Scribbles from Hayley Mardle

Hello there! I’m Hayley and I blooming love run club!

I found out about run club on the back of LHG toilet doors… I’d recently moved to Bristol and was keen to make some friends so was eager to check it out, and what a treat. Everyone was so welcoming, and the no ego approach was a breath of fresh air.

I’d been on some shorter runs by myself but didn’t really get into running until I joined a local run club back home in 2018. I was commuting 1.5-2hrs each way each day, to and fro in the dark. It was pretty damn bleak and was after a safe way to get outside, do some exercise and socialise. The vibe was very similar to LHG run club, a sociable pace (with a few optional sprints) and a beer at the end. (Photo attached of a group of us)

Both Eynsford Running Club and LHG Run Club have meant so much to me, they’ve offered friendship, a way to get outside and exercise in the dark, and beer. But on a serious note, sadly like many others I’ve dealt with my mental health demons. Even when having a grim ol’ day and I may not feel like running, once I arrive I’m always glad I have. Everyone is so welcoming, the chats are wonderful and the endorphins after are a delight. I honestly can’t thank Jay and Tom enough for setting LHG run club up. Absolute legends. 

My favourite run shows my sadistic side; it was the grouse grind, a 2.9km run, piece of cake right? Whack in 853m elevation gain into that. Yes, it’s short, sharp, and so flipping awesome. If you’re ever over that way, definitely give it a crack (there’s beer at the top). (Photos attached of the run and my sweaty face after)

I’m currently questioning whether to sign up to the Exmoor Maverick half or marathon, I fear Jay may proofread this and change this sentence to say I’m signing up to the marathon…