Last year a group of us from the BI group I go to did a 5k Santa dash near where I live. It could be ran or walked so suited most people. I did part run part walk as I was just getting used to running. The last km was tough I had ran and fast walked all way and the man who runs group had completed it and came back to encourage me and was videoing me so I had to try to run tho I would have gladly walked.
Since then because I’m on benefits that could be effected if I ran he man has stopped all running with me understandably but disappointing. This year he has mentioned doing another Santa dash with the group he’s decided the Humber bridge only it doesn’t look like there is the usual 5k one there this year. Instead I have found a different one which is 6 hours long can still be walked or ran and idea is see how many circuits you can do in that time. You can wear Santa outfit so basically it would give me chance to do bit of running and see how far I could get. Perfect thing for me and others to test themselves.
So I’m hoping to persuade the man to sign us up to do that this year. Going to go in and ask how many would be interested and mention doing it to raise money for the charity get the man keen then tell him it’s 6 hours long as that is the part that will likely put him off. He’d be fine managing it he is used to running marathons but he’s normally struggling to have time for things also he will probably be unsure about certain people managing that amount of time tho there is quite a few I think he knows would be ok me included. Could also do the normal 5k ones at different place if he’d prefer
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keeley24
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Well done you for being able to run . Good the man was helping you to save your benefits . I’m still learning to walk again so👏👏👏to you . I hope he does sign you up . All good wishes , Shona 🤗🏴
Thanks for your kind words. I know what it’s like having to learn to walk again it is frustrating you will get there eventually.
I’ve got few things in mind to try to persuade him to sign up for the Humber Bridge or a 5k one. Me finding out who’s interested and saying I’d like to do it to raise money for the charity will persuade him if anything will.
Well bad news the endurance one is full so can’t sign up. So that leaves the brid 5k on that he’s said he isn’t doing again I think it’s more cos of the distance he is from it like an hours drive. Going to mention it tho and tell him a few people would like to do it and I’d like to do it to raise money for the charity as if anything is going to persuade him to do it that will.
Also planning to start doing some walks with the group with me planning them. Not exactly told the man who runs group that much yet as he likes to think of one thing at a time so for now I’m planning a easy 3 mile walk round near where group is held. That’s as much as the man knows for now. After I do the walk I’m going to make sure I keep eye on every one and show I can manage. Should be fun and interesting to see how I get on as I’m normally one to just follow others and I’m useless with directions so will be a challenge also will be watching the man doesn’t end up taking over. I know he won’t mean to but he’s that used to doing everything he will probably forget I’m in charge, but I know I can have a joke with him and tell him off and he will just laugh it off so will be good.
Hi Keeley, Ramblers offer training to walk leaders. Here are some tips for leading walks. (Ignore me if you know these already)
Ask people to gather 15 minutes before the walk starts. Gather in a safe place away from cars or animals. Advise the estimated time the walk is due to finish and where it is anticipated it will finish. Discuss any detours you might take or possible route changes so that if people do wander away, they know where to head to.
On the day, allocate a back stop to the group. This person is a strong regular walker. This person always holds the rear position so if you do have a weaker walker with health problems, they will have company for duration of the walk.
On the day count the number of people, get them to sign to say they take responsibility for their health in case they break a leg or other health issue. That way, you are not responsible if an ambulance is called!
On the day, ask people who have a mobile phone, if they have an ICE number in their phone and if their phone is locked to unlock it for the walk. ICE numbers are 'In Case of Emergency' numbers. Give people the option of adding a contact there and then under ICE in their phone. This activity is a good discussion to have and will spread to friends and family back home which helps the emergency services in the case of car accidents or police etc etc. So in the contacts list I would look for ICE and phone whoever was saved under that contact. For those who have a history of going unconscious or anyone else who wants to.
Announce the walk will start in 5 minutes, then walk away from the group inviting anyone to discuss their medical issues with you in private. They can discuss their medical history with you to make you aware of any issues so as the leader you can take that into account. Asthma - a warning on steep hill. Bad knee - a warning if steps are on the walk - give them verbal warning on the walk that a challenge is coming up - don't say those with bad knees or those with asthma - just say STEPS coming or HILL coming and turn to face the group as you say it so most people can hear. People usually relay the message down the group.
Just little things like this make everyone feel the same in the group and welcome for your next walk. The better leaders are approachable and chatty but not probing with questions, they let people talk to them as a leader but don't have too many opinions which may upset people.
During the recce, watch out for curbs/ uneven ground / stiles, maybe mark down on a map where there might be a challenge for someone with weak balance. On the day ensure you stay at the front and at each hurdle, wait until the whole group has gone over the obstruction before continuing, counting them over as they go. Keep talking to all of the weaker walkers and normalise their struggles to make everyone feel welcome.
At the end of the walk, its a nice thing to do, to go to a café or pub for a drink. After exercise people tend to be more relaxed and feel easier talking. Then you can plan your next walk as leader!
You are an inspiration with your walking / running Keeley. A true leader!
Im planning to join Andy again next year but won’t be doing any training until the New Year. Id like to organise some walks to raise money for my ex-rehab unit, the staff have been very supportive of the idea but again i won’t be looking at it before January.
Meanwhile im trying to maintain 10,000 steps for at least 5 days a week, easier sais than done at times. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak!
Thanks for the advice. I am going to find out who is wanting to do the walk on Tuesday and providing weather is ok do a trial walk on my own so I know the way and can see any areas with steps or hills or where roads are. I’ve also already decided the back person will be the man who runs group as I can see him taking over if he’s near front as he’s that used to leading everything and he does have BI so likely will forget not to lead way and do everything if he’s near front. I will probably end walk by going somewhere for coffee as the man who runs group suggested which I’m fine with as I will need to know how long he’s got for the walk and coffee after to plan it.
Well Tuesdays plan find out who’s wanting to do the 3 mile walk also going to mention the 5k Santa dash as a few seem to want to do that. It is in area near me the man who runs group said he isn’t doing but going to see who wants to do it and how they will get there and then talk to man and see if he will join in cos he drives so some could get lift with him. Also will show I’m thinking for myself which is something the man has noticed I struggle with. On top of that I’m going to say is like to do santa dash to raise money for the charity.
As for the walks I plan to do more and depending how they go I’m still wanting to try the 3 Yorkshire peaks which the man has ruled out saying he’s not doing more than 10 mile. Doing one of the peaks is something he would do next year so I’m hoping to plan that
Well the fish trail walk is planned for 12th December. Will be good challenge for me as I am rubbish with directions and tend to let other people take over things. I planned to get there today and find out who wanted to do the walk. Didn’t exactly go to plan someone new had started so was talking when I got there so couldn’t interrupt so waited and ended up not saying anything. The man who runs club did bring it up so I managed to get names of who wanted to do it then with list of other people who will likely want to do it. Not found the route yet so planning to next week to see where any cafes are on route as there is at least 2 who can’t walk far in one go going. Also today just proved what I had guessed right about man who runs group taking over. Nothing against him it’s cos he’s used to it and we do get on well so I can just tell him to be quiet and he will just laugh it off so will be good atmosphere for everyone.
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