Activity Groups
The PLF offers inclusive Community Activity Groups in the form of weekly swimming, cycling and running clubs, for both males and females of any ability run by our Trustees and volunteers.
The various, regular weekly groups operate on a self-referral basis to encourage physical and mental health and well-being through exercise and outdoor activities.
There is no membership required nor is regular commitment expected and they are completely free of charge.
The groups offer support to all, from general camaraderie with likeminded people, to aspiration raising, working towards personal and group goals. They are also a safe space to speak out and disclose any concerns with mental health or domestic abuse issues.
A sense of achievement and accomplishment can be gained by attendees at all levels of fitness, resulting in improved self-esteem, confidence and over all well-being.
Activity Groups during COVID-19
Running Club
Thursday 6pm
Location – Meeting points change each week. Please see all our social media pages for weekly meeting points. If you do not have a social media account, then please email us at info@paullavellefoundation.co.uk
The PLF runs a weekly running club for both males and females of any ability.
Our running club guides will support you with your training.
We have 3 ability levels
Group 1
Runners with the ability to achieve 7:30 – 9:00 minute miles
Group 2
Runners with the ability to achieve 9:00 – 11:00 minute miles
Group 3
All-inclusive beginners’ level for anyone who wishes to start their running journey.
The groups are friendly, and everyone encourages each other to do well. There is the option to set personal goals or you can just run for fun!
The PLF has an annual 5 & 10 k race day fundraiser each May which participants have the option to enter.
Please read The PLF Running Club disclaimer here
Cycling Club
Weekends – Varying times
Location – Meeting points change each week.
Please see all our social media pages for weekly times and meeting points. If you do not have a social media account, then please email us at info@paullavellefoundation.co.uk
Due to the COVID restrictions we are unable to offer a beginner cycling group at this time.
The PLF cycling club is currently for experienced riders only who have experience of riding 20 miles plus. Both males and females are welcome.
Road bikes are the preference for the group and designated routes are planned each week with stop off points.
The group cycles together for support and encouragement and there is the option to set personal or group goals or also just to ride for fun!
The PLF has annual cycling challenges which all participants have the option to train towards.
LANDS END TO JOHN O’GROATS CYCLE CHALLENGE – AUGUST 2018
In August 2018 32 PLF riders and a support team cycled the length of the UK from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise awareness of male domestic abuse.
It was a very emotional journey over 9 days and 978 miles. The team ranged from experienced riders to men who had not cycled since their youth!
The challenge highlighted that, as a team, anything is possible. From the training programme to the actual challenge the team supported each other through, showing team spirit and camaraderie and raising the aspirations of all involved! This is something that the PLF endeavours to continue to do with anyone who wishes to join the activity groups.
Cold Water Swimming Group
Sunday 7:30 am – 8:30 am
Location – New Brighton Marina
The PLF runs a cold-water swimming group every week, which is open to both males and females who wish to learn about and feel the benefits of cold water swimming.
Our experienced swimming instructors will guide you and support you with your journey.
Benefits of Cold Water Swimming
Cold water swimming has been proven to have many physical and mental health benefits.
Outdoor exercise and the companionship of fellow swimmers can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Immersion in cold water induces a stress response: a set of physiological and hormonal reactions that evolved millions of years ago to cope with a wide range of potential threats. (Animal attack, jumping in cold water and sitting an exam all elicit a similar response).
Heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate all increase and stress hormones are released. But, if you immerse yourself only a few times in water of 15C or less, this stress response is reduced.
However, it is not only the stress response to cold water that reduces with repeated immersions.
Cold water swimmers describe many benefits: they never get colds and never turn the heating on in winter. Many have stories of how they came to outdoor swimming in times of grief or bereavement and found comfort, even joy, in the water.
Please click on this link for further information: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-devon-53851253
Cold water swimming – how to do it safely
Approach it with the same caution you would exercise – if you have heart disease, start slow and warm.
Make sure you can swim and start in a specialist swimming group
Preferably start in summer/early autumn when UK sea temperatures are 15-20°C
Start shallow – a gently shelving beach, or somewhere with a ladder
Go on a calm day – the initial two to three-minute period gasp when you can inhale water is the risky bit. Relax, do as little as possible and keep your head above the water for this period
Time yourself for two to three minutes. Once your skin reaches the same temperature as the water you’ll feel warm
Six three-minute swims will have an effect on your cold shock response that will last for months. As for your mood – you’ll have to be the judge until there are more studies!
Indoor Pool Swimming Group
Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions we are unable to offer our usual indoor swimming group currently.
More information will be available here once COVID restrictions are lifted.