Sports
'Meet and Train' for Castlebar
By Castlebar Athletic Club
22, Jun 2009 - 20:07

'Meet and Train' for Castlebar
 
 Castlebar Athletic Club is launching the 'Fit4life Meet and Train Programme'
 on
Monday June 29th at 7.30pm.Venue: Running Track (beside GMIT & Castlebar General Hospital)  
 

This is an opportunity for anyone younger or older to get out in the evening and do some exercise and meet new people. Features of the programme are:

· Leaders will organize group walks/jogs/runs on a weekly basis

· An opportunity to exercise with others in a fun and sociable environment

 Advice on fitness topics and healthy lifestyle tips 

Our aim is to encourage an improved fitness for all involved, incorporating this into a social environment. Any level of fitness is very welcome as we separate into groups depending on the abilities present, so if you're a walker you join the walking group, likewise if you are a runner there will be a running group for you. We will try to tailor the groups for all those present, so no matter how fit or unfit you think you are there will be a group there for you!

We all know the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, one of the most natural and effective ways to achieve this is through walking and running. You can start at any age, no previous experience is required and you can choose a pace that is suited to your level of fitness. The emphasis is on meeting with people of a similar ability on a regular basis. You will be under a guidance of a leader.

The programme will run initially for 6 weeks and the cost is €25.00. This cost is to cover insurance and covers the participant for the full year. 

Anne Ronayne of Mayo Sports Partnership, who has been active in the promotion of 'meet and train' throughout the county, working on its coordination and development said 
 

'I think this idea of 'meet and train' makes a lot of sense. It is difficult to be motivated and enthusiastic but when you are with a group it makes getting fitter a lot easier.

I have witnessed remarkable changes in people's fitness and health in a very short period of time through this programme. People have shed pounds, improved their aerobic fitness, have become much healthier in many ways as well as also finding a brilliant social outlet and making friends.

When you have a specific time and place to 'meet and train' it makes getting fitter so much easier. You know you have to be there and the programme is absolutely designed for you because it gives you exactly what you want.

I am thrilled that the programme has become so successful in Mayo and I think a natural progression is that a 'meet and train' group starts in Castlebar.

The programme costs relatively nothing and is an ideal chance to build exercise into your day.

I think for too long athletic clubs have been viewed as a place only for the competitive runner but this view is changing and clubs are experiencing rejuvenation. Athletic clubs in Mayo have recognized this and have really embraced the programme. They have been really open to this new Fit4life Athletics Programme and are putting so much work into making it a great success. So far there are Meet and Train groups in Ballina, Claremorris, Swinford and Westport.