“Book a race. Whether it’s the Ladies’ Mini Marathon or a Rock ‘n’ Roll half-marathon, book a race. Set yourself a goal and don’t worry about other people.”

For more information about Sloggers to Joggers log on to www.facebook.com/SloggersToJoggers.