Blackpool Freedom Runners

Our usual variety of sessions for you to choose from and join in with.
Notably our last track session with Wesham Road Runners on Friday so let's go out with a bang and get yourself booked on!

What a week for Blackpool Freedom Runners.
An amazing 160 participants across 13 sessions lead by England Athletics Run Leaders demonstrates the support that is within our group for joining in with and supporting our sessions. Most sessions attracted a wide variety of how they were going to complete the sessions with some injured runners choosing to walk the session to continue their involvement, some jeffing the session as they either recovered from injury or were looking to build up their fitness, some who when questioned would describe themselves as slow runners (or as I prefer - those getting the best value for their money) and were just getting on with completing the session their way, to those who were pushing themselves a little and wanted to challenge themselves.
Whatever you speed or ability thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you back on our sessions next week.

This week our spotlight falls on a runner who through her own efforts brings so much pleasure and joy to others, Zo Taylor.
On a weekly basis we are treated to photos from her jaunts around the Fylde Coast as she manages to find the most amazing scenes to photograph and share with us. Her regular "Half-Mazza's" now seem a regular feature having completed an amazing 36 so far this year. It's a long way since her post announcing that she had finally plucked up the courage to run a half marathon back on December 31st 2020.
I know a great deal of runners really enjoy Zo's company either on sessions or on an event so now is the time to say thank you to Zo and congratulate her on her inspirational journey.

A Jolly Jogger Helps Out.
We are delighted to inform you that Jolly Jogger Liz Stott has agreed to help us out on Tuesday's by leading the hill session on alternative weeks.
Blackpool Freedom Runners are proud of their co-operation and cross membership with other running groups and clubs and this highlights the support we give each other.
I am sure you will all join with me in thanking Liz and wish her all the best in this new role 🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤🧡

A big thank you to all runners who have supported our sessions during July and a note of commendation to all who achieved Decem et Amplius.

Sharon Runs The Raid
On Sunday 2nd August, Blackpool Freedom Runner Sharon Nolan took on the challenge of the Run The Raid Half Marathon from Spittal, Berwick Upon Tweed to Lindisfarne Castle.
The route is a very scenic route one offering views of the North Sea as you follow the coastline south. The highlight is crossing the causeway leading to the island.
Sharon finished in a very creditable chip time of 2:37:46 and had great pride in displaying her medal. I couldn't resist adding a few Vikings in the background for a little "authenticity". Well done Sharon
Sharon's excellent write up of the event can be found here https://shasface.substack.com/p/run-the-raid-half-marathon-2nd-august?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2ldwvg&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4_a1dennhavkzbh4&fbclid=IwY2xjawTdr5JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRdmkzQUppeDhxdGkzbklIc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsUdqYg7qW0P-2mrbYOCOzQx6bRZV_2OHE71DdY4HOsS5bSV5nPv6XlV3UaP_aem_0PcGGHR8H5zvo3-J9jHhDg&triedRedirect=true

Our usual variety of sessions available.
The final track session of the season with Wesham Road Runners so it would be nice to fill the places and finish off in style.
Penultimate Wednesday THORR this Wednesday and a more challenging THORR on Saturday 15th.
Sunday 16th August sees the return of Half Marathon Training with an 11k or 7 miles run.
Let's get booked onto these sessions 👍

She Strides 50k Ultra Hebden Bridge

Saturday 1st August, Blackpool Freedom Runner Karen Jackson (picture from a different event) took part in this unique event in Hebden Bridge. It is unique because it's Ladies Only as it's aim is to work to provide a safe space for women to exercise and discover their potential. Being Ladies Only there are certain extra provisions provided during the event as all the support team is all female, the tracking has an anonymous feature so that only the runner's number is shown, and essential sanitary products are available both at registration and strategically placed checkpoints, ensuring the comfort of runners throughout the race.

Although the event boasts a modest ultra distance of 30 miles, it also has 5,000 feet of ascents and some technical steep descents. The scenery is beautiful as you run through Bronte countryside of Hebden Bridge and Haworth and there's a lovely fun element of finding a copy of Wuthering Heights en route and taking a page from it to show at the finish.

Finishing in a very impressive time of 10:54:04 we take the opportunity to congratulate Karen and maybe this event might be considered next year for some of our other female runners.

A message to Blackpool Freedom Runners from Cora Griffin-Goy regarding her husband's diagnosis and recovery

It is not often we hear a story from other veiw points but I wanted to say something about what BFR has meant to me.
Back in March, our lives changed in an instant when John, had a seizure. We later discovered he had a brain tumour. We were told it would likely mean brain surgery, but in the end he had to go through not one, but two brain surgeries.
During one of the hardest periods of our lives, I also found BFR, a little while after John.
From the very first session, I was welcomed like family. There was no judgement, no pressure—just warmth, kindness and genuine support. I’ve always loved running, but I’ve never been fast and I’ve never focused on speed. At many running groups that can feel intimidating, but not here. BFR has shown me what true inclusivity looks like. Everyone is encouraged, everyone belongs, and everyone matters.
These runs have become so much more than exercise. They’ve given me space to breathe, to clear my head and to be ready to support John as he continues his recovery. Right now, my role is to be there for him, helping to keep him safe while he gets back to doing the thing he loves most—running.
To everyone at BFR, thank you. You may not realise the difference you’ve made, but your kindness, encouragement and sense of community have carried me through some incredibly difficult days. I’ll always be grateful ❤️

This week our spotlight falls upon one of Blackpool Freedom Runner's best supporters - Chalkie Dave.
When you turn up for a session and there's a message there for all either in chalk or on the beach, or anywhere he can find to write it gives a tremendous boost for all. His work at parkrun is legendary and he is probably the only person I know who prays for rain at least once per week so he can have a clean canvass again.
As a runner he epitomises our group as he turns up to all variety of sessions and always with a smile on his face but it's for his supporting role that this week we take the opportunity to say "Thank you Dave for all your positivity and inspiring messages"