Moving more, feeling stronger - Paula's story

Paula Williams, age 54

I’ve always had an interest in physical activity and have long recognised the positive impact it has on both my mental and physical wellbeing. I first took up running in my early 40s. At the time, I had young children and faced financial barriers to accessing other activities, so running felt like something simple and achievable. I’d also experienced breast cancer at the age of 38 and was determined to do everything I could to stay fit and healthy and reduce the chances of it returning.

I started with just a pair of trainers, a Couch to 5K app, and the determination to stay strong and healthy.

I started with nothing more than a pair of trainers and a Couch to 5K app on my phone. I’d step out of my front door, cross the road, and head onto the local reservoir footpath. It worked perfectly, flexible around work and family life, and completely free. After about a year of Couch to 5K, I decided to try my local running club. I persuaded a friend who had also started running to come along for moral support. I joined around 2015, and I’m still a member today, running twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, unless family life gets in the way.

I really enjoy being part of the club. I’ve made lots of friends there, and running with others makes such a difference. We chat, share life’s ups and downs, and support each other through the challenges of both running and everyday life.

Running with others makes such a difference, we share life’s ups and downs and support each other every step of the way.

The club caters for all abilities, from ‘Ready to Run’ beginners through to runners far quicker than I’ll ever be! Qualified run leaders support the sessions, which range from social runs on Tuesdays to more structured training on Thursdays, including track work and hill reps. The running community is incredibly friendly and welcoming.

I’ve often said that running keeps me sane, and I truly mean it. It has helped me through some very tough times. I especially love getting out onto the moors and running off-road. On Sundays, I run across the hills and moors around Oxenhope and Haworth with two friends I met through the club, who’ve become very close friends. We share everything, the highs, the lows, and our runs are often like a therapy session, full of laughter as well as honest conversation. And those feel-good endorphins really do kick in.

Running keeps me sane, fit, healthy and happy.