Ultimate Plodders

Where it all began

So, I`d thought I`d share how, why and where it all began and where we are now.

It all started on a dark and damp night in a playground in Maidstone, February 2019.

Fellow plodder Jo Rees and I were doing stop -start laps around a playground. Wearing hi-vis`s and head torches and looking like the rock stars we are!

We had no idea on why we were running around a playground or more importantly why we were not allowed out with the big kids. AKA the runners that were allowed to run outside of the playground, though at this point I had completed the Great South Run & Jo & I had ventured into trail running and the obtaining of incredible medals. It was during this session, Jo suggested “ You could do this “  “What “ I replied “ Teach people to run, but properly “  From this conversation it started the very train of thought that lead to the formation of Ultimate Plodders.

We were not enjoying the “beginners “process. We were loving the runs we had completed outside of this running group, but we did not fit in with the “runners” at the club.

We were not fast, under 30 years of age and definitely could not fit in a pair of Nike running leggings, though they now do sizes that can accommodate the more capable athlete.

After attending a couple more playground jaunts Jo`s words sat with me and from that point I made it my mission, to find out what was needed to start a club of my own.

One built with the ethos that anyone can run, some may need just that little bit more support, information and encouragement.

This research led to the wanting to become an UKA affiliated running club, and my mission to provide a running club accessible to all began. A year worth of process, application and training began.

Some 14 months later Ultimate Plodders became an affiliated running club. That day in May 2020 was a huge achievement for both me personally and those who were involved in the very beginning.

The club has now had 2 years of affiliation, and I am a qualified Leader in Running Fitness, Coach in Running Fitness, Mental Health First Aider just to name a few of the 20 qualifications I have completed over the last 2 years.

I wanted to build a club where everyone is welcome, acknowledged and all achievements are celebrated. Whether this is putting on a pair on trainers and joining a walk and talk session or running a half marathon. All take strength, determination and some days you need a friendly face to remind you how capable you are.

As the club moves into its 3rd year, I will be continuing to build on the foundations that are now firmly in place.

With the right support anyone can PLOD, to those of you who have been on the journey so far THANK YOU.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *