The 15th February 2020 marked the culmination of the 4th iteration of the Snails Couch to 5k program. The initial course was run over the summer of 2016, however since 2017 they have run throughout January and February. After all, if you can learn to love running in the dark, wet winter months then you’ll certainly love it forever!

How did our most recent intake get on? Well, I’ll let them tell you in their own words below.

If you feel inspired to start running, you need not wait until next year, we cater for all abilities on our club nights (Mondays/Wednesday). Feel free to drop us a message with any concerns.

Our Graduates before the run at Halifax parkrun last week

Lindsey Watson

I used to run a little pre childbirth, then life and a redundant pelvic floor took over! Like many people, I have a demanding job and was feeling a little frazzled at times. I knew the links between running and a healthy mind, so joined C25K in the hope of gaining some ‘headspace’. With the possibility of buying shares in Tena Lady, I got my running gear on and rather reluctantly turned up.

Run round that field ‘they said’ so we can get you into groups......erm..... okay and off we all obediently went. I was put in my group (1) and off we went, Rick, Stu and the newbies too!

Alls well until you hit a hill! Buts that okay, because I soon realised we were all the same! As the weeks went on, I could feel I was fitter and managing to run up small hills. Managing my water intake in relation to arena Lady capabilities was tricky, but I didn’t care, I felt good!

My son decided he would like to run, so we even joined in a couple of Snails runs on a Monday. This was a bit nervous at first but everyone is so lovely.

As C25K continued, group one gelled, we all got to know each other and I really looked forward to Thursdays and Sundays.

I am a University lecturer and have attended many a graduation ceremony but our C25K one is right up there for me. Shroggs Park is a challenge to say the least, but after being gently (I feel that word is being a little kind) pushed by the group 1 C25K team for weeks, it would have been wrong to finish on something easy. We all pushed as hard as we could and the whole group were amazing. Rick paced to get me back under sub thirty and I was as pleased as punch. Graduation was an emotional and tough day, yet, I am now running twice a week with Snails and have entered Bradford 10k (15th March) with my group 1 buddies.

As for Tena Lady, it is less of an issue or I’m having so much fun I don’t care. I never seem to think about work when I am running, whilst my body works hard my brain appears free to chill. I hope to carry on running with snails. I don’t want to be a superstar, just enjoy my running and my new found headspace and maybe do a few runs with my son. No stress, no pressure, just fun.

Rick Supporting Lindsey to her Goal of Sub 30 at Shroggs

Al Sutton

My name is Al, I am 40 years old, I am 17 stone 9. I have never been confident in anything I do really. I wanted to put that information first so you understood a little about me and also understood how size, ability doesn’t matter. I was a gym bunny, would go 4 times a week. Ask me to bench press 80kg? No problem. Shoulder press 40 kg? With ease. I could do HIIT and I can box. But, I couldn’t walk half a mile without struggling as I my back would hurt. And, as my wife tells me I am impossible to get Christmas presents for, I asked for this as I wanted to work on my endurance.

A little background, on new year’s day I attempted to do the walk for a laugh round Barkisland and Krumlin and after the first hill my back was in pain and I had to turn around and head back as I couldn’t make it up there. I was upset and I was embarrassed. I had already signed up to couch to 5k and my wife will testify, I was terrified. I was terrified I would embarrass myself and the people that knew me.

So, on Sunday 5th January, I made my jittery and nervous way to Sowerby Bridge clubhouse. And immediately I was put at ease. People in Snails jerseys were all very friendly, very supportive and also, pretty much all of them have been in the same boat, so they all had empathy with what we were going through and how we were feeling. We did our warm ups and then we did 2 laps of the cricket ground to get a basic idea of people’s ability. Sadly, as it was boggy I turned my ankle over. I mentioned this to Jodie and Rick and they advised I rest and I went to group 4. I tried like the pig-headed male that I am to run through it but it was too sore and I was advised to save myself till Thursday. And the lovely Louise walked me back as no Snail is left behind. Through the next sessions Nicola Noble, Eleanor Pilling and Louise Heppleston, Pam (and Bandit too) were superb, helpful, friendly and just amazing.

Our group became tight and we were friendly. For example, the session before graduation, my ankle wasn’t 100% so, I mentioned that I would walk as I wanted to be 100%, or as close as an old fat lad like me can be. Instantly, 3 members of the group said they would walk with me and it made me realise how much we were all in this together.

