Don't take our word for it!
Here's how our runners describe their experience...
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Mary
When I joined the Up and Running group I had had a long period of depression, not incapacitating but always affecting me, making me feel uncomfortable in many situations. I spotted the advertisement for the very first course organised by Shona and Harry. It was starting the next day, so I screwed up my courage and rang Shona. She was lovely and welcoming, and I went along to the initial session. From then on, it was all very easy and fun. Running, which I had never tried before at all, was approached in gradual stages, running just a minute or so at a time to start with, then slowly building up. It was always a good laugh, very sociable, and nobody was made to feel that they were slowing the others down, nor was anybody ever left behind. Nearly 5 years later, I am still running regularly with the same group of women that I started the course with, and still in contact with Shona and Harry and runners from some of the subsequent courses. My depression is pretty much a thing of the past, and I attribute that partly to the support and friendship of the group I still run with, and partly to my improved fitness and to getting regular doses of fresh air and sunshine and enjoying the beauty of Knole Park and other lovely local running places we’ve discovered. Having a regular group of women to run with is a really good thing – those days when you just don’t feel like seeing anybody, or when the weather’s awful, if you know you’ve got a run planned and you go and do it, you always, always, feel better for it. |
Jenny
I was 65 years of age, my circumstances had changed. Although I had support from my family and friends I felt lonely and depressed, I needed to find something different for myself. Some days later I saw, on display in an office, a leaflet for Up and Running. I was apprehensive about phoning them but thought I would give it a try. I was concerned that I was too old, that running would damage my joints, I wouldn't be able to keep up with others, after all I could only 'run' a very short distance without getting breathless. I joined, met Shona and Harriet, who were/are friendly, supportive and helped to dispel my worries, always there for reassurance. Four years later I am still running. I have made friends, feel a sense of achievement every time I run, enjoy the fresh air and countryside. I feel healthier and have come to realise that you're never too old to start something new.
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Maeve
Depression isn't something many people like talking about, me included! But when PND struck for the third time after my third baby and after numerous other episodes, I knew I really had to do something. I was miserable and making those around me miserable. I couldn't see any solutions.
I was not a runner in the slightest, in fact I considered myself a rubbish runner but my husband persuaded me to sign up for the Up and Running course. I was terrified. I thought (sorry ladies!) it might be a bunch of miserable, super fit women that I would share nothing in common with. My biggest fear was being left behind and feeling mortified. I was so wrong. Over the weeks we trained, three things surprised me - the group were in fact a jolly bunch and there was lots of laughter, the outdoor exercise made me feel so so much better and more in control, and I could actually run without feeling like I might throw up after five minutes! Depression is horrible and isolating and miserable but the worst thing is feeling powerless to fix it - making the leap into this kind of exercise made me feel like I was finally doing something about it. Shona and Harriet are both kind and encouraging. The runs were tailored to our group pace; we started off very slowly with Shona & Harry ensuring no one was ever left behind. Some days we chatted to each other about how we were feeling, some days we just chatted about nothing at all. There was never any pressure to talk about 'stuff' but it was nice to know that everyone was in a similar boat and open to hearing about if if you were struggling.
I have been running regularly ever since, in all weathers but a recent three week pause caused by an annoying knee injury (not running related!) has made me really appreciate just how much running outside makes me feel better about life and keeps me sane!
Depression isn't something many people like talking about, me included! But when PND struck for the third time after my third baby and after numerous other episodes, I knew I really had to do something. I was miserable and making those around me miserable. I couldn't see any solutions.
I was not a runner in the slightest, in fact I considered myself a rubbish runner but my husband persuaded me to sign up for the Up and Running course. I was terrified. I thought (sorry ladies!) it might be a bunch of miserable, super fit women that I would share nothing in common with. My biggest fear was being left behind and feeling mortified. I was so wrong. Over the weeks we trained, three things surprised me - the group were in fact a jolly bunch and there was lots of laughter, the outdoor exercise made me feel so so much better and more in control, and I could actually run without feeling like I might throw up after five minutes! Depression is horrible and isolating and miserable but the worst thing is feeling powerless to fix it - making the leap into this kind of exercise made me feel like I was finally doing something about it. Shona and Harriet are both kind and encouraging. The runs were tailored to our group pace; we started off very slowly with Shona & Harry ensuring no one was ever left behind. Some days we chatted to each other about how we were feeling, some days we just chatted about nothing at all. There was never any pressure to talk about 'stuff' but it was nice to know that everyone was in a similar boat and open to hearing about if if you were struggling.
I have been running regularly ever since, in all weathers but a recent three week pause caused by an annoying knee injury (not running related!) has made me really appreciate just how much running outside makes me feel better about life and keeps me sane!
Gwen
Hi, my names Gwen, I joined an Up & Running course a couple of years ago. I'd really like to tell anyone thinking about it to just go for it! I was very shy about phoning up, let alone attending - I had a newspaper cutting about Up & Running for over a year before braving myself to call! But I am so glad I did. I had struggled with depression/anxiety for 20 of my 32 years and I have to say Up & Running was the most positive thing in my life for years. Shona and Harry were so welcoming and relaxed on the phone, and on the first day really made it easy by meeting us outside and directing the first meeting as well as chatting to everyone, which for me took the pressure off. I was less worried about the running part, but it truly was supportive of any level of fitness. Because we worked up to running in the correct way, by walk/run intervals and being taught about stretching, it was much less hard than you might imagine. I was simply amazed by what we achieved during the course. Aside from the fitness and the great feeling that gave me, being in a group where everyone supported each other and I felt no one judged each other was so helpful for me each week.
