Chasing Laces – Voices from the Running Scene by Arthur Knaggs
Clara
Clara was the only customer in the café when I walked in. A tall woman of about middle age, wearing comfortable hiking clothes, she was outgoing, bubbly and very content with the shape her life was taking.
I don’t enjoy running. The physical act of running I find really hard. I would rather walk. That moment at the end of a run where you stop and walk… it’s lovely. The relief!
Chasing Laces – Voices from the Running Scene by Arthur Knaggs
Running with the Mums
Cathy told me to come running with the Newton Mums. So I went to the gate at the entrance to the park and waited with her. I was surprised by how many different abilities turned out for the same group. Sarah only took up running two months ago. Georgie ran with her collie attached by a harness to her hips, and it flew off the front. Jackie had just run a half marathon. Harriet was Jackie’s mother.
The pack split early. Some girls were fast, others wanted to run at a slower pace. I was sure that we would get lost. This, however, is part of the Newton Mums’ plan. They have a “loop and scoop” policy. At pre-determined points on the trail, the fastest runners turn around and jog to the back of the group where they start again. It is an excellent way to run. Nobody holds back. Everyone finishes together.
Chasing Laces – Voices from the Running Scene by Arthur Knaggs
The Newton Mum Run
Cathy and Sarah founded the Newton Mum Run in 2010. They agreed to meet me at a coffee shop in Newton. They arrived on time and in Lycra. They had been at yoga. I explained who I was. I explained what I was doing, and why it mattered. Nobody got up and walked out. I relaxed. They told me I could ask some questions.
C – My side of the story starts in 2014. I was at a dinner party on New Year’s Eve, and I made a New Year’s resolution to start exercising. I went on my first run-walk on 13 January. I haven’t really stopped since.
The Phraser 