Graduation was a fantastic occasion and once the tiredness wore off, I can look back on with pride and happiness. From the helpers organising people and getting them signed in, which must be like herding cats, the t-shirts, the sense of togetherness, the friendliness and the support during the race as you are running round from Snails, marshalls, supporters etc. It was amazing. I was struggling and I would like to thank Eleanor in particular as she pushed me to finish strong and let the cheering take me in.

Moving forward, I will remain a Snail as the sense of togetherness, unity and friendship which Jodie has created is truly amazing. I would like to get fitter and I would like to try and complete a 10k. And I know the Snails support will get me there.

Al in action closely followed by Eleanor who helped him round the course

Chops Carter

My wife said “Chops, let’s join a running club”…My stomach flipped. I don’t really like social things I have no self esteem or confidence with things like this. So if you are reading this and are similar, please keep reading.

Our first run was on 5 January 2020. We all met up at the cricket club, I remember standing in the room holding on to the radiator feeling so nervous. It was horrendous for me but something Karen wanted to do so I was there for her. Karen has CADASIL which is a stroke disorder for where there is no cure. Any kind of exercise or outside activity will help her for sure so there we were…..

First of all we ran round the cricket pitch twice. I thought in my head… ahh this is cool, I can do this. As we finished our second lap we were put in to groups. The first 18 were group 1, second 18 were group 2 etc etc until we had 4 groups of runners. Me and Karen were in group 2. Then the group 2 leaders took us to one side and told us we were going to go for a run. My legs were like jelly already from running round the cricket pitch twice so this wasn’t welcoming news. The encouragement as we were running round Sowerby Bridge from the actual snails was amazing. Nobody was left behind, there was always a Snail at the back, in the middle and of course leading us. After the first run, the adrenaline started and I felt like I could bounce all the way home. We both loved it a lot. You must go to the first one, because honestly, if I can do it, then you absolutely can.

As the weeks went on every Thursday and Sunday evening were welcomed and even though we were then running round local to home, there really is nothing like running in a group of people all aiming for that goal of completing a 5K. To start with I wouldn’t make eye contact with people, but as the time went on and everyone in our group were so lovely, it was easy to let your barriers down and join in with the banter and make new friends. Even the bootcamp and the away run was amazing. Don’t let any of it put you off.

Graduation day was upon us and when we got there, that was a different kind of nervous. I think because we hadn’t done the run previously, we were doing it on our own and there were so many non Snails there doing it, it was daunting for sure. We started off and I found myself running with a friend I’d made, Chelsea and her mum (who is already a Snail) Adele. Adele was there to help the C25Ks, encourage us and push us to get through the hills and down the slopes. They believed in us and you could feel it. No sooner had I stopped to walk for bit, Adele was there saying “Come on Chop”…. It was great to be fair. Adele asked what time we think we would do it in and I stupidly said 35 minutes. Not for a second did I think we would do it. I do believe if I were running by myself, I wouldn’t have finished in 35:35 but with the push from Adele and the snails that had finished or were just cheering us on at the side, it was enough.

The sense of achievement was amazing. My legs turned to jelly but I wanted to go and see how Karen was doing. I walked back to the finish and Adele was already running down to loop to run with her. That is exactly what it is like. They are like the greatest team. As more and more newbies were coming up the last hill, more and more snails were running down the hill to run back up with them. It was so emotional and so amazing to watch and be part of.

We got our medals and that was that. So very proud. Stravas’ were updated and kudos were sent to people we had started following over the 6 weeks.

It doesn’t need to stop there. The Snails run on Monday and Wednesday evening so me, Karen and Chelsea arranged to meet there. We saw some of the others from group 2 so huddled together and decided to run with the steadies. We had already been told by Ella, Lynne and Adele that we could manage the medium steadies but I think we were all fairly unsure of our ability and didn’t want to let anyone down. On the Wednesday we all went up a group to the Medium Steadies and loved it. I have entered us in the Scammonden Sizzler 5k, the flat caps 10k and the colour run since just because it’s another goal to set. I’ll never be the fastest but when I look back to where I was this time last year, it’s definitely a journey I’m proud of.

We have a little WhatsApp group which has been formed off the back of the C25K and we all get on so well and I think we know we have made friends for life.

I don’t think Sowerby Bridge Snails realise how massive an impact they can have on someone’s life. It’s all voluntary and they have all made everyone feel so welcome and never not good enough. I don’t think I will never not run now. It’s been a reasonably short journey, but one I wouldn’t change ever. I’m glad Karen suggested it and I’m glad we chose to run with the Snails x Thanks ever so much to you all.

