Why Run With Us ?

‘I watched the girls in pink run past my window many times and thought I wish I were younger and I would give it a go. Well I did, and a month before my 65^th birthday I have just done my first 5k run in 43 minutes (not the fastest) but brilliant as I had never done any running before I started the 10 week beginners course. Needless to say, I could not have done it without the brilliant support, smiles and amazing encouragement from all the leaders and the other girls running. So whatever age or if you have never run before do not be put off GIVE IT A GO, YOU CAN DO IT!’

‘Running to me was always the devil’s work! Through school I would do anything to skive cross country – as a ‘grown up’ I loved aerobics, riding, tennis, yoga, Zumba, walking….anything and everything but the dreaded R word. Some people were built for running and I wasn’t! Then I saw Facebook photos of my friend Penny smashing a 5K with a group of ladies in pink t-shirts – they all looked so happy and like they’d conquered the world. With my 50th birthday looming, I signed up for the beginners’ course. The plan was to do the 5K, tick the box and retire! Nearly three years and more than 100 Mondays later I’m still here! I’ve got a dozen new medals and, even better than that, I’ve met so many amazing, positive, funny, clever ladies I am proud to call friends too! My running will never be fast and it’ll never be pretty but these days I’d much rather run 12 miles than walk it – and I NEVER thought I’d ever say that’

As I approached my 50^th Birthday I decided to take up running! I’d always wanted to try but didn’t feel confident enough to go it alone. I joined the Dollies and that changed everything. The warm welcome, support and encouragement from leaders and other ladies, the rain, hail, sunshine, hills, laughs, chat and fun have been the things which brought me back week after week and then I realised I actually loved running! I did my first 10k race recently, I still pinch myself because a couple of years ago I could never have imagined achieving this. I feel proud of my achievement, my body is stronger, my mind clearer. Dollies sets such a great example to all women whether you are big, small, young or not so young! Give it a go, have a try, you never know what might happen!’

‘Wow, what can I say…. Where do I begin? My adventure with dollies sounds like a great place to start. So, I started back in February 2015 after what was a difficult few months with losing someone close to me. I had to do something with my life and decided after seeing a post on Facebook about a beginners’ course, I thought why not. I remember the very first time walking in in my running gear and thinking ‘oh god, what do I look like’. Little did I know back then that nobody cared and we were all in the ‘same boat/ gear’ so to speak. Those first 12 weeks were challenging! From being an athletic kind of person in school to doing nothing for a few years before joining it was tough. I always remembered hating cross country in school or anything over 300 metres as I was a sprinter, never a long-distance runner. Wow, how things have changed, although I still love my sprints. I did struggle with running throughout 2016 with breathing. I was advised to see an asthma nurse who confirmed that I had a condition that affected my running. I was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma. I was nearly at a point of quitting. I remember having a conversation with Sharon Dolly Davies saying that I may have to quit dollies (it was getting that bad). Through huge support and encouragement off her, all dollies and leaders I fought through the ‘tough times’. Who’d have thought in 2017 I would have participated in events I never would have imagined signing up to a few years ago, certainly not me. I began to run twice a week from February when Elaine started her long distance running on a Thursday night and saw massive improvements, not only with my running but with my asthma and my inner wellbeing. I have achieved so much from this by entering 2 half marathons, a few 10ks, a colour run (the day before my first half marathon), a Tough Mudder, mud runs and plenty of long distance runs with friends/ fellow dollies. All of these events would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of all the leaders and dollies (too many to name). To top this year off all you lovely dollies (who are amazing) voted for me to be Dolly of the Year 2017!!!! I really cannot thank you enough and to say I am overwhelmed is an understatement. It is all you ladies who have helped me achieve so much. All your support, encouragement and belief has helped me through so many tough times, not only in my personal life but during dollies. This group is amazing and I am so thankful to be apart of it. I really could write a book of thanks to you all and tell you so much about my journey with dollies. All I can say to those who may think ‘it’s not possible to do something’ for example a half marathon, or who struggle every now and then keep going. I am a bigger lady who has asthma (caused by exercise) and at times I have wanted to give up, but through persistence and determination I have achieved many dreams I thought weren’t possible. Dollies is a huge part of my life and each week I am in university not able to run on ‘normal’ dolly days frustrates me. I do however go out at the weekends to keep me going as such and I intend to return as and when I am able. Those who are fearful of entering races, don’t be. Dollies is all about fun, fitness and friendship and that is my motto when entering events. It doesn’t matter where you are placed just go out there and have fun. Enjoy doing different things. Nothing is impossible and I am proof of that – seriously. My next challenge is Liverpool half-marathon again. At present I am unable to commit to any other events due to university, but where possible I will. My ultimate goal would one-day be to run London marathon – we will see!’

‘Having moved to Welshpool a couple of years ago, I joined the dollies beginner group to make friends and explore the local area – I truly never considered the running part! From week one the beginners group challenged me, but with the support of the leaders and fellow dollies I completed my first ever 5k (see photo) and have continued to run ever since. Running with the dollies clears my mind, gives me a sense of achievement, keeps me fit and provides endless giggles.’