GETTING back into exercise after having a baby can be an uphill struggle.

With reduced sleep and trying to get into a new routine, exercise may seem like the last thing on your mind. That’s where jogscotland’s brand new programme Mums on the Run comes in.

Designed with the needs of mums at the very heart of it, the Mums on the Run programme offers guidance, advice and solutions to help mums across the country enjoy the physiological, social and psycological benefits of getting out and being active.

Recently formed running group Galavanters has started a new weekly session especially for mums in Galashiels.

It follows the success of the club, which is aimed at runners of all abilities, since its launch in November last year.

Arlene Botha is the local mum behind the project. She said: “I started running as a way to get back into shape after I had my daughter.

“I had always kept busy with keep fit, but once you have a child, it is difficult to find time to go to the gym or classes. I found slotting in a quick 20 minutes or half an hour for a run far more convenient.” She has made rapid progress since then, running eight half marathons and two full marathons, in Loch Ness and Glencoe. “If you had told be back in 2008 that I would do that, I would have never believed you.” It was during the time when she was looking for a pursuit to get back into shape that Arlene first thought up the Mums on the Run concept.

The weekly sessions enable new mums to take gentle exercise with their child present.

“For new mothers, a gym can be quite an intimidating place to get started,” she explained. “Another issue is trying to to find somebody to look after the little one to give you some time to go and exercise. “That’s what’s great about Mums on the Run; you bring the babies in their buggies. You get to meet other mums, you can keep fit. And you don’t need to worry about childcare.” Meanwhile, Galavanters continues to go from strength to strength with 45 people turning up for a new beginners session last week.

In addition to classes for more advanced runners, the group is now attracting upwards of 60 members each week.

Arlene said: “The response since November has been exceptional.

“We get a mix of people attending. Our youngest member is 16, but we also have a number of runners in their 60s who attend our sessions. We are open to anyone and everyone, regardless of ability.” One of the rewarding aspects of her role with the group over the past few months is seeing how running can transform a persons life.

“One of our members came along for the very first Walk to Jog block. She always says that when she started, she couldn’t even run for a bus. Now she has ran a 5K and a couple of 10Ks and she is planning to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon with one of her friends. It’s amazing to see the difference in people.

“The group is very friendly, and they all drive each other on. There are a lot of friendships that have formed. Aside from the health benefits, it’s a great way to meet people. They have a good laugh as well.” Mums on the Run currently meet one day a week, but times and dates vary. Galavanters meet on Tuesday and Wednesday at 6.30pm, outside the Galashiels Swimming Pool.

For more information find Galavanters on Facebook.