I love to run. It gives a feeling of freedom, a sense of achievement and can vastly improve your cardiovascular endurance whilst taking in the fresh air and having amazing views. What’s not to love?!
Running, at any level, can throw up challenges. Imbalances in muscles may cause knee or hip pain, a weak upper body will tire quickly meaning your form will suffer and an un-strengthened core can cause back pain and all sorts of issues down the posterior chain. We don’t want any of these to happen and aim to run or learn to run, injury free.
This is why I decided to run ‘On the Move’ bootcamps.
So, ‘On the Move’ Bootcamp…what’s that all about? What makes it different? What is the point? Can I do it, or is it just for runners? Â Lot’s of questions, so here are the answers.
So, how does it work?
Simple, it’s a 1 hr session where we cover approx 5k in distance, stopping for mini running specific workouts en route. The actual distance you cover will depend on which options you take for your workouts and what level you are working at. As we travel along, those wishing to be pushed will be provided with additional options to challenge them, and those wishing to cover the distance for the first time stay with the main body of the group. No one gets left behind and there is no pressure to keep up. You don’t have to be a ‘runner’ to start.
Hear from our Lorna who has now attended several of these bootcamps.
Suitable for beginner runners? Check!
What about those of you who can run 10k but want to get stronger? Meet Caralyn!
1: How long have you been running? Roughly 4 years since my youngest was born and I finished maternity leave.
Fantastic! And those wishing to put their distances up and beyond, can we cater for you….meet Lucy! (one in the middle!)
1: How long have you been running? I’ve been running for about 4 years now
2: What is your distance? Currently I run half marathon distance, I’m not particularly fast, but I run it, and enjoy the challenge.
3: What made you decide to try the bootcamp? The running Bootcamp sounded right up my alley, I love running and the idea of running round in a group, and mixing it up with a work out sounded fab to me. Plus it would give me guidance around what exercises work with running, to help my running.
4: Did the bootcamp challenge you and how? Susan is great when she runs a Bootcamp, she tailors it to the individual. She knows that when it comes to running, I like a nudge to work harder, or should that be, I NEED a nudge. The bits that challenged me most were sprints/hill sprints, mainly because I don’t do them on my own. For all the long runs I do, I’m still learning, and all I really do is go out and run. The sprints mixed things up for me and made me work that bit harder.
5: Did you ever feel like you couldn’t do it? Nope. It was a great blend of running mixed with body weight exercise, so you weren’t constantly running, there were little breathers in between.
6: What did you achieve from doing it? I realised how, when I push myself, I can go that little bit faster, and I got a well rounded exercise session.
7: would you come to another one? Definitely!!
8: Who would you recommend the bootcamp to? Anyone who can run a little bit really! The bootcamp covers 5k (amazingly, Susan nails the distance bang on!) but in sections, so even if you haven’t run 5k all in one go, or particularly fast, I think you would still be OK! And then as the distances go up, you can only gain from going. Whether it’s to strengthen to increase distance to 10k or half marathon, the session would help. I’m aiming for full marathon distance this year, and I’ll be making the running bootcamp a regular part of my training.
Q: Who can attend? A: Anyone with a basic level of fitness.
Q: What do I need to bring? A: Water in a carry bottle. Hi-vis if it is a night session. Gloves .
Q: Is this a coached run? A: No. It is an urban bootcamp  run by a qualified fitness instructor, with the emphasis on strengthening the muscles required for running. There is no coaching on form or running programmes for specific distances. There are no sign ups or group fees required.
Q: When does it happen? A: The first Saturday of every month 9am, meeting on Ballyholme Green or as pop up sessions mid week.
Q: How can I find out about pop ups? A: Keep your eye on the Bangor facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TribalFitnessBangor or get yourself added to the email list.
Q: How much does it cost? A: £6
Q: How hard is it? A: As hard as you want it to be. You really get out what you can put in.
So there you have it, ‘On the Move’ is here to stay. To be added to the list or ask further questions you can email me susan@tribalfitnessbootcamps.co.uk
Hope to see you there soon!