Steve used to go to a local running club, but being slow, he always finished last. The experience left him feeling humiliated and low, even though he went on to complete numerous running events, including the Brighton Marathon and Great North Run.
At the end of 2019, Steve split up from his partner and then came COVID. During lockdown, he decided it was time for a rethink and last year, he set up Norwich Social Joggers.
"At Norwich Social Joggers, everyone starts together and finishes together. No one gets left behind."
The group has been a huge success. In a year, it's grown to more than 200 members.
Recognised locally for its inclusive ethos, the group has members who’ve been referred from the NHS and local mental health groups...as well as much more serious runners. At Norwich Social Joggers it's all about meeting new friends and have fun.
"People come along for the social side - just as much as the running," says Steve.
After-run snacks including tea and homemade cakes...pub quizzes...social events...fancy-dress Halloween runs through churchyards... are just some of the activities that make Norwich Social Joggers so popular.
Steve used to come last at running, but now he is most definitely an absolute winner. Greatly valued at NSJ for his encouraging and supportive approach, he's helped numerous members discover the value of jogging for health, friendship and well-being.
Read Steve's full story here
As a Why Run? listener, you can claim free tickets to the National Running Show being held at Farnborough International on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May 2022. Just enter code: WHYRUN
Instagram: #whyrunpodcast
Facebook: @whyrunpodcast
For further information about Why Run? visit: www.whyrun.uk
Thank you for listening today.
For more details on Why Run? visit: www.whyrun.uk
Follow @whyrunpodcast on Instagram and Facebook
And if you've enjoyed the show, do please leave a review and tell your friends.
05/05/22 • 28 min
Why Run? - Friendship and running
Transcript
00:40 Diane
Welcome to Why Run?
Steve used to belong to a running club, but always came last, which left him feeling humiliated and fed up, even though he went on to run a marathon and numerous other races. During lockdown he set up Norwich Social Joggers and it has now grown to over 200 members.
At Norwich Social J
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/why-run-257162/friendship-and-running-30149895"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to friendship and running on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy