RUNNING IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL & THE SOLES

***Member spotlight.***

In the recent ORC award ceremony, Julia Vince won ‘Runner of the Year’. Let’s have a read about her running journey.

Before I joined ORC I had never run (other than at school ). I have always had dogs so walking and the occasional exercise class was all I did.

I had just come out of hospital after having an issue with my gallbladder. The consultant wanted me to have it removed but I said I would rather try exercise and diet than an operation.

I saw the advert for ORCs C25K course on Facebook and finally picked up the confidence to attend the open morning at the church hall.

I started with ORC in January 2020, our graduation was supposed to be in March 2020 but the first covid lockdown brought that to a halt and we eventually graduated and received our medals two years later... I decided to carry on running on my own during lockdown.

I originally started running to improve my health and fitness, and also to prove to myself that I could do it .

The best thing about running with ORC is the encouragement and laughter! There is no judgment if you are slow. Last year I was honoured to receive the ‘Most improved Female’ award from the running club and then this year I was totally shocked to be nominated, let alone win ‘Runner of the Year’ !

The Group leaders all started where we did, so they understand the pitfalls and how it feels to start the beginning of your running journey.

What I enjoy most about jogging is it clears my mind and cleanses my soul. When I run I listen to the birds or chat to the person I am running with. I find it is a great way to clear any problems/worries I may have fluttering around in my head. Once I have cleared my mind I usually find that I have run further and found it easier than I expected or intended. Running is good for the Soul and the Soles.

I had been working in education for over 20 years and did not think I could do anything else. After proving to myself that I can learn new things, like running/jogging, I took the gamble on myself, left my job and found a totally different job in a different sector. Best thing I have ever done!

Since I started running I have lost weight and increased my stamina and strength. I have made friends that I would have never met without the ORC community. In 2024 I turned 60 and decided at the beginning of the year to run 6 races for my 60th birthday. I have done 10 milers, 10k and half marathon distances and finished my personal challenge on Saturday 25th Jan by running the Tissington trail half, it was not fast or pretty but I got it done 😁

During covid, I was also going through the menopause and I found this really knocked my self-confidence and affected my mental health. Running has helped me clear my mind and put things in perspective. I am also pleased to say that I no longer need to have my gallbladder removed due to improving my health.

The only set back I had was self-doubt! I suffer from this and sometimes on a run I will find it difficult, think I cannot do this but then I remember how far I have come and how much fun I have had and I carry on.

I always say to anyone who thinks they cannot run that no one can run when they first start and if you need to stop and walk, do it but walk with purpose until you can run again.