I have been thinking about what it's going to be like when I move up to Woodford and the changes that I am going to have to make to the 'running' part of my life. One thing I am going to miss in particular is the training sessions with Woodstock Runners. Not only does it give me a very good workout and valuable training session, but the friends and relationships I've made over the years are of far more value than anything else.
One aspect of being involved with Woodstock has been the responsibilities I've taken on that have no doubt made more a more skilled and relational person. I've also had the opportunity to give back to running in many ways, not out of a sense of duty, but as a way to share the joys of our sport and to help others achieve their goals whether big or small. I am most proud of TNT, our weekly interval session night that I started in 2009. From very basic beginnings, I built it up to be the most popular Woodstock training session and the one session that draws most new members to the club. It went from a small group, to a bigger group, which resulted in me obtaining my Level 2 athletics coaching certificate. It now regularly attracts over 25 runners and has helped many achieve individual milestones. I am going to miss this, but I hope to get back every now and then. I know it is in good hands with El Prez, Marty, at the helm.
Another way of given back to running is by being a pacer in races. Talking of which, I've put my hand up to be the 2:59:59 pacer this Sunday in the M7 marathon. I really like doing this job, I've done it twice before and I know that I am in good enough shape to run the time easily.
I just encourage anyone who is happening to be reading to think about how to give back. It could be leading a training group in the lead up to a race, being a pacer, volunteering at a race, hosting a race...whatever. The satisfaction is immense and balances the 'running' life.
