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17
May 2024
The Harrogate running club where walking, talking – and running – are equal
'Get jeffing' - it's not a phrase commonly known in running circles, but amongst a select group in Harrogate, it's certain to be recognised. The Stray Runners prides itself on being a running group with a difference - its ethos is all about getting social, having a laugh and staying active.
This week has been Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme this year is movement. The Mental Health Foundation states that 'as little as 15 minutes of movement a day has been shown to positively impact mental health', helping to reduce stress, anger, and form a better connection between the body and mind.
For the The Stray Runners, every week reflects these values; and on Tuesday, May 14 the Stray Ferret attended one of the Stray Runners' regular sessions, to find out more about the group - and to discover what 'get jeffing' actually means.
'There is always someone there to give you a bit of support'
The distance on Tuesday was a gentle 5K, led by Barry McGuire, finishing up at the Coach and Horses for a post-run pint and a chat. With a mix of age and abilities, there were some well-established regulars and other newer members of the group.
Long-standing member of the group, Paddy Mckeown explained about his reasons for joining and what the group had done for him.
Roughly five years ago my dad unfortunately passed away, shortly after a member started to talk about the group. I quietly thought about it and eventually joined at it’s done wonders for me.
Physically, mentally, for running confidence, and meeting a bunch of great people. It’s been fantastic.
While there is an estimated 40-60 members, not everyone attends every week. Lisa Rothwell, who joined the group last year, expressed that the flexibility means that exercising could work around her working life. She explained:
Up until last year, I worked full time so I’ve never been able to commit to a regular group. I moved up here three years ago and I wanted to get into something. I heard about the group – joined it last year – but unfortunately got injured so I had to pull out.
Now I come every Tuesday and Thursday and I absolutely love it, they’re a great bunch of people. It’s nice to get together with great friends.
The group is very encouraging, and it doesn’t matter how slow you are, how fit you are, there is always someone there to give you a bit of support.
The running club at the final destination
The group offers a 12-week 'Couch to 5K' course, where can start your running journey from the very beginning, progressing up to a 5km, culminating in a graduation run at Fountains Abbey.
Sarah Jobson, a qualified leader for the Stray Runners said:
I started the Couch to 5K a couple of years ago and it was really good. After completing it, they were looking for more leaders and I said I’ll do it.
I really like this group – we’re all very friendly, we get on really well, and it's really good to see new people coming as well. Watching people start, and enjoy it, is great.
The Jeffing Group
For the runners looking for an exercise to chat ratio that skews more heavily towards the social, the 'Jeffing Group' is a popular choice. Named after Jeff Gallaway - a professional runner who came up with the run-walk-run theory - and led by Terry Tuplin, the target audience is those at the start of their running journey, newcomers, or anyone who wants a chat.
Whether looking to improve on a personal best or simply to enjoy the social side of group activity, members of the Stray Runners agreed that joining has not only made them better runners, but made them feel supported and like part of a family.
Jeff Walker, the group leader, summarised the ethos of the group:
The runs are designed to be fun and designed to not be daunting for anyone. It is free, open, and accessible to everybody regardless of ability.
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