Bridgend is a great community and we want to share local stories about our ‘PYB Health Heroes’. Those who have made great achievements when it comes to their own health and wellbeing. And those, who encourage others to join in and make a difference to their own lives too.
In this edition of our PYB Health Heros we will be talking about Tanya, a Mum from Bridgend who was inspired to dramatically change her fitness by her very own children.
Here’s what Tanya had to say…
“My partner used to run for the club that arranged the Pontypool parkrun so we first started junior parkrun in Pontypool when the children were 4 years old. It was a great event in a lovely setting with very friendly people.
Since then I’ve volunteered at both the Pontypool and Bridgend junior parkrun events. It’s great to be a part of something so positive and friendly that the children enjoy so much. Junior parkruns have such a lovely atmosphere. The marshals and other parents are so encouraging – especially for those kids who are new or finding it more challenging.
Children who take part can walk, jog or run. As they get fitter and stronger they get quicker. My two are always on the lookout for a ‘personal best’ now when the results come in! They’ve had their half marathon and marathon bands for completing certain numbers of events and were chuffed to received them. It’s a nice little incentive to stick at it and gives them something to work towards.”
After seeing her children have so much fun and benefit so much from getting fit and staying healthy through running, Tanya then made the decision to become a member of Pencoed Panthers, a local running group. Starting slowly on the 0-5k programme, Tanya has now signed up for her first marathon on 2019!
Jo Jenkins, a Teacher at Pencoed Primary told us more about Tanya’s journey…
“Tanya herself has been inspired by her children’s achievements and has joined a local running club, Pencoed Panthers. Tanya started on a 0-5k programme and has gone on to complete half marathons within a year and has now signed up for her first marathon in Newport next year.”
Why is parkrun so important?
Parkrun and Junior parkrun are fantastic ways of getting your family up and out on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The events are free and are such fun and supportive events for everyone. The promise of a hot drink and a sweet treat at the end is always a good motivator!
And Tanya can’t recommend parkrun enough…
“It’s great to see children from lots of different schools in the area taking part and encouraging each other. If anyone is thinking of taking their child, my advice would be to just have a go! Running isn’t for everyone but if you don’t try you will never know. It’s surprising how quickly improvements can be seen and felt and there’s nothing better than starting a Sunday with some fresh air! Adults can walk/jog/run with children who do the junior event if they want to (useful for building confidence for younger ones or those new to it – and good for helping to keep, mums, dads, grandparents, aunties and uncles active too!). Grown-ups have to resist the temptation to go through the finishing funnel as it’s only the children’s times that are recorded (but they can always do the 5k parkrun on a Saturday if they’re bitten by the bug!).
It may be tempting to stay indoors during autumn and winter when it’s wet and windy outside but there’s always a hot chocolate at the end and once you’re out there it’s always a great run!”
It’s so great to see the whole family motivated to improve their fitness and get out into the fresh air, even during the winter months. Well done Tanya, and good luck with the Marathon!
If your family want to get involved, read more here. Or, if you have a ‘PYB Health Hero’ story to share of someone in our Bridgend community who has made a difference to their health and wellbeing email us, we would love to share their story.
Parkrun Surgeries
Our surgeries support parkrun and have signed up to be ‘parkrun Practices’. Find out more here.