A JOGGING group in Malvern has raised money for a charity supporting the survivors of strokes after one of their runners suffered a stroke.

Matt Lancett, one of the leading marathon runners from Malvern Joggers, had a stroke last year and fellow group members have spent the past year carrying out fund raising events in support of the Stroke Association.

Events include the Christmas lights run and their 10k race in Malvern in June and the group has raised £1,400 for the Stroke Association.

Following on from their fund raising success, the group is looking for new members to try something different in 2020.

Carl Flint, chairman of Malvern Joggers and qualified running fitness leader, said: “Every January, a crowd of New Year’s Resolutionists arrives at the Malvern Joggers Wednesday Club night hosted by Malvern St James Sports Hall to kick into action their get fit campaign.

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“Sadly, by the end of the month most of these newbies are not seen again. So why this attrition, what is going wrong?

“From what I have seen over the years the number one mistake made by newbies is their expectations. Their goal to fitness will take just a few weeks. No chance.

“Even fit runners who have suffered injuries and have been out of action will know it takes months to get back to the same level of fitness.

“The second most popular mistake is also caught up in the eagerness to be fit, that is too much too soon. Going from zero to pounding the streets three times a week will inevitably result in disaster. Either the knees, Achilles, calf, hamstring or your back will cry out for help and give up, resulting in a lot of pain and the end of your New Year’s resolution.”

“So, newbies, it will not be the end of January when your ready to run your first 10k it will probably be sometime in the autumn if all goes well. The most important first step is walking. The act of walking is a much-underrated activity.

“Once you have mastered walking a mile at least three times a week extend the distance or even better make use of our wonderful Malvern Hills and get walking uphill.”

The Malvern Joggers meet at 7pm on a Wednesday night at Malvern St James sports hall.

For more information, go to malvernjoggers.co.uk.