Testimonials
'Everyone should have a Sarah'
'When I started running last year I could only run 1 minute and walk for two. I worked my way up to running for 4 minutes but that took weeks. That was when I discovered Sarah and then with her and a group of ladies I ran a 6 week course. The ladies came in all shapes and sizes and different levels of fitness and somehow Sarah managed to find words of encouragement for all of us. Sarah makes running easy. We managed to run the 5k in October and I honestly did not think I would do it but somehow I did and it was a fantastic feeling. Once the course finished I tried to keep running but lost all my motivation and momentum. So I turned to Sarah for individual coaching.
What a gift she has! I could write a list of words to describe her and I know none would be adequate. The best thing is coming out of the door and seeing her, full of encouragement, waiting for me. She inspires me to keep going, is patient when I want to stop, calm when I am stroppy, sensitive when I am feeling under confident, and understanding of my weakness. Sarah is better than going to a gym class – she got me going again when I didn’t think I could.
Everyone should have a Sarah.'
Kate
'I did it. Thank-you so much! I couldn't have done it without the training courses'
Ann who completed the Great South Run (10 miles) October 2010
'I never thought I could do running until I met Sarah Reid. In the six week beginners course my long held beliefs about what I was able (and not able) to do have been shaken up. All the aspects of getting to 30 minutes of running were chunked down into achievable milestones, and I loved every bit of it.'
Jane, Mum of 3 who completed the 5k course October 2010
'I really found that the motivation of running with the group made such a difference – it even helped to make sure I got out there during the week so that I didn't let myself down at the next group meeting. So thank you for all your help and positive encouragement, it was hard getting to 5k and I never thought I'd get to 10k so painlessly'
Karen, one to one coaching and 10k course Autumn November 2010
I started running with Sarah and it was one of the best decisions I have made. I was concerned that I was much older than the others (that was not a problem) also I would too slow, but the course caters for every speed. We started with an alternating run a bit, walk a bit. and even I could do that. As the course progressed we increased the running time and there is a fantastic looping around strategy which meant the people at the front ran round to the back so everyone was a leader at some point. The best thing is that everyone succeeds and we run at speed to suit the individual but there is always someone with you to keep you going when the slight slope feels like a mountain. Give it a go, it changes your life and at the end of each run you feel great.
Jenny
I had almost resigned myself to being a non-runner when I heard about the beginners' courses being run by Sarah. 5K seemed to be an impossible target to achieve, but with a structured programme, some running buddies and lots of helpful advice and encouragement, we all achieved the distance. I started the 5K course last May, took on the 10K course in January and am looking forward to taking part in the Eastleigh 10K at the end of March. Not bad for a 'non-runner'?
Liz
I have thoroughly enjoyed both the beginner's and the 10K running courses that I have completed with Sarah this summer. From being a 'non-runner' who puffed, panted and struggled to run for more than a minute I can now comfortably run for up to an hour and have even had the confidence to enter the Eastleigh 5K Parkrun on several occasions. I am still amazed at my progress and put it down to the course structure and the never ending support from Sarah! Thank you!
Sandi- Beginners 5k, Intermediate 10k- Spring/Summer 2010
I am surprised at the benefits of running-physically and mentally. Not only does it keep you in shape but it is also a great stress reliever!
Ginny- Summer course
Sarah is a very positive and encouraging person who has managed to keep my running for over a year now!
Liz D- Summer course
Thank you Sarah for all your help in turning us into 'Runners'. You are a true inspiration to anyone who wants to learn how to run properly.Anyone wanting to start your classes or who is thinking of starting running should do because you know they can! All the very best and again Thank you for being a true STAR!
Tracy 10k course completed March 2010
I am a 40 something non runner who had a go at the 5k running course last summer-with some trepidation-but everyone was so encouraging and helpful that I soon forgot my fears. Some of the weeks were harder than others but there was always some encouragement from Sarah or one of the other helpers at the right moment. We all had a great sense of acheivement when we completed the 5k run at the end! I made some lovely new friends too!
I have now just completed the 10k course. This is all something I would never have done on my own. It makes such a difference to be able to run with a group.
Liz E, Summer 2009 5K course and winter 2010 10K course
Having tried (and failed) to get "into running" every couple of years I decided to join the beginners group to see if I could finally get it. From wheezing round a field thinking "when will this end" I now find myself running three times a week EVERY week covering about 15 miles a week! The group is the perfect introduction to running and gives you the confidence to get your trainers on and run whenever you can - no gym membership, no getting in the car to get to an aerobics class, just stepping out of your front door.
Gail, Winchester Summer 5k course 2009
Wonderful course! I can't recommend it enough, I was looking for support, structure and expert know how in the art of running. It gave me all of this and so much more.
I particularly enjoyed the social aspect to the course, everyone running at a similar level with no pressure to do more than you were able to from the leaders and whilst having a chat! I found that when I ran I enjoyed it so much better on the days that we ran as a group than when I went solo.
If I'm honest I didn't enjoy the running all that much the first few times, but I wanted to get fitter, however the group, structure and teachers kept me going and about week 4 it just clicked and whilst I'm still panting and puffing after a run I've grown to love it and my increased energy levels!
Stella, Summer 5k course 2009
I can wholeheartedly recommend Sarah’s running courses. Before I joined I would never have believed I could run for five minutes, let alone 5 kilometres! But I started the 5k course in August – it began very gently – and, with Sarah’s encouragement and support, I gradually built up the time I could run. It was great running as part of a group because it really motivated me to keep going. In October I took part in the Basingstoke Parkrun, and I kept running all the way – 5k!
Now I run for about half an hour three times a week. I love the feeling of energy and well-being it gives me, and I personally enjoy the fact that I am not ‘competing’ against anybody. I actually really miss it when I can’t go! And I will be running the Race For Life this year – so thank you Sarah!
Kirsty, pilates teacher, Summer 5K course 2009