Whilst we Snails love the Chew Valley, sadly events outside our magical part of the world have interrupted. We've been notified by England Athletics and RunTogether that "all face-to-face activity such as club training sessions, events, competitions, club committee and face-to-face meetings, athlete camps, running groups and social events should be suspended until at least the end of April."

This means that, much to our huge regret, we are cancelling our forthcoming social runs (effective from tomorrow morning) and postponing the last coached sessions and graduation for our current Couch To 5k Snails. Our Run Leaders won't be insured to look after you whilst this is in force. We've decided we're extending the end of the Membership year until at least 31st May, so no-one will lose out as a result.

We are very aware that for many Snails the opportunity to meet friends, run together, walk, have a chat, coffee, cake and get some vitamin D is a lifeline. The advice from our government is that you should continue to go outdoors to exercise, maintaining a 2m distance between yourself and others, and keep up really good hygiene. This means washing hands before you go out for a run, and as soon as you get back. It also means that if you want to meet up with friends unofficially for runs, there is (currently) nothing preventing you doing this. In fact, we actively encourage it! If you start to feel unwell then please follow the current government guidance for self-isolating and when to seek medical help.

Please use our Facebook group and your own social media channels, such as WhatsApp, to continue to arrange runs with friends, to shout out for running buddies, or to suggest a gentle walk somewhere. If you know another Snail is in one of the vulnerable groups, or is caring for vulnerable dependents, get in touch and see if you can help by doing a run to the Post Office for a parcel, to pick up a prescription, to walk their dog, to buy milk. This is an opportunity for us to become even closer and supportive as a community.

We'd like to celebrate the wonderful Escargatoire of Snaily Creativity so please brighten our, and everyone else's days, by posting here about all things positive. Shouted hello to another Snail on a run? Seen some beautiful flowers in a field? Carried out an act of kindness or been a recipient? Bought new colourful leggings? Post it on our Facebook page! If you need help then PLEASE ASK.

As soon as we are able to resume our official group runs and complete C25K we'll let you know. In the meantime we're all still here, listening and supporting as best we can.

The Snail Committee