My name is Matt, I am completely blind and I am an Administrator for Vision Support. I have been working for Vision Support for almost a year and feel incredibly lucky to be able to support all of our teams to deliver vital services to vision impaired people across Cheshire and North Wales. At this time where we’re all making plans for the year ahead, I thought I’d share my experiences with running, which is something that I took up not too long ago.
I’m standing among what feels like a huge crowd of people, my running partner Russ by my side. It’s a cool November Sunday morning in Conwy, and the crowd have gathered here for the weekly Conwy Parkrun. This is my first-ever Parkrun, and the excitement and adrenaline are high. We’re waiting to hear the signal for the start of the race. It feels amazing to be part of something like this, a feeling I never imagined I’d experience.
Growing up, I loved being active, I spent most days out running, cycling, and playing outside with friends. After losing my sight at young age, many of those hobbies shifted indoors. Running became something I only ever did on a treadmill and cycling was limited to a spin bike. While I enjoyed these workouts, and continue to do so, they didn’t give me the same sense of freedom and adventure I’d had as a child. But thanks to some great people supporting me. I’ve been able to discover a new love for running.
A few years ago, my wife and I were lucky enough to have twins. We decided that this was a good time for our family to move to Conwy to be closer to my wife’s family. That decision turned out to be life-changing in more ways than one.
Shortly after we moved to Conwy, my wife’s sister Sioned, who is very keen on fitness, asked if I’d like to try going out for a run with her. I’ve always been open to trying new things, so although I was a little apprehensive, I decided to give it a go. Neither of us had any experience with this, but I trusted her and thought if nothing else, it would be a laugh.
From that very first run, I knew there was something different about exercising outdoors. I’d convinced myself that I wasn’t missing out while doing all my workouts on gym equipment, but I was wrong. Running outside added so many extra dimensions: the sounds, the fresh air, the connection to the world around me and my running partner.
Over the next few weeks, Sioned and I ran various routes around our village. Those runs were fantastic, and I quickly realized that being outside for some of my workouts was something I wanted to be able to do regularly. It was bringing a whole new level of enjoyment to keeping fit.
Not too long after we’d settled in to our new home, I learned that one of our neighbours, Russ, had recently completed a Welsh Athletics’ guide runner training workshop. Whilst browsing upcoming coaching courses, he had seen the workshop advertised before he knew me and thought why not give it a go. He approached me and offered to accompany me out for a run sometime, and after the few runs I had done with Sioned, I jumped at the chance.
That first run with Russ marked the start of a great partnership. 
Russ and his wife Sue, are the leaders of our local running club, the Dwygy Dashers. Every Monday evening, I began joining the group for a run. From the start, I was blown away by how welcoming they were. Russ and Sue have made it their mission to ensure the club is inclusive for everyone, and I felt immediately at home. The Dwygy Dashers become not just a group to run with but a community where I felt supported and connected with others in my local area.
In recent months I have also had the opportunity to run with Ellie, another member of the Dwygy Dashers. She had seen me and Russ running various routes on the usual Monday evening meet up and wanted to give guide running a go herself which is absolutely fantastic, I’m very lucky to have more than one running partner.
Running alongside Sioned, Russ, Ellie and the Dwygy Dashers has been an incredible experience. We always have great conversations: Sharing stories and often just offloading the stresses of the week. There’s something special about running side by side, knowing you’re in sync and sharing the experience. Through running, I’ve gained a sense of freedom I hadn’t felt since I was a child, and the social aspect has been just as rewarding as the physical one.
That’s what brought me to the start line of the Conwy Parkrun.
The energy of all those people meeting to run together and the support of my running partner made it an unforgettable experience. Crossing that finish line felt like a huge personal achievement, it was proof to myself that I can always push beyond the boundaries I have set for myself. Now, running has become a regular part of my life, and I’m excited about what’s to come. In March, I’ll be running my first 10K in Anglesey. Who knows? Maybe a half marathon will be next!
For anyone considering running, whether you’re vision impaired or may be interested in becoming a guide runner, I can’t recommend it enough. The combination of exercise, fresh air, and community has been life-changing. The resources below can get you started, either by searching for an upcoming guide runner workshop to become a guide runner or searching for and requesting a guide runner in your area. I want to thank Russ, Sioned, Ellie and the Dwygy Dashers for makng it possible for me. I feel incredibly lucky that I have been able to pick up running, it has reminded me that there’s always something new to try and enjoy.
https://runtogether.co.uk/get-involved/find-a-guide/
https://irun.wales/guide-running-support/
There is also a Welsh Athletics Guide Running Workshop coming up later in the year in Wrexham developed in partnership with Disability Sports Wales if you would like to find out more and get involved click here.
