A monthly training club with a difference has been established in West Kirby.
West Kirby Waders was set up earlier this year, by former amateur boxer Stephen Martin.
After his last fight in the New York Championships 2018, he decided to hang up his gloves and help pass on that knowledge to others.
The 43-year-old began with the aim of helping local people improve their fitness, and building a positive community group.
They meet on the first Sunday of every month at 8.45am for a 9am start, and each sessionlasts an hour.
Stephen told us it is not like other running clubs: “For a start, it’s not a running club. It’s a training club. There’s absolutely nothing to stop someone who wants to walk, jog, or even push a pram, from coming along, feeling incredibly welcome, and experiencing all of the benefits.
“Equally, there might be someone wanting to improve their 100 metre sprint times. They’re just as welcome too. The club’s slogan is Further – Faster, and it applies to everyone, regardless of their current fitness level.
“I’ve been a member of running clubs in the past and witnessed how intimidating they can be. I’ve seen some people join a club only to then struggle with the speeds and distances. They inevitably give up. I was determined to remove all of those barriers.
“West Kirby Waders is a club that completely differentiates the challenges, so they are accessible to everyone. Each month you’ll be given your own personalised target. Some members use Strava to measure their performance, which is great, but all you really need is a watch or phone. After 30 minutes, I need you to turn around and head back!
The group follow four very different, uniquely designed, routes in West Kirby, and complete each one three times a year. They challenge members to improve on their previous distance when they do the route again.
Among those who have signed up is local councillor, Andrew Gardner. He said: “Since joining West Kirby Waders, my fitness levels have improved significantly. I think my first words to Stephen were ‘I can’t run and I actually hate running, anyway’. He started me off with a mix of walking and jogging. However, just six months later, I’ve now completed my first 5k race and dare I say, I enjoyed it!’
Fellow member Kirsten added: “I was in a running club but I was too slow for one group and too quick for the other. It just made my motivation drop. This is completely different because it’s like having a personal trainer. You’ve got 30 minutes to go as far as you can, and then 30 minutes to get back. Your distance is recorded and then used for your future targets.”
- West Kirby Waders next event is Sunday 6 August, meet at 8:45am, at the entrance to the Wirral Way on Grange Road in West Kirby. Stephen can be contacted on Twitter @StevePaulMartin
