Amanda's Volunteer Story
Heckmondwike Striders is a volunteer run group that offers relaxed, friendly and non-competitive running groups.
“I joined Heckmondwike Striders in February 2019 after enjoying parkrun but not being able to run the full 5k. I went straight into the 3-5k group and was made to feel very welcome from day one. I was encouraged to go further each week and within a few months could run 10k and not worry too much about being able to do this. I became part of the volunteer group that offered support to other runners in the group and to the leader of the run. This made me realise that I would like to have a go a leading.
I was given the opportunity to do the leaders course and feel like I have never looked back. I really enjoy supporting and encouraging people to go at their own pace and help them realise it’s a run, not a race and that with perseverance we can all reach the targets we want without pressure.
I believe that as a 50 something I am fitter and stronger than I have ever been physically and mentally as running gives you the headspace you sometimes need but also creates friendships where you would never expect to find them. I have since run a half marathon and if you had asked me 3 years ago if I could run I would have laughed out loud”.
Find out more
You can find more about Heckmondwike Striders here: https://groups.runtogether.co.uk/HeckmondwikeStriders
There are also opportunities to volunteer with Park Runs locally, find your nearest Park Run here: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/