My story...by Paul Kalinauckas

I used to hate running until I discovered the potential health benefits of recreational running. Unfit and overweight at the age of 58 years old, I was struggling to tie my shoelaces, until I decided enough was enough. I knew that I needed to increase my activity rates as I had a somewhat sedentary job, office based and hunched over a computer.

Then I spotted a newspaper article about the launch of a Beginners Running Course by a local Running Club. Thinking this was worth a go, I duly turned up in Telford Town Park to find over 80 people there willing to give it a go as well. After a friendly, welcoming introduction, off we went with intervals of 1 minute running followed by 4 minutes walking. This is a piece of cake I thought until subsequent sessions changed to more running and less walking. However, I was able to keep up even though my body complained a little bit as I struggled to adapt. Fortunately, I liked the social side of running and used to enjoy a good chat whilst out on our running sessions, making new friends along the way.

Now, some 10 years later at the age of 68 years young, I have seen massive improvements in my health and well-being. The new me is slimmer and lighter having achieved my optimum weight. As a convert to recreational running, I also qualified as a Run Leader with England Athletics and took an additional coaching qualification. Now I lead a recreational runners’ session every Wednesday at 5.00 pm in Bowring Park, Wellington.

And last week Bowring Runners welcomed a new member - Ken who is 90 years young and thought he would give running a go after seeing Paul's article in the local Over 50s Forum Magazine - go Ken! (Paul's the one in the hat!)

Paul is a #TogetherWeMove champion who takes every opportunity to share his passion for an active lifestyle with others. 

If this sounds like you too, please get in touch here.

#TogetherWeMove 

 

 

 

If you read this and want to join Paul for a run,please call 07802 385529 or search online for Bowring Runners or running groups at Attingham Park.