The new look EGRC (Covid-Secure) Club Nights

Monday 10th August 2020 - doesn't sound very special does it?  But after over four months of no club nights, it was so good to return to organised sessions.  

We put Monday nights together so that they broadly reflect the target audience that would have come to Up & Coming runners' sessions - so a run / walk group, and two groups at gradually faster paces, knowing that people would gradually work out the groups that best reflect what they want to do each week / individual mileage etc, and it seemed to work pretty well for people to select the right group for their abilities.

The Committee and run leaders had had a practice session the week before which helped us to confirm how things would work, and how we would manage the bookings on Eventbrite.  I think we all felt the responsibility to make sure things were done properly, and that everyone was kept safe during the sessions, which led to the decision about staggered start times and locations.

It was definitely a different feel from our usual club nights - one run leader and a small group of runners, a COVID-safe briefing, outside, with no access to changing rooms and a reminder of the need to socially distance.  But once we got out on the run it felt quite normal, and listening to the chat within the group as we ran on a lovely, sunny evening, I felt reassured that the system we had would work well.

So thanks to everyone who has supported the sessions - your good nature and willingness to cope with these changes at such a strange time makes it a real pleasure to run with the groups.  

Last week something nice happened at Loopy Tuesday: we sold all the tickets for all three routes. With almost 40 runners taking place that may have been our largest attendance not just since we restarted but, quite possibly, ever.

For me, one of the best things about Loopy Tuesday at the moment is seeing more people who normally run on a Monday coming along and giving Tuesday a try. One of the reasons our Tuesday club night launched is to be a ‘glue’ between Monday and Thursday, allowing those who have been ‘up and coming’ but now have more experience to push themselves a bit or to add to their training.

But there is a misconception: apparently the C group on Tuesdays is faster than on Mondays. Well, maybe it isn’t a misconception perhaps it is true. But, if it is, it really does not matter: I know sometimes people feel self-conscious nearer the back, worrying that they are slowing the group down so let me say clearly, they are not – everyone runs at their own pace and we are pleased to have them with us. Those at the front don’t mind looping back; it all adds to the loopiness of Loopy Tuesday.

So, hopefully last week was not a one off and Loopy Tuesday will continue to thrive. That it does, is a testimony not only to the very friendly group of runners that join us each week but also the team of run leaders who make it possible. Thank you, all.

Back in November 2018 (pre-Covid), I undertook the Leader in Running Fitness course down in Plymouth which was the nearest place available; until I’d booked it and then found out they offered Bristol or Chippenham too. Hey ho! Any chance to get away from the family…

I digress, but Plymouth is a strange place and I apologise if you’re from there and have fond memories; I don’t! Remembering my run around Plymouth in the dark is not a memory I need to bring back. Even a fellow hotel guest was surprised I’d run 14 miles without a stab vest! Nice hotel though.

Anyway, EGRC paid for half the cost (thank you) and I thought it may be a good way to give back to the club whilst learning some new tips. I can certainly recommend the course. Only takes a day and was really interesting and practical too. My warm-ups and cool-downs have improved and my running technique altered slightly. I’m not sure it made me any more confident leading a group of runners though. I needed to practise that part.

At the time I wasn’t planning on using the qualification very much, helping out if needed. There was talk of setting up a youth section for EGRC and that appealed. In the meantime, I ended up leading a couple of Tuesday sessions and thought that actually it is easier to stand in front of kids than control a group of runners (you know who you are). I’m a classteacher so teaching kids is much easier.

Fast forward to July 2020 (mid-Covid) and EGRC run leaders started chatting about restarting club nights after England Athletics delivered guidance. Chatter became reality after a risk assessment was written supporting the restarting of club nights with a maximum of 12 runners and social distancing measures in place.

So Covid Club Nights are back! 

I usually lead Group A runs. I’m feeling more confident leading a group (humour is my way of faking the confidence of public speaking). The chats are great. The training sessions are starting to make an impact on gaining faster pace again (after a long recovery from Covid illness). I enjoyed leading a Group C Tuesday night just to mix it up a bit and see different people. 

I think I’m doing an OK job (nobody has mentioned otherwise, although I do keep saying I’m called Matt if feedback is bad). I still prefer to run in the group rather than lead the sessions. We need more people booking onto a Thursday night Group A. I’m sure it’s got the lowest headcount. If you are wanting to give it a go, most of the sessions would suit a wider variance of pace. 

How does it feel from my perspective? IT’S WEIRD! IT’S NOT THE SAME! I miss my EGRC friends who don’t book into Group A. On the plus side we are back and it is lovely to be back running with EGRC again. For mental wellbeing it’s good for me too. And I love being able to help EGRC offer runs and training sessions. It’s not the same and I think the weirdness is not having the large meetings of people in the changing room and not really having long enough to chat before and after the run. Catching up with friends now means waving at them in other groups. I miss them! But we’re still here and for that I’m grateful. Stay safe 