A NEW-found passion for running has prompted one woman to urge others to get involved with two new Swindon running groups.

Debbie Quinn used to run a mile at the thought of getting her trainers on – but now the half-marathon veteran can’t get enough of the sport and wants to inspire others.

The 56-year-old mental health worker and therapist from Upper Stratton is so thrilled with her new-found passion that she’s determined to spread the word about the benefits. of the hobby, which She says running has helped her shed two stone in weight and gain self-confidence.

Now others can follow in her footsteps thanks to two new running groups in Swindon for absolute beginners designed to encourage and support them build up to 5km.

Debbie said: “I honestly never thought I’d ever want or be able to do this. In fact, no-one thought I would start running and now they all say I can’t stop.

“It really is the best thing I’ve done in years and if I can do it, believe me, anyone can.”

Since taking it up discovering the activity three years ago, Debbie has run five half-marathons and has signed up for the Swindon Half in October.

Her hectic training schedule and healthy diet is a world apart from the inactive lifestyle she had slipped into before.

“In hindsight I can see that I had got into some really bad habits, but at the time I was blind to them,” she said.

“I wasn’t always eating at the right times and any exercise I did was just at the gym.

“When my daughter Michelle and daughter-in-law Claire suggested joining them running, I nearly ran a mile away.

“But they persuaded me just to try it and I totally surprised myself and absolutely loved it.”

Within weeks of pounding the streets, having joining the local running group Shin Splints, Debbie built up her distance and was soon able to manage 5km.

She said: “It gave me something positive to focus on and I really enjoyed reaching new milestones.”

“My body started toning up and the pounds fell off too – I was over the moon.

“I also started eating better and I felt good about myself. The positive effects are endless.”

Debbie’s other daughter Lisa and son Sean are also now following in her footsteps.

Debbie said: “We’re all getting the running bug now and I just can’t get enough of it. I feel fabulous and genuinely believe others will too, especially with the encouragement and expert advice from this new group. I thought I would never be seen dead running – now I can’t imagine life without it. Just give it a try and you might surprise yourself too.”

Two free running groups, gathering at the Sun Inn, Coate Water, will begin next month – one meeting at 9am on Saturdays, starting on June 6 and the other at 6.30pm on Tuesdays, starting on June 9.

The groups will follow a 10-week training plan, culminating in a special 5km run for all participants.

They form part of the Swindon Tri-Active Project, which helps people to be more active by teaching them to ride a bike, swim, walk and run.

The health benefits of running are wide and varied, ranging from reducing anxiety and helping relieve mild depression to improving sleep and managing stress. Research also shows running aids weight loss whilst at the same time toning and strengthening muscles and protecting joints.

Councillor Brian Mattock, Swindon Borough Council deputy leader and cabinet member for adult health and social care, said: “It’s fantastic to hear how running helped Debbie totally turn her life around.

“The benefits for people’s physical and mental wellbeing are tremendous and I’m delighted these two new groups will soon be introducing others to this activity, which can be practised in so many different places either with company or independently.

“I hope people who may not have considered running before, and those who have always wanted to but didn’t know where to begin, will sign up and give it a go. Debbie’s experience is certainly inspiring."

and I’m sure lots of other budding runners are waiting to get started.”

To register for a free place visit go online at swindon.gov.uk/tri-active, email tri-active@swindon.gov.uk, or call 07508 821297.

If you would prefer running solo or want to club together with your own friends or family, you can still follow a free Couch to 5k plan