Run 4 Fun Brockenhurst

Helen Barnett and Sally Lewis started their first joint running groups for beginners in January 2016. Sally was already a group leader, and an England Athletics Leadership in Running Fitness tutor. Helen originally attended Sally’s groups in 2014 as a beginner herself. Helen had been very overweight and un-fit, and it was Sally’s motivation and sessions that had helped her shed weight and get into running. Helen has lost a lot of weight, and since gone on to take part in several half marathons. She is a true convert, with enthusiasm brimming to get others out enjoying the great outdoors. Helen has found that the success of getting others started with running has boosted her own self-confidence, and she certainly never seems to stop smiling when encouraging her group members to work hard.

Sally and Helen lead groups based in the idyllic New Forest, so there are plenty of beautiful trails and paths that they can use. They started two specific groups targeting the Southampton Race for Life events, as well as a workplace group based at the New Forest District Council offices at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst.

Neither Sally or Helen had previously taken part in Race for Life, although both have experience of close friends and family being taken from them with cancer. Sally’s dad died 2 years ago having suffered for several years with cancer, and this year her 79 year old mum has joined one of Sally’s beginner running groups, determined to run together in his memory.

We caught up with Sally and Helen at their workplace group in Lyndhurst, where they hold a weekly lunchtime session for council staff. 4 of the group joined us – Naomi, Amanda, Pauline and Becky. Out of this four, only one had previously taken part in a Race for Life event previously, in memory of her mother-in-law who had suffered with cancer.



These four ladies had all joined the group about 4 weeks previously as true beginners. They all admitted to being terrified at their first session, and very reluctant to do exercise in the beautiful grounds – right in front of their work colleagues! However, there is no stopping them now, they didn’t even glance up at the windows where their fellow workers were sat working. Instead there was lots of shrieking and laughter as Sally and Helen got them taking part in lots of games and friendly competitions – including tag, and relay racing.

When asked about their confidence, they all said that initially they’d only be willing to go out very early in the morning, mainly through fear of being seen. But now, they feel proud of what they have achieved, and don’t mind who sees them. Their advice to other beginners who don’t think that they can take up running is – everyone feels the same at the first session, but find yourself a nice friendly group leader, and they will help you overcome your fears.

The workplace group at Appletree Court was championed by district council worker Jamie Burton. He’s done a lot to motivate the staff based there, and supported Sally and Helen start up their group. The ladies who attended the 45 minute session said that they love having the opportunity to get out at lunchtime and do some sport – saying that it helped clear their heads, and sends them back to work in the afternoon feeling really positive and raring to go.

Although Sally and Helen did think that the This Girl Can campaign a little patronising, they do include a little “jiggy jog” at their own running sessons.

As the group finished their session, there was much talk of what to wear when they take part in the Race for Life event. They are keen to wear their matching Run England T shirts, but were going to make sure that pink also featured – making use of their free pink nail varnish and lipstick provided by CRUK!