GUIDE RUNNING FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Penarth and Dinas Runners now have a fully qualified Guide Runner.

JOHN SHEWRING can support Visually Impaired runners in the local community.

Here is a transcript of an interview John gave to Welsh Athletics earlier this year.....

How did you get started as a guide runner?

I started guide running 3 years ago after met up with a visually impaired athlete at a local Parkrun who is in fact one of my patients !

What inspired you to become a guide for visually impaired runners?

Running is an extremely important part of my life and after guiding for the first time it emphasised the importance of helping others with visual impairments to be able to be involved in the running community.

How do you build trust with the athlete you guide?

Trust comes from confidence both in the guide and the athlete. After overcoming my initial fears and nerves I was very much supported by the athlete who imparted all their experience to help develop my confidence and guiding techniques.

Do you always run with the same person, or do you guide multiple athletes?

I usually run with the same athlete but more recently I have started running with another athlete. After attending the VI workshop and completing my LIRF course I am hoping to offer VI running as part of my local running club to other visually impaired athletes..

How do you communicate during a race or training session?

Its important that the guide knows the  course and any potential dangers which can be communicated verbally during the race.

What kind of verbal or physical cues do you use?

Verbal cues are usually kept short and to a minimum, and we usually agree different verbal cues before we start running eg communicating times and distances for turns, or obstructions eg potholes, kerbs.

What techniques do you use to keep in sync with the athlete?

It is important to agree the pace at which the athlete would like to run beforehand . The warm up is important and also an opportunity to ensure that our running techniques are in sync particularly if we are using a guiding tether.This is also an opportunity to discuss potential hazards and turns in a race and how these can be communicated safely and clearly.

How does training differ when you're running as a guide?

There is no real difference to my training when running as a guide – VI guiding complements my training and races.

How do you stay mentally focused while guiding?

Preparation is key to ensure I am mentally focused. Also the experience gained from running with a visually impaired athlete helps me to anticipate issues during the race.

What's the most rewarding part of being a guide runner?

Being a VI guide is incredibly rewarding and extremely important - Getting a PB with a visually impaired athlete is just as rewarding as when I run alone ! Also its important to emphasise that vocal support during races from other athletes or the crowd is hugely important both for the guide and the athlete.

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a guide runner?

As more visually impaired athletes are given the support and opportunity to race so the profile of VI guiding has increased.
So if you’re interested in getting involved then attend the VI guiding workshop run by Welsh Athletics which is excellent and is a good starting point.. If you see a VI guide runner and athlete at a race or parkrun then go and have a chat – the more guides we have the better for the VI community.