The Run group Experiment

Summer is here. The mornings are lighter, the air is warmer, and the kookaburras are laughing far too early.

Most people see the longer days and think, “Beach weather!” I see something else entirely: park workouts and early morning runs without gloves. It’s that magical window where we can finally ditch the “T-shirt, windcheater, jacket, umbrella just in case” combo and stride out in one confident layer.

I‘m aware as a PT I specialise in strength and mobility but I do love running for fun. Every spring, this change of season sparks an idea in me. A  little tradition of mine is to write on the whiteboard at the gym, “Run Group Starting This Week!”

Fresh air equals better mental health, which equals more movement.

I picture my clients striding joyfully through the park, chatting, laughing, endorphins flowing. Last year, I had the same vision. It just looked a little different in reality.

Let’s just say participation numbers were modest.

There was the odd week when one person showed up.

Mostly, it was me.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a run, and I was there, decked out like an ad for activewear, waiting. So I ran. Every week. My intervals improved. My hill sprints were solid. I became my own best coach. But by the end of summer, I thought, Maybe it’s time for some business reflection.

I asked my clients why they hadn’t joined.

They all said, “Oh, we love the idea of a beginner run group! No pressure, just fun!”

The issue was the time.

Saturday at 8 a.m. apparently clashed with kids’ sport, errands, and the general chaos that defines a middle-aged woman’s weekend. Fair enough, I thought.

Ever the adaptable business owner, I took their feedback to heart.

This year, I set the time for 6:15 a.m., early enough for everyone to run, shower, and still referee a netball match or hit a Bunnings sausage sizzle by nine.

I proudly updated the whiteboard: “Run Group - Saturdays, 6:15 a.m.” I even congratulated myself on being flexible and responsive to client needs.

The response was tepid.

“Oh dear,” one said.

“That’s very early,” said another.

A few simply winced, as if I’d offered them a kale smoothie instead of a latte.

Still, I was optimistic. I arrived at the park early, at 6:00 a.m., because as I was once told, “early is on time.” I waited. And waited. Then, I started my hill sprints. Again.

It looked like my summer run group would be a solo effort for the second year running (pun absolutely intended)… and then they came !! We ran. We caught our breath. We ran some more.

Over a post-run coffee, I had my Goldilocks moment.

6:15am is too early.

8:00am is too late.

7:00am is just right.

Not peer-reviewed. But strongly supported by caffeine and smiling faces.

And here’s the thing. This little experiment reminded me of a valuable truth. A coach can guide you, support you, and cheer you on. But we can’t give you the drive. The commitment, the decision to show up. That part is yours.

We can hold your hand through the hard parts. But first, you have to put your hand out.

• Join us every Saturday at 7:00am

• 45 minutes

• Beginner-friendly running

• Finish with post-coffee satisfaction

DM me for details