Atheltics: Runners Making Strides in Wellington with TempoFit

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Angela Prestige has been running the same way for over 20 years. That's until earlier this year when her entire view on how she approached running changed thanks to group running programme TempoFit.

TempoFit is a 6-week training programme for runners developed by Hayden Shearman, author of Runners Guide to Wellington and delivered in Wellington through a partnership between Athletics New Zealand, Athletics Wellington and local Athletics Clubs. The programme is a group based running community designed for your everyday jogger, plodder and weekend warrior.

Throughout the six week block participants attend three coach facilitated sessions a week focusing on running technique, speed and endurance.

Distance runner Grant McLean leads the Wellington lunchtime CBD group and says the focus of the programme is on having a good time while improving at a pace that suits you. "We want people to stretch themselves, enjoy it and come back for more." McLean says "The programme with its technique and drills and lactate threshold-based running will assist people to run faster for longer, but won't be too exhausting". The other benefit of the CBD location, McLean says, is that it "let's you get the out of the office in the fresh air and enjoy the many benefits of running - social, physical, mental meaning you'll be more productive at work".

After running on her own for years, Angela finished her first TempoFit season in March and is "really happy with the outcome". She says "not only did I take off 1 minute off my 5 km time which I had been struggling to do for months but I found it a great way to train with likeminded people. Each session is different and delivered at a professional yet relevant way for all levels and abilities."

When asked whether she would recommend TempoFit to others Angela says "I would totally recommend TempoFit to anyone looking to feel motivated and keen to challenge the way you approach running." With temperatures dropping and days getting darker it's a great time to join TempoFit to keep you fit and motivated throughout the winter months.

The next TempoFit Wellington season is due to kick off on May 16 leading into the Wellington Marathon (and half marathon and 10k). Programmes are scheduled for Khandallah, Tawa, Lower Hutt and a lunch time session in Wellington CBD.