good gym stories
This page is here to give you an idea of what it’s like to be a part of Good Gym. We’ve done a few interviews with our runners and coaches to help you see what they get out of it and what you might get out of it.
Harriet
Runner.
Harriet has been running with Good Gym for over a year. She runs to see her coach Michael every week. She delivers the paper and they have a chat, sometimes Harriet helps Michael with task such as filling out forms.
Why do you do it?
“I think because basically it appeals to two sides of my personality and lifestyle and interests. Which are running and community and helping people. I haven’t been doing any volunteering work for a while and thought… it’s just such a brilliant idea.. its seems like such a no brainer… running can be mindless. It’s great to have a sense of purpose…”
How does it fit in with your life?
“It helps because I’m freelance and I run a lot anyway… at Christmas time or in deepest winter it’s more difficult to get out the door…but that’s when the extra motivation comes in. You know you’re not going to let someone down. It’s also a great route and perfect distance.
What keeps you going?
‘Apart from the fitness motivation.. its really interesting to be involved with someone I would not normally have met. ..or only would have met briefly… I wouldn’t have a relationship with someone like this.. I don’t live near my family so I don’t live near my grandma… I don’t hang around with older people… I used to volunteer… I’m interested in people… his life stories are fascinating… I can offer a bit of help in a small way with immediate things… I know that he appreciates it and the fact I’m not doing it because I’m paid and don’t have an ulterior motive… I’m committed to him and the running is a by-product. I do it even if I don’t have time to run – It feels like I’m making a difference. He said ‘I’ll miss you’ ..when I went on holiday…I wasn’t expecting that.”
Veronica
Coach
Veronica has been a Good Gym coach for almost two years. She suffers from asthma and so struggles to leave the house. Veronica coaches Paul who visits her once a week.
“It’s very helpful. I’m often on my own. It’s bad when you’re living on your own. I’m lucky. It’s something for him to do and it’s something for me. I look forward to it. It’s good to have someone else. You could actually say I’m housebound. I can’t walk far, even the hospital have to collect me. So It’s been a big difference. If other lonely people could get someone to know and chat it would be great. At the beginning I was in two minds, but we find we have things in common and we chat. I look forward to it. It will be a lot of help for people on their own. They will be looking forward to it.”
Nick
Runner
Nick is a serious runner and once ran a marathon with a broken leg. Alongside the long runs he runs a few miles each week to see his coach Milly. Milly motivates him to get out there for his weekly runs and gives him a biscuit or two.
Why are you doing it?
“for me, the short answer was, I’ve been running for a while and it was partly, doing something good, but it was a new way to motivate myself. running for races, I’d done that. You feel I want a way to motivate myself. Its like, the perfect combination. It was looking at volunteering options… and then I’m a keen runner. So its a marriage made in heaven. I’ve done running and races but it as now, I can give something back, do something constructive with my running. So what if I can run 3 miles in this time… it was me how can I give a use to what you…”
Do you do other good stuff?
“No. I don’t do any other voluntary work. I don’t get round to it. Its the time issue and I always end up doing challenge and races so I don’t have time and I’m busy with my work. It’s a part of my training. It helped with time. It allows me to carry on with my life. It’s nice to have a structure. Every Wednesday I’m doing this run. It’s nice to know Once a month I might do the group run.”
What do you get out of it?
“Really its hard to describe. It’s a genuine actual feeling of good. Whenever I see Milly, I know she lights up when she sees me. . She sometimes doesn’t let me go through talking. I like the fact that someone depends on you and that you make someone feel better. I know that for her its a big deal me coming over. This week she was… she’s always trying to give me stuff. take this take that. She’s always offering… so you know. I have to say, for Christmas she even brought me a pack of biscuits. She does genuinely appreciate it. These people appreciate it and really like the company, that someone does pop in.
I run there have a break and run back. Its the feeling of knowing that someone else’s life is better after you’re been there. She talks to her friend and she remembers my name and I think what we do is really good. I think its a good thing.
For more information about being a Good Gym runner, you can see our faqs or email mark [at] thegoodgym.org .
