Backside to Trackside

“As an overweight 50 year old dad of two I had to make a change. I hadn’t properly exercised for about 28 years, I was now carrying over 5 stone too much and was struggling to walk up a flight of stairs so I jumped in to the Backside to Trackside programme and everything for me changed. Like-minded people who wanted, and had to make a change to their diets and exercise banded together.

As the weeks went by, I got stronger and more confident. I was exercising between sessions and went from walking a lap on the first evening to running 3 then 5, then 8 and 10 whilst dropping weight and getting strong. My two kids joined me as they wanted to encourage their dad and show their support. Each session we would run and discuss lifestyle and the reasons for being there. My mental health become stronger too, no longer was I thinking I wasn’t worthy of being on a track or embarrassed about my weight. I knew this was working for me and I embraced the changes both physical and mental.

The 5k run day was great. I did the whole run without stopping. Something that would have been silly to imagine only months earlier. The sense of achievement was great and the family were so proud of the changes I had made.
Since then I have completed the event again and brought along a couple of friends who had seen the difference it made to me. I have subsequently continued the running and exercise, dropping 3 stone in weight and feeling brilliant.

Backside to Trackside programme has given me a new lease of life. Physically I’m feeling stronger and healthier with a positive diet and understanding how my health works. Mentally I am more confident and lost the shame I had for being so overweight.“

“My husband and I have both completed the Backside to Trackside programme, it is so well structured, Andy is a fantastic trainer, and I feel this programme does a great service for the community.

This programme has given me more confidence in my ability to run a long distance, has given me motivation to continue exercising, and generally helped me feel better mentally. Everyone is so friendly and it’s nice to realise you are not alone, there’s always someone else feeling the same as you.

This programme isn’t just for adults either, so it’s a great thing to do as a family, our daughters also loved taking part. Backside to Trackside encourages all abilities. There’s no pressure, just friendly encouragement, guidance, and understanding.”

“Having completed the programme — and being the last person to cross the 5k finish line — was tough. But instead of letting it stop me, I went back, repeated the programme, and used it as motivation to keep building strength.

From being told in 2024 that I wouldn’t be able to run, to crossing the finish line of the London Winter Run 10k today, it’s been a slow journey, but the Backside to Trackside programme has been invaluable.”

“Before I joined the Backside to Trackside programme, I hadn’t exercised much at all in a long time and motivation was something I really struggled with. I certainly never considered myself a runner and to be honest I didn’t like running at all. I carried a fair bit of extra weight and the idea of running any distance felt completely out of reach.

But something about the way the programme was presented made me feel like giving it a go. From the very beginning, Andy created a space that felt welcoming and non-judgmental. Everyone on the programme was in a similar position—real people starting from scratch, many who had similar mindsets—which made a huge difference.

What really set the experience apart, though, was Andy himself. His attitude was incredibly supportive, and while he kept us moving forward, he never made me feel pressured or like I had to “keep up.”. His encouragement gave me the confidence to turn up, train in a healthy and sustainable way.

The programme culminated in me completing my first 5k— which was tougher than I first thought.

In 2025, I completed the London Marathon and have become a regular ParkRunner. A few small steps which started within the Backside to Trackside programme gave me enough confidence to think about further distances and healthier choices (although I still need to sort the nutrition part ..still love a kebab!).

Andy, I genuinely can’t thank you enough—not just for helping me get moving. Additionally, for your ongoing support and for the difference you continue to make in the wider community. Backside to Trackside is an excellent community programme, bettering social value outcomes, and supporting mental health for those in need.”

“This programme is a fantastic way to begin your fitness journey in a friendly, motivating environment. It’s not just about getting active – it’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and build lasting healthy habits.”

“During my time as Mayor of Basildon I took part in and supported the Backside to Trackside programme. It is a fantastic initiative that brings together the community, helps people improve both their physical and mental health and gives people access to quality facilities that they may not normally be exposed to.”

“Backside to Trackside truly is one of the very most inspiring programmes I have witnessed throughout my 40 years in the leisure industry.
It is a perfect example of skilled, high quality coaches coming together with a leisure provider and local authority to significantly benefit its residents, changing their lives for the better.”