I still get depressed and anxious now, but I have managed to keep up the running and I'm sure this helps me manage and cope better. Running for me is a release, it gives me a rush and allows me to relax. It's also helped my self esteem being fitter, happier with my body and having sense of achievement and more belief in myself.
Hi, my names Gwen, I joined an Up & Running course a couple of years ago. I'd really like to tell anyone thinking about it to just go for it! I was very shy about phoning up, let alone attending - I had a newspaper cutting about Up & Running for over a year before braving myself to call! But I am so glad I did. I had struggled with depression/anxiety for 20 of my 32 years and I have to say Up & Running was the most positive thing in my life for years. Shona and Harry were so welcoming and relaxed on the phone, and on the first day really made it easy by meeting us outside and directing the first meeting as well as chatting to everyone, which for me took the pressure off. I was less worried about the running part, but it truly was supportive of any level of fitness. Because we worked up to running in the correct way, by walk/run intervals and being taught about stretching, it was much less hard than you might imagine. I was simply amazed by what we achieved during the course. Aside from the fitness and the great feeling that gave me, being in a group where everyone supported each other and I felt no one judged each other was so helpful for me each week.
I still get depressed and anxious now, but I have managed to keep up the running and I'm sure this helps me manage and cope better. Running for me is a release, it gives me a rush and allows me to relax. It's also helped my self esteem being fitter, happier with my body and having sense of achievement and more belief in myself.
Lisa
I started running with 'up and running' over 2 years ago following a particularly low point in my life. Not only was I in my mid forties but I hadn't exercised let alone run since I was at school! As you can imagine I was filled with trepidation...'Will I be able to keep up ?', 'What will everyone be like ?' but decided to jump in the car and meet everyone before I talked myself out of it! I'm so glad I did, I was met by the wonderful Shona and Harriet and a group of amazing women, who I am still friends with 2 years down the line!! Shona is an amazing supportive coach who guides you at a pace that suits you, plus the runs are relaxed and fun too! Up & Running is a great way to meet like minded people and engage in an activity that is so good for your wellbeing ......Its a win win situation in every way!
I started running with 'up and running' over 2 years ago following a particularly low point in my life. Not only was I in my mid forties but I hadn't exercised let alone run since I was at school! As you can imagine I was filled with trepidation...'Will I be able to keep up ?', 'What will everyone be like ?' but decided to jump in the car and meet everyone before I talked myself out of it! I'm so glad I did, I was met by the wonderful Shona and Harriet and a group of amazing women, who I am still friends with 2 years down the line!! Shona is an amazing supportive coach who guides you at a pace that suits you, plus the runs are relaxed and fun too! Up & Running is a great way to meet like minded people and engage in an activity that is so good for your wellbeing ......Its a win win situation in every way!
TC
In 2012 I was having a particularly rough time. Around Sevenoaks I kept seeing flyers for UP AND RUNNING. In the end I lifted a postcard advertising their course and used it as a bookmark. Finally I plucked up the courage and contacted them. They were so welcoming when I turned up at the leisure centre.
The support was great, every Wednesday lunchtime. The running did not come naturally to me, however I felt better. I then started looking forward to it. Up and Running is a breath of fresh air. My personal life has been very difficult again more recently. I approached Shona and Harriet and they welcomed me back.
I have to now admit that I think I may have become a runner. It's the best thing that has happened to me in ages!
I came across my Up and Running bookmark recently and smiled.
Kaye
I was very nervous about joining the Up and Running group. I am overweight and in my late 50s. Could I run, would I be able to keep up, would I fit in with the rest of the group? My family laughed when I said I was going running. The welcome I received from Shona and Harriet calmed my nerves and whilst chatting to the other ladies in the group I found that we all had the same worries. Joining Up and Running was one of the best things I have ever done. I can't thank Shona and Harriet enough. I love running and it is a great form of exercise. I would advise you to go along and see.
In 2012 I was having a particularly rough time. Around Sevenoaks I kept seeing flyers for UP AND RUNNING. In the end I lifted a postcard advertising their course and used it as a bookmark. Finally I plucked up the courage and contacted them. They were so welcoming when I turned up at the leisure centre.
The support was great, every Wednesday lunchtime. The running did not come naturally to me, however I felt better. I then started looking forward to it. Up and Running is a breath of fresh air. My personal life has been very difficult again more recently. I approached Shona and Harriet and they welcomed me back.
I have to now admit that I think I may have become a runner. It's the best thing that has happened to me in ages!
I came across my Up and Running bookmark recently and smiled.
Kaye
I was very nervous about joining the Up and Running group. I am overweight and in my late 50s. Could I run, would I be able to keep up, would I fit in with the rest of the group? My family laughed when I said I was going running. The welcome I received from Shona and Harriet calmed my nerves and whilst chatting to the other ladies in the group I found that we all had the same worries. Joining Up and Running was one of the best things I have ever done. I can't thank Shona and Harriet enough. I love running and it is a great form of exercise. I would advise you to go along and see.