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Members of a group that aims to make running as inclusive as possible have shared what they love about it, their favourite spots to run, and offered some advice for fellow runners.
Rock N Road was started in summer 2022 in a bid to encourage everyone and anyone to get out and run.
Pictured: The Rock N Road Runners run on rock (trails) and roads.
Affiliated – but not part of – the shop of the same name located in Liberty Wharf, the group’s name describes the surfaces they run on, “Rock for trails and Road for, well road!”
As Sam, one of the Rock N Road runners explained, the group’s ethos is “to get new and returning runners into an inclusive situation”.
He said: “We have lead and tail runners at our weekend runs, and intervals may sound scary but actually they’re one of the best sessions for new runners as you can choose your own effort level, plus we have a coach on hand to ask questions.
"We really would welcome anyone!”
Another member, Melanie Gouzinis added: “The club is run by its members, for its members, a positive, welcoming and encouraging group of people who love running.
"The ethos is inclusivity, positivity, encouragement and fun.”
There are three weekly Rock N Road events for runners to take part in, as Melanie explained.
“Interval training every Thursday after work is a session taken by one of two qualified run coaches, with a focus on technique and form.
Pictured: Melanie and Ryan at the start of Rock N Road's interval training runs.
“Saturday mornings, and the group heads out to the trails, whether on the cliff paths, across the sand dunes, or through the valleys.
“On Sunday mornings, runners meet for a road run, sticking to the quieter lanes as much as possible. We might meet in the carpark at Le Braye, Gorey Village, Le Fregate or Quennevais for example.
"We stick to the same routes, and rotate them, so that runners can become familiar with the routes.”
There are currently around 60 runners in the club, with ages ranging from 20s through to 60s. The club is open to anyone regardless of age or running ability.
“It’s open to anyone who wants to learn to run, improve their running, or take enjoyment in running with others,” Melanie said.
“There is quite a wide range of abilities and experience which is great as the club prides itself on inclusivity.
Pictured: Everyone is welcome at Rock N Road!
“Personally, I am one of the older women in the club; I’ll never be the fastest as I was a complete novice at the age 48 (seven years ago), but I love getting together with everyone, and having a go, and I hope that encourages other people to put on their running shoes and have a go as well.
"You’re never too old to start, and everyone has to start somewhere.”
Melanie continued: “For both Saturdays and Sundays, there is a lead runner and a tail runner, so nobody gets left behind, and there is no pressure to keep up with anyone who might be faster.
“We’ll run for 90 minutes, turning back halfway through. Not only that, there is a 30-minute group which starts a little later, for newer runners or those who just want a shorter run and the aim is that everyone finishes back at the start point at the same time, in time to have breakfast together.”
Pictured: " I have met a lot of new friends who all like the same thing and want the same thing… to run," Ryan said.
Ryan, who joins other Rock N Road runners once or twice a week – once for an interval session, and once on a Sunday morning for the club run around 15km (45min out and 45min back) – has been enjoying the social side of the club.
“In general, I love running as I can forget about everything else that is happening in life and when I run it’s just me the road,” he said. “As part of the club, it’s great, I have met a lot of new friends who all like the same thing and want the same thing… to run.”
Melanie, who started running with the 'Couch to 5km' programme and has since completed six marathons, also praised the welcoming nature of the local running community. Having found “a great deal of happiness” in doing something “totally new” at an older age, she has enjoyed meeting fellow runners.
“Running gave me a new focus, allowing me to challenge myself both physically and mentally,” she said.
“Jersey’s running community is so friendly, I have always felt welcomed, no matter at what stage of my running journey I have been at and meeting up with like-minded people, who want to share their love of running with you is inspiring, and heart-warming.”
Pictured: “Running gave me a new focus, allowing me to challenge myself both physically and mentally,” Mel said.
With the group running on a variety of surfaces, it is sure to appeal to everyone. While Ryan said he loves to run in Jersey generally – “I love running around green lanes and the coast” – Melanie said she prefers to avoid the sea front.
“There are so many beautiful and varied places to run!” she said. “You can plot routes on Apps, such as Strava or Garmin – I have about 130 around Jersey alone, and there’s nothing better than getting out there and exploring the lanes and trails. I particularly enjoy a point to point, like running from my house (in the middle of the island) to St Ouen’s, or if I fancy something really long, from Corbière to the end of St Catherine’s breakwater via the Zoo!”
When it comes to convincing others to take the jump and start running, both Ryan and Melanie have some good advice to share.
“Do it! Don’t hold back and make excuses,” Ryan said. “You never know what could happen tomorrow! I wasn’t sure about joining a group; would I be good enough? would I be judged for my size? I wasn’t! Rock n Road Runners welcomed me with open arms, and I wouldn’t turn back!
“There’s a well-known phrase, ‘if you run, you’re a runner’,” Melanie added.
“Don’t worry about what other people are doing, start your own running journey, set your goal and get out and enjoy what Jersey has to offer.”
More details about Rock N Road weekly runs, as well as special events such as the Festival of the Mile in July, can be found on their website here or on social media under 'Rock N Road Runners'.
If you have any questions, you can contact rocknroadrunnersclub@gmail.com.
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