Chops (forefront) and Chelsea (left) storming up the final hill being ‘encouraged’ by Adele (right)!

Dianne Ronson

I am not a runner. I have never been a runner. I am not built for running (.)(.)

Last year I met the Snails founder, Jodie, and found her enthusiasm for life and her passion for the running club infectious. So, when she advertised a new C25K starting in the New Year I started to mull it over.

When I messaged Jodie with questions I was secretly hoping she'd put me off... no such luck... before I knew it I was signed up!!!

Joining information followed, trainers were bought and I garnered reassurance from other newbies sharing their feelings of impending doom on our dedicated C25K Facebook group. No turning back.

At 9 o’clock on a damp, January, Sunday morning in Sowerby Bridge [yes, who knew there are two 9 o’clocks in each Sunday] I joined sixty-six other newbies and a plethora of expectant, smiling helpers. When tasked with running around the cricket club pitch I wanted to turn tail and run home. In the words of Alanis Morissette, “Isn’t it ironic”!

But, I am not a quitter and fast forward 6–weeks of new friendships and extremely supportive and patient group helpers and I have completed my first Park Run and graduated from C25K 2020. The camaraderie around the course was amazing and I was ‘encouraged’ up hill and down dale by a fellow snail I had neither seen nor met before. I was cheered on to the end and she even let me cross the finish line in front of her.

We all have Mental Health and at times over the years I have had to give mine an extra bit of TLC. The few hours each week I escape from the mad 24/7 world in which we live have been extremely beneficial. The fresh air, wind, snow and rain have helped both my mental and physical wellbeing.

The Snails motto, “a good soldier never leaves a man behind”, no wait that’s Toy Story The Snails motto, “We never leave a snail behind” sums up the club to perfection. All ages and abilities are encouraged and everyone is made to feel welcome.

I am a runner. I have always been a runner. I am built for running (.)(.) boobs and all!!!

Dianne smiling her way up the final climb accompanied by Tami

Eileen Todd

It's been an amazing experience for me.

I saw the link on Facebook about Sowerby Bridge Snails C25K and in a moment of madness thought 'I'm going to do this'. I needed to lose weight and become fitter. After the initial euphoria I sent Jodie a message asking if I was too old to join. She reassured me and said I'd be fine. Well I was!

I was very nervous at the first meeting but everyone was friendly and helpful. There has been so much support, encouragement and enthusiasm from the helpers and other members of the group (Fantastic 4's) you couldn't just give up. It's been fun.

Graduation day run was tough but with help and encouragement, particularly from Nicola who ran/walked all the way with me, I made it in 45.21. I was 2nd in my age group (there was only 2 in it!)

I'm keen to continue as I feel healthier and fitter than I have for years.

Its given me huge personal satisfaction and if I can do it, anyone can.

Thank you everyone.

Holly Evans

I joined the Sowerby Bridge Snails Couch to 5k as I wanted to get back into running to increase both my physical health and mental wellbeing.

A ‘beginner’s’ course was exactly what I needed, where I would be surrounded by others at similar fitness levels, each with their own reasons for joining. Being able to run at ‘your’ own pace and seeing the improvement each week was so satisfying – no snail ever gets left behind!

From first signing up, to the graduation, the support, encouragement and kindness I have received has been incredible. Completing the 5k would have been much harder without it!

Running with the Snails has not just been about improving my fitness, it is also about being part of a group where people support each other and help each other achieve their goals. I am lucky to have met so many wonderful people throughout this experience, many whom are now friends.

I intend to carry on running with the Snails and I’m really looking forward to joining them in other running events, challenging myself to go further than I ever imagined.

If anyone has any doubt about joining, don’t! It’s a fantastic way to blow off steam at the end of a busy working day, or start a weekend feeling fresh and motivated.

Carol encouraging Holly as she smiles her way right to the end

Let’s not forget our wonderful helpers, here’s what they had to say…

Julie Clark

Last year I did the Snails C25k which I loved and have since become a fully fledged member. When Jodie asked me this year to be a helper I jumped at the chance. To give back what I got out of it is a great feeling and being there for people to talk to when they are struggling. To see the difference in people over six weeks is great. The excitement and nervousness of the graduation and the sheer delight at finishing and thinking I helped with this.

Eleanor Pilling

It’s great to help other people achieve fitness goals and also discover a lover of running.

Inspired - Come run with us!