From PE Lessons to Ultra Marathons: My Very Unexpected Fitness Journey

There wasn't anyone in my family who "did sport" when I was growing up. School sports day and PE lessons were up there with a visit to the dentist. So sport didn't feature in my life until I was almost 40.

Up until that point, I had run (and mostly walked) the odd 5K Race for Life, and in a moment of enthusiasm had entered the London 10000 in 2012 - a 10K race to raise money for charity that took in part of the Olympic marathon course. It was one of the hottest days of the year, I hadn't done a lot of (let's be honest, any) training. I hated every minute of it. Needless to say, I didn't lace up my trainers again for another 2 years.

The Turning Point

Two years later - in the year before my 40th birthday, I decided that I wanted to take swimming lessons to learn front crawl. All I could do was breast stroke and it was on a list of things I wanted to do something about. Before long I had somehow entered myself into the Henley 1/2 mile open water swim and loved it.

My 40th Birthday gift was a bicycle, and just to see what it was like, I entered my first super sprint triathlon - the shortest distance I could find, on the basis that if I hated it, it would be over quickly. It was fun, scary and exhausting in equal measure. I was pretty slow, but I was hooked.

As for running, I now run all distances up to and including ultra marathon distance - and genuinely enjoy it - with trail running being my favourite. Running tourism now features in all my holidays - it's a perfect way to explore new places and connect with them on a deeper level.

Understanding the Reluctant Beginner

I understand how challenging getting active can be. There's never a perfect time to start, and those first steps can feel incredibly hard. I remember being the person at the back, puffing and panting wondering what on earth I was doing there.

I started Run Fit Fordingbridge because I wanted to create the kind of space where I would have wanted to train and exercise - as someone who never really had a gym membership. I envisioned a welcoming environment that didn't feel intimidating or overwhelming, a place that truly felt inclusive for everyone.

That's why at Run Fit Fordingbridge, our boutique fitness studio in the heart of the New Forest, you'll never need to be the fittest or the best athlete in the room. Whether you're returning to fitness after years away, trying something completely new, or looking to advance your existing skills - there's a place for you here.

Small Group Fitness in Fordingbridge

Our studio specializes in small group fitness classes (maximum 7 people), creating a space where you can feel comfortable while being coached properly. No getting lost in a crowded room or feeling intimidated by masses of equipment wondering what to do and feeling like you have to keep up.

The women who train with us value quality instruction and personal attention. Many attend 2-3 classes per week, blending HIIT classes, indoor cycling, yoga and more to create a balanced approach to fitness. It's important to say that you absolutely don't have to be a runner to be welcome at Run Fit Fordingbridge. Many of our clients have never run and have no intention to start - and that's perfectly fine! Our classes are designed to improve overall fitness, strength, and wellbeing regardless of your preferred activities.

Beyond the Workout: Building Community

What truly makes Run Fit Fordingbridge special isn't just the variety of classes or the personal training options - it's the community of women who support each other through every achievement and setback.

Our community extends well beyond workout sessions. We regularly organize social activities ranging from bingo nights and pub quizzes to coffee mornings and even basic life support training sessions. These gatherings strengthen the bonds between members and create friendship connections that enrich lives outside the studio.

Many members who started with our women's fitness classes have gone on to join our beginners running course and eventually participated in Salisbury parkrun and other local events. We're also eagerly looking forward to the launch of Fordingbridge parkrun, where we'll definitely be showing up in force when it begins! The sense of accomplishment and connection these shared experiences create is something I never expected when I first reluctantly started my own fitness journey.

Run Coaching for Every Level

My passion for running led me to become a qualified England Athletics Endurance Event Coach. I now help women discover their own potential through running - whether they're training for their first 5K or preparing for an ultra-marathon.

What I've learned through my own journey from beginner to coach is that running can change the limits you set for yourself. It opens up new possibilities and improves your quality of life in ways that extend far beyond physical fitness.

Complete Wellness: More Than Just Fitness

Understanding the importance of recovery and overall wellness at Run Fit Fordingbridge you will also find sports massage, yoga classes for flexibility and mindfulness, and specialized Purestretch sessions to improve mobility, flexibility and prevent injury.

For those seeking deeper relaxation, there are also special sessions such as sound baths and yoga Nidra, as well as hot stone massage, and deep tissue hot stone massage. This blend of active fitness and restorative practices creates a balanced approach to health that addresses both body and mind.

Starting Your Journey

I believe everyone deserves to experience the physical and psychological benefits of movement - regardless of age, fitness level, or previous experience. At Run Fit Fordingbridge, we've created a space where women can work toward their goals without judgment or intimidation.

Whether you're curious about boutique gym classes, personal training, or need support with runners' strength and injury prevention, remember that every journey begins with a single step.

My own path from reluctant exerciser to passionate coach reminds me daily that transformation is always possible - and it's so much more enjoyable when you're surrounded by a supportive community.