This month’s article is intended to celebrate mature sports people in terms of years rather than mentality as some of our members certainly belie their biological age.
Celebrating mature sports people
Athletic clubs tend to cater for those who relish competition and are looking for speed whilst local community running clubs are a broader brush and hopefully attract all ages and abilities. At Absolute 545 RunClub, we are proud of all of our members and hope to get people involved from an early age which is the rationale behind our sponsored junior athlete.
Our mission statement is to keep the fun in the run and whilst our membership does reflect all generations, we are blessed to have amongst our number, members who have either been involved in sport throughout their lives or who found the passion later in life.
Eileen Bartlett
We have inspirational men and women such as Eileen Bartlett who once upon a time represented her home County of Devon as a cross country and marathon runner and has some impressive times on her running CV.
Now, in her senior years, she is still pulling on her running shoes and inspiring others of all ages to have a go. She can be found most weekends taking part in her local parkrun at Lee On The Solent and volunteering as a Marshall for the Sunday morning Junior park runners.
Dave Kitching
Dave Kitching has found running later in life, having previously been a competitive club cyclist and it’s not unheard of for him to win his age group in local running competitions such as the Gosport 5K Summer Series.
Lynne Hughes
Lynne Hughes has also enjoyed previous sporting success as a ballerina before she was tempted to join the 545ers having seen one or two of us at the Lee parkrun on a Saturday morning. Once a competitor, always a competitor… Lynne is always looking to improve her running and like Dave and Eileen, she is an inspiration to the rest of us.
Jackie Tombs
We also boast amongst our numbers, retired local business lady Jackie Tombs who we share with our friends at Gosport Road Runners.
Jackie has been a social runner for many years but since 2012 has been getting quicker over all distances. She has discovered a talent for running Half Marathons and full Marathons for which, due to her commitment and hard work with quality coaches, she has been awarded a Master’s National running vest, allowing her to represent England.
Jim Mackman
Then there’s Jimbo…
Jim Mackman, an ex submariner who wasn’t always svelte as he lived the life of a salty sea dog before becoming a pub landlord.
Always a strong swimmer, in his later years, he discovered triathlon, competing in the colours of the Royal Navy or Bayside Tri triathlon clubs which led him to find our running club as a means of helping him with his fitness, not to mention giving us all the benefits of his natural social skills.
Our mission statement is to keep the fun in the run and whilst our membership does reflect all generations, we are blessed to have amongst our number, members who have either been involved in sport throughout their lives or who found the passion later in life.
Be inspired
There have never been better examples of how it is never too late to enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle than these five individuals. I could go on as we really do have members of many different generations who enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of sport and being around others who have a positive and supportive mindset.
If you have been thinking of having a go, find out a little more about us, check out our training diary, and maybe even consider joining the club.
Until next month… stay positive.
Nick
Chair
Absolute 545RunClub
