Sophie Pierce	Writer and Broadcaster	Home	Contact
Home About Sophie Articles Devon Dispatches Other stuff Links Contact	It’s a windswept evening in Buckfastleigh, a small town on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon. There’s laughter and chatter as about twenty women, of all shapes, sizes and ages, meet up to run. They’re all very different but have one thing in common – the desire to get out there and get some exercise, and have some fun in the process. Their group is part of the Women’s Running Network which started in Exeter in 1998. There are now around eighty groups nationwide, aiming to help women start running – and stay running - in a supportive, light-hearted atmosphere. The idea is that anyone can run, provided they have companionship and support. Mary Snook, who’s 71, illustrates this very well. She describes herself as ‘totally unsporty’ but has been running with one of the Devon groups for the last six years. “I simply don’t have the motivation on my own, I give up within minutes, but as part of a group I can work through the tiredness. It’s also so much more fun running with other people; I actually enjoy the exercise.” The network was started eight years ago by Pauline Beare and Peggy Wiseman. Pauline, now 51, had been sporty as a teenager and wanted to get back into running after having children and becoming overweight. Friends encouraged her, and she eventually succeeded in running the London Marathon. It was this which inspired her to set up the first group, because she felt there was no support network for women who wanted to start running. “I felt really passionate about it; I felt so grateful to those who’d helped me that I wanted to give something back.” What started as a small local group is now a large network with funding from Sport England and sponsorship from various sports kit firms. The ethos is simple: all women, of whatever ability, are welcome, and no one is turned away. “We encourage all women, whatever their experience or weight, to come and run, it doesn’t matter what you wear, or what you look like”, says Pauline. The groups are run by leaders who have gone on a course organised by the network, who make sure that everyone exercises safely. Jaine(correct) Swift, 38, leads the Buckfastleigh group. “It’s so satisfying to see women that haven’t run since they were at school starting again, and getting fitter, healthier and more confident.” Jaine thinks that at least three quarters of the members of her group would not be exercising if it weren’t for the network. One of her members, Sharon Sharland, started running with the group six years ago when she was 45, and has gone on win several trophies and to run the London Marathon. She says she wouldn’t have done any of it without the group. “I just wouldn’t be out there on those rainy nights if it weren’t for the support of the other girls. I’ve made new friends, I’m two stone lighter, and we all have such a good laugh while we’re out.” So why is the network just for women? Pauline Beare says unfortunately most men seem to be too competitive. “I had a couple of guys in the group once and they immediately hared off into the distance and disappeared. That’s not what we’re about. Everyone goes at their own pace, but we have developed a ‘looping system’ so that those who want to go faster can do so, without separating off from the group. It’s about staying together and supporting each other.” ENDS 584 words How it works: You pay £15 a year to join the network, and then pay £2 per running session. Find your local group at www.womensrunningnetwork.co.uk Top tips for starting running Wear comfy trainers and a sports bra Find a running buddy or join a group Start very gradually – build on short blocks of running and walking Stay safe – if running at night wear fluorescent clothing Enjoy it – don’t see it as a chore