A pair of running shoes and a few fellow runners could be all you need to find the motivation to get out and get running. Eddy Moore found out what the village has on offer to help you take those first steps.
New Year’s Resolutions traditionally include the determination to get fitter and running could be an appealing option. A pair of running shoes, comfortable kit and you can just open your door and set off. The health benefits of regular aerobic exercise are well-known, and you will build healthy joints and strong bones, strengthen your heart and accelerate your metabolism. There are also advantages for your mental health and well-being. However, starting to run can be a daunting prospect for those who haven’t run for years, or a lonely prospect for those who would enjoy some company as they pound the pavements. Fortunately, in Histon & Impington, finding running companions isn’t a problem – whatever your age or fitness – so that excuse simply won’t hold water!
Spoilt for choice
There are two local running groups based in the village, both of which are friendly and fun. HI Runners is a mixed running club which meets at Histon Rec on Wednesday evenings. The club is there for runners of all abilities, supports their members’ personal goals, and helps them progress to whatever level they wish to achieve. The Club is affiliated with UK Athletics, rapidly growing and always welcoming to new adult members.
But if that still feels a bit daunting, then maybe Histon Hobblers – who celebrated their 20th anniversary this summer – might be for you. The group started in 2002 with the aim of: “let’s get off the couch and learn to run 5Km for the Cancer Research Race for Life”.
Over the last twenty years it has become a safe space for friendship as well as exercise, welcoming women of all ages and abilities. Their motto is “Hear us coming, join us running!” The Hobblers have completed marathons, half marathons and many local 10K races in their pursuit to raise money for various charities. Groups of members go out at times which suit them. Just contact Jan Watt for further details, at running@histonhobblers.co.uk.
Do it alone
Of course, running buddies are not for everyone and, if that’s you, then this still isn’t a good enough excuse for not getting started! Anyone looking for a free and easy way to get fitter and healthier could use the Couch to 5K app to give them that boost for getting started and, most importantly, keeping going. Absolute beginners start with a mix of jogging and walking three times a week with a rest day between each run, and the app will keep them on track and guide them through the whole process. Over the course of 9 weeks you gradually build up longer periods of running with the aim of being ready to run 5K.
Once you’ve made it to 5K you could aim for a race taking place in Impington on Monday 1 May. A little more practice and the Flaming June 10K and half marathon on 11 June could be your next target, followed up by the Bonfire Burn 10K on 5 November. All of these events take place here in the village, giving new runners something to aim for, and experienced runners the chance to smash their ‘personal best’. Details of all these events will be published in HI HUB and on the HI Friends website.
To keep you going between these village events, there are also the popular park runs to give you a weekly target for keeping going. Although not here in the village, there are three of these free fun and friendly weekly runs nearby, with adults running 5K at 9am on Saturday mornings in Coldham’s Common, Storey’s Field or Fulbourn Hospital.
Not just for adults
It’s not just adults who can benefit from running, and helping children to develop a love for exercise and the outdoors is a gift they will value for the rest of their lives. Every Sunday morning there is a 2K Park Run for children and young people, and the nearest to Histon and Impington takes place at Milton Country Park. These friendly, volunteer-run, events are free to take part in but a one off pre-registration via the parkrun website is essential before your first event. If your family is happy to go a little further afield there are also Junior Park Runs at Wimpole Hall and in Cambourne.
For more information on local running groups look at www.cambridge.gov.uk/running If you are taking up running this month HIHUB would love to get your progress reports. admin@hihub.info
