Campaign Ambassador - Claire Howard

Name: Claire Howard.  

Sports/Activities: Frame Running 

Locality: Welwyn Hatfield 

My sporting journey began when I attended the Superhero Triathlon, where I saw someone using a frame runner. As an individual with limited lower limb mobility/hypermobility, I immediately felt that this piece of equipment could support me in my journey of learning to walk again. I soon discovered Cambridge and Coleridge Disability Athletics Group, who kindly lent me a frame runner to use during their track sessions, and it wasn’t long before I realised that I could actually run using it. The feeling of freedom I experienced the first time I used a frame runner was incredible and something I will never forget. 

As I continued however, I did become aware of several barriers that you can experience as a disabled individual participating in physical activity. These included a lack of accessible routes in my local area and the high cost of frame runners designed for sport. Nonetheless, I was fortunate to find a group relatively close to home, and eventually I was able to purchase my own second-hand frame runner, which allowed me to continue progressing. One of the more personal challenges I faced was overcoming my own thoughts. I often experienced imposter syndrome, sometimes feeling I did not fully belong despite my progress. 

Cambridge and Coleridge Disability Athletics Group played a vital role in my development, not only by giving me the opportunity to try the sport, but also by helping me build my skills and fitness in a fun and supportive environment. Parkrun have also been fantastic in providing a real sense of community where I feel I can enjoy the sport I love. I have started volunteering with my local parkrun team and together, running and volunteering have been of great benefit to my physical and mental wellbeing. Throughout it all though, my husband has been my biggest supporter, and I truly could not have done it without him. 

Looking ahead, I hope to continue running and to help promote frame running within the wider community, encouraging others to get involved and experience the same sense of freedom it has given me. My advice to others would be simple: try it. Explore as many sports as you can until you find the one that truly makes you happy.