RYA Runners with Beth Ingason

Beth Ingason attended the Leadership in Running Fitness course in February 2016. Beth is a member of Hedge End Running Club, and had been persuaded to train to be a leader so that she could help lead groups of runners at club runs. When Beth heard the call for Group Leaders to start up beginner running groups to target the Cancer Reserach UK (CRUK) events, she thought this would be a great opportunity to start a workplace running group based at the RYA Headquarters in Hamble. With the added impetus to aim for a 5k event, the group has become popular with members of staff.

Still only a small group, there are 2 or 3 complete beginner runners/walkers, and some others with more experience. Most of the group have previously taken part in a Race for Life event, but several years ago. Some of the group had family or close friends that have been affected by cancer in the past, but the main motivation this year for getting involved has been the fact that some of their work colleagues are currently facing the dreadful effects of cancer. So raising money and awareness of CRUK has become one of their objectives. In fact, alongside taking part in the Race for Life, the company also held a fund-raising afternoon tea last month and raised £90 in aid of CRUK.

Speaking with the running group members, the reason they’ve joined the group is that it gives them an incentive to actually pull their running shoes on and get out the office. As common amongst office-workers, the tendency is to sit in front of a computer screen all day without moving. Knowing that others are meeting to go out for a run encourages them to walk away from their desk and get out into the fresh air. There’s certainly some lovely places to run nearby, the group can go and challenge themselves running along the beach of the River Hamble, or head up through footpaths to the Royal Victoria Park at Netley. The group members have the advantage of having the Netley parkrun on their doorstep, and this provides an excellent opportunity for them to monitor their progress.

Another reason for starting up a lunchtime running group is that the RYA are part of the Workplace Challenge, and in general the workforce is trying to become more active. A regular yoga session had already been set up, and it was thought that by providing a running group, this may encourage more people to keep fit. In fact since starting the running group Beth has joined the company’s social club committee and has become very pro-active in organising different events to bring the workforce together.

Asked about the This Girl Can campaign, Beth says that she thought it inspirational and encouraging. She says that the first major milestone is actually getting staff to leave their desks at lunchtime and join her.

With her enthusiasm raised, Beth is determined to continue the running group post the CRUK events, and is now thinking of offering it to the other companies based in the neighbouring offices.