This new female community running group helps beginners reach 30 minutes over nine-week programme
This newly-introduced female community running group helps beginners reach 30 minutes by the end of a nine-week programme.
Jodie Shaw is the founder of ‘There She Goes’ and not only does the group have a positive impact on physical health, but it fosters friendships, builds confidence and helps women develop a love for running.
Jodie launched this venture in January 2026, having started running during the pandemic as she and her 10-year-old wanted to get out and about during the uncertain time. Having completed the couch to 5k, Jodie’s ability has only got better since then.
“As somebody genuinely scared of the dark, I wondered how I could run in winter as I didn’t want to run on my own,” said Jodie, who joined running clubs that did not live up to expectations.
Jodie started as a beginner and has now ran a couple of marathons. She says running has “completely changed her life for the better” and she wanted to give back to others by helping them achieve the same feeling.
As a mother to two children with a full-time job, a running group with a nine-week programme for beginners was the ideal step forward.
“I’m keen to stress it’s not about getting people to run five kilometres,” said Jodie. “Five kilometres is a long way and the shortest of distances people talk about.
“So many running groups say they welcome people of all abilities but there is the expectation that you can run 30 minutes. I want to open up options for women to join other communities like these after finishing the nine-week programme.”
Following a successful first programme, the second is launching on May 5 and attendees will be asked for a one-off £20 payment to keep them accountable.
The group will meet every Tuesday evening at 7pm at Beckets Park for the group run, and they are asked to complete two other runs per week on their own to ensure a successful nine weeks.
Week five is when the runs start to get longer, including the first one of 20 minutes, so there is an optional additional run on the Friday of that week to support at no extra cost.
When asked what feedback she has received from her community of female beginner runners, Jodie said: “It’s been phenomenal actually and they all absolutely loved it. One said it saved her postpartum sanity, and others never thought they would love it and make good friends.
“The feedback has been overwhelming. I do two-to-three check-ins each week and they’ve said that was needed. It was the right balance between supportive and firm, as I recognise it’s a choice for them to show up.
“It takes bravery to step forward initially and if I had a pound for everyone who asked if they would be too slow. As long as you are turning up, trying and being a part of it, that’s all I ask. I want them to have belief and faith in themselves and me.
“I know there’s something really powerful about women coming together and being able to achieve something. If they want to give running a go, I genuinely believe this is the place to do it.”