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Guide Running

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Groundhog Dec 2018 2:52pm, 5 Dec 2018 76 posts	Quote Pin Groundhog I have recently started Guide Running for visually impared runners. I got some training with England Athletics and British Blind Sport and then joined a guide running facebook group based at Basingstoke parkrun and another at Prospect parkrun in Reading. So far I have guided 3 different runners at these parkruns and one of them at a road 10k. Does anyone have any experience of training to be a guide runner, a regular VI runner that they train or race with or hints and tips for prospective guide runners?
ageingtractor Dec 2018 6:11pm, 5 Dec 2018 58 posts	Quote Pin ageingtractor Good for you G. My experience of guide running was at this years VLM where I took round a young lady who suffers from osteoarthritis and also has slight learning difficulties, so a bit different to your situation. What I did learn from all the training and the event was that it is key to have the trust between you, to make sure you are clear and precise with giving instructions, to watch how the other person is doing physically and make their run as satisfying as possible. Not sure how this stacks up against the manuals but I felt great that I got her round without mishap.
K5 Gus Dec 2018 9:24pm, 5 Dec 2018 2,793 posts	Quote Pin K5 Gus HappyG(rrr) has done this a few times, I'm sure he would have replied if he'd seen this. Unfortunately we can't (yet !) tag people so they get a notification, but you could always fmail him.
Groundhog Dec 2018 2:16pm, 12 Dec 2018 113 posts	Quote Pin Groundhog Nice one AT, a great that you both got through VLM so well. That's one seriously busy race with a lot of noise going on. I have found too that it's not just about cler instructions to your VI runner but listening to them too - you can tell if they are overdoing it. I have run with a blind runner who is also learning impared and he always runs well within himself, but getting him to change his running style a bit and run a bit faster is difficult.
Merry Christmas and Happy NewG(rrr) Dec 2018 2:26pm, 12 Dec 2018 29,772 posts	Quote Pin Merry Christmas and Happy NewG(rrr) I'm sure Fetch is working on "tagging" a Fetchie, a la Facebook, so they can be alerted to a thread. Hadn't seen it, so thanks Gus and Groundhog both. And I will have to fmail Blind Ken (not sure if he still posts in here) for his considered input. I have done a number of races and training runs with Ken over the years - London marathon, a few half marathons (Alloa, Glen Clova 2 or 3 times, Glasgow) and 10Ks and parkruns. He is a particularly talented runner at 4 hours for the marathon and 1:45 for the half and 24 mins for 5K so it's not really about pushing him in races or training as he's already very good! Really it's just about making sure he doesn't run into things, and in the more congested events, stopping other people from running into or across him. If there are any specific questions about our experience, please do ask. Best of luck to you as guide and to your VI runner. G
HappyG(rrr) Feb 2019 12:54pm, 27 Feb 2019 30,531 posts	Quote Pin HappyG(rrr) Hi Groundhog, I've just registered with guiderunning.uk to see if I can offer my services as a guide again. Blind Ken (of this parish) unfortunately isn't running anymore. He had a knee problem - still walking, biking and swimming, but not running. So I was looking for a new VI / blind runner to offer guiding services to. Anyone else tried Guide Running UK website? G
Groundhog Feb 2019 1:47pm, 27 Feb 2019 308 posts	Quote Pin Groundhog I have tried Guiderunning UK. Seemed easy enough to register, but having been on it for several months I have not had any VI runners try to contact me. I am in Berkshire, but near Hampshire and Surrey also, but there aren't many VI runners registered in my area. I have had more opportunities via Facebook groups linked to nearby parkruns like Basingstoke and Prospect/Reading.
HappyG(rrr) Feb 2019 1:59pm, 27 Feb 2019 30,538 posts	Quote Pin HappyG(rrr) I might ask on FB too Hoggie. Good idea. Thanks. G
Groundhog Feb 2019 2:02pm, 27 Feb 2019 309 posts	Quote Pin Groundhog I have also registered with the EA after doing their training - they gave me a card and evryfink. So, I'm on their Find-a-Guide page, but haven't heard from any VI runners in the 6 months I've been registered.
Sam Jelfs Feb 2019 2:08pm, 27 Feb 2019 219 posts	Quote Pin Sam Jelfs It may also be worth contacting your local council - A friend works as a rehab officer for East Sussex CC, helping people who have lost their sight, and might be able to make use of a guide runner or two.