Running towards the half marathon (From Swindon Advertiser)

Running towards the half marathon

3:30pm Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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THE Swindon Shin Splints continues to go from strength to strength, and now they’re looking finely turned out.

The Shin Splints training group was formed last May by organisers of the Swindon Half Marathon as a means of encouraging runners to train together towards the event which takes place on October 10.

Regularly more than 50 runners of all abilities are turning up to Coate Water at 9am every Saturday morning to set out on a series of runs of various distances.

They are guided by a series of experienced runners and mentors, among them is Steve Goulding, who has competed in every Swindon Half Marathon so far.

He said: “I’ve been helping out with the Shin Splints group now for about six weeks now and I am impressed with how many people actually turn out on a Saturday morning in all weathers.

“We had nearly 40 of the Shin Splints running at the 5km race at Coate on Wednesday and I’m hoping that this will give many of them confidence, not only in their abilities but in actually entering a race.

“It’s something which many of them would have previously thought was for elite athletes.”

Steve is the man behind Grass Roots Events which organises a number of running races in the Swindon area each year – including the Coate Water 5km this week.

He has generously provided each of the Shin Splints with top-notch running t-shirts to train with.

“I thought it would be a good idea for them to have t-shirts displaying the Shin Splints logo so that they all felt part of a team and could encourage each other,” he said.

“I know that myself and the other mentors find working with the groups on Saturday mornings very rewarding.

“As the weeks tick by, we can see the confidence and determination within the group growing and for some, the sessions now of eight to ten miles are a far cry from the minute walk, minute run they started with.

“As mentors I hope we can give some insight into the world of training, not only in the basic things like stretching and warm downs, but also to understand that some days it really hurts and you won’t always feel like going out for a run.

“We all know what it feels like, as we have all been beginners too.”

The free training sessions will take place from now right up until race day.

Steve said he hoped that those Shin Splints who take part in either the half marathon, the five-mile multi-terrain run and even the two-mile fun run would continue running after the big day.

He added: “It’s my hope that after they have completed the Swindon Half Marathon, the group will continue and they go on to compete in many other races of all distances.

“If they get as much out of running as I have over the years, making new friends, travelling to new places and gaining a huge sense of achievement, then they will probably be as hooked on running as I am. I have run every Swindon Half Marathon so far and find it a great buzz to run in my home town with great local support.”

Entries for the Swindon Half Marathon are open and to enter log onto www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk