Welcome to the
edition of the newsletter!
Its been another successful year for our little running club. We've increased membership and created a new beginner group that is doing really well.
Many of our members have made personal achievements in their running, from hitting milestones in number of Parkruns completed to achieving personal bests in a range of distances; as a club we congratulate you all.
Many of our members have made personal achievements in their running, from hitting milestones in number of Parkruns completed to achieving personal bests in a range of distances; as a club we congratulate you all.
We've been going a decade!
You may not be aware that as a running club we have now been going for 10 years. At this milestone we've spoken to the founder of the club, Ian Weston, for a Q&A.
Ian remains a very active member of the club, taking part in a multitude of running events of varying distances and theres a very good chance if you haven't met him yet, you will soon.
1. As a founder member what does that mean for you to reach 10 years of this club?
I'm very pleased the club still going strong with new member's finding us every year. The only change is the introduction of the couch to 5K and that, too, being successful.
2. What does being a member of Polegate Plodders mean for you?
I really enjoy meeting new running friends and going to races
3. How long have you been running, or considered yourself a runner, and how did you first get into running?
I started running when I was at school in the cross country team, and have never stopped
4. Do have an event you especially look forward to?
I'm really looking forward to the London Marathon. It's going to be awesome.
5. Any other interesting running related achievements or facts about you?
My greatest achievement was the Holkham half Ironman 1600m swim, 56mile bike, Half Marathon,
Very pleased with results.
My greatest achievement was the Holkham half Ironman 1600m swim, 56mile bike, Half Marathon,
Very pleased with results.
That sounds an amazing event to have been part of and to complete it truly is a great achievement. We all applaud that, Ian.
Ian leads the Wednesday evening runs, so pop along to one if you haven't already and enjoy the varied routes his encyclopaedic knowledge of this area will take you.
Did you know we have qualified running coaches in our club who can assist you in reaching your running goals?
Our coaches are:
Ian Weston, Gary Manley, Caroline Gearing, Heather Long,
Mike Leigh, Chris Findlay-Geer & Rachel Moran
Our head coach and coach coordinator is Gary Manley.
We have taken the opportunity to do a Q&A with one of those coaches, Heather, so as a member you can see what additional benefits your already great value membership provides.
Heather Long
1. What is required to become a running coach and what does it entail?
A running coach must have a love for running and be reasonably good at it! They must also attend a course and qualify as a leader in running and keep up to date with safeguarding course and DBS checks. They should also be able to commit to running a weekly session (voluntarily) and be aware of the runners that attend and provide routes, advice and support to those that attend their sessions.
2. You and the other club coaches hold a weekly running session. Other than members turning up to run it in a social capacity what are you able to offer members as an affiliated coach?
I am able to offer training plans, injury support and advice, and motivation.
3. If members want to make 2025 their year for getting into running more, or would like to improve on fitness or distance, for example, how are you able to assist them in their goal?
They can message me or speak to me about what they want to achieve and I am happy to set out a plan to help them reach their goal.
4. The big question that will be on every members lips is, as members of Polegate Plodders does it cost anything in addition to be coached by you or the other coaches, like it would in other running clubs?
No! Completely free - I just do it for love! But can also be persuaded with wine 
So there we have it! As a club we offer fun social runs, we encourage members to sign up to official running events and run as a team, and we can coach you every step of the way. And all from just £15 a year!
If you'd like to make 2025 your year for getting more into running in any way, then please go to our website for more details.
