Returning to Running Group After Lockdown

Hello Ossy Joggers

Most people know who I am but for those of you who I haven’t met yet, I am Kay Johnston and I have been a member of Ossy Joggers since January 2018. My role at Ossy Joggers is Mental Health Ambassador for the club.

I started running in 2004 and found that not only did running help my physical health but it helped me to manage my mental health. I have done a few 10ks and my greatest achievement was completing the Ossy Joggers Half Marathon in October 2018. I tend to be more consistent (run more) with my running in the colder months. I have always found it tough to run in the summer, I don’t think hay fever helps.

I find coming to group useful. Ossy Joggers are a lovely bunch of people to spend time with. I work for myself, and I enjoy the company of running in a group. Group runs give me an opportunity to talk to other people and process the events of the day.

I find running helps me manage my stress and anxiety. If I have had a tough day, I feel better for running it off.

During Lockdown I tried to run at least once a week, with my fabulous friend/run buddy Zoe Geary. I also ran alone with my dog Mollie (I incorporated loop backs for sniff stops). As well I enjoyed some meet ups with more Ossy Joggers, Hana Cash, Julie McNevin-Duff and Sally Woods. It was seeing some different faces and catching up whilst having a run.

I set myself some Lockdown Challenges to keep me motivated. I find the Winter months tough and can struggle with low mood. So, in January I signed up to do a challenge, I had to exercise outdoors each day for at least 45 minutes. I then decided would set myself a new challenge for February and I ran everyday in Feb (shortest month!), doing a minimum of two miles a day. At times the weather was horrendous, the worst run was ‘#MissYourFaceRace when we ran for two hours through slush.

Since then, I have continued to exercise every day outside, either walking or running. I now enjoy this new habit and I am lucky that I can incorporate some exercise into my work, during walk and talk sessions with clients.

At the end of May I injured my foot whilst on holiday and had to stop running for a few weeks. With the help and advice of Barry Shuttleworth and a few weeks rest my foot recovered. But I found that I had lost some of my confidence with running.

Towards the end of August, I decided to return to Ossy Joggers. I had been doing my best like many others to avoid group events due to COVID-19. I felt that this was the right time for me, and my foot was feeling ok. I felt so nervous the first night back and was worried about not being able to keep up.

As soon as I arrived at the Cricket Club, I was made to feel so welcome. Jackie Lambert and Suzzanne Brennan immediately put my mind at ease. They told me not to worry and I’d be fine. I think we did Dave Ports canal loop that night. Dave made sure there were lots of loop backs for the group and I really enjoyed it.

I have set my sights on the 10k at the end of October and have decided to join the return to running group, starting on Monday 20th. I wanted to join this group to build back my stamina, build some confidence and get myself into a routine of running more each week. My Run Buddy is also joining me, and I hope that others come back to Ossy Joggers through this new program.

I am never going to be a fast runner, more of a tortoise than a hare. I know that for me the main driver in my ability to run is what that little voice inside my head is telling me. So, if I can build more confidence and maintain a regular habit for running then this will help improve my running mindset.

I am looking forward to seeing some familiar faces tomorrow :) #returntorunning