Grace Tebbutt

Name: Grace Tebbutt

I had been running for a few years before I joined SRC at the end of 2010, so I am still a relatively new member. I had been enjoying running by myself, sometimes going out with one or two other friends, but felt there was something missing from my training and aspirations. I joined SRC because my father and godfather had been part of the club for a good few decades, and although at first I was nervous to be part of a larger team and was unsure as to whether I would be 'good enough'; I imagined that the team would be full of professional athletes who would not tolerate more amateur runners. However, I couldn't have been more far from the truth.

There are some really experienced runners in the team but also, people who have only just started and are using the training sessions to help them gradually improve. There is a great sense of support in the team as well, and every one is congratulated on whatever they do – a great team spirit! The training sessions and leisurely runs are tailored for those of all levels – even if you see yourself as seriously unfit, they are a brilliant way to learn how to slowly become more comfortable with excercise. They also enable you to experience running routes around the city and peak district which would be hard to find alone. Before joining SRC I was doing the occasional race, but had little sense of purpose apart from to improve on my own PBs.

So since joining, it has been great to be running as part of a team – giving me more reason to try harder for myself but also to help the team gain good positions. Relays and small cross country races are a new experience for me, and there is a real sense of comraderie and celebration at these events which are also a brilliant place to meet fellow runners of all standards. Having competed in numeroud races this year as part of SRC, I have become increasingly enthusiastic to get more involved in the running community – where I was more of a solo runner prior to this.

I really recommend joining SRC, to help you gain more understanding of running, meet new people and get more support for your running aspirations. My biggest achievements since joining SRC were coming fourth lady in the Lord Mayor's 10k where I blasted my previous PB out the water, gaining a new PB for the Sheffield Half Marathon for which the team awarded me with a 'Best Novice' award, and coming third lady in the Graves Park 10k – all goals I don't think I would have achieved without the support and encouragement of the team