January 12, 2023

Richard Johnston (Senior Manager – Operations)

I’m active every day, mainly through taking my Labrador for its twice daily walks, but I also try to get out running three times a week, nothing too far, my knee can’t take it these days, but maybe 3 or 4 miles each time. When I say running, it started off as running around 10 years ago after I packed in playing football, but over the years it’s probably gone through a stage of jogging, to now being more of a regular 3 or 4 mile plod!

Do I enjoy doing it – probably not.

Do I enjoy how I feel when I’m doing it – definitely. Why I hear you ask, well I find it gives me time to think about all sorts of things, family stuff; work stuff; social stuff; things I need to do; things I’ve forgotten to do. It gives me a regular 30 minutes when I’m completely on my own, which in my life is a rare thing, so I love it!

Do I enjoy how I feel afterwards – absolutely. I feel better once it’s done, once the sweat has gone and I’ve got my breath back. It helps keep everything in balance, helps me physically and mentally, it also helps keep the weight off, which is important for me these days. It also helps me feel happy that I can have those guilt free treats at weekends, a few beers, glass or two of wine, sweets and treats or whatever, safe in the knowledge that I’ve done the activity and I’m in credit with myself!

That said, sometimes other stuff gets in the way, and I can’t or don’t run, jog, or plod for a while, some of these reasons are valid, but many of them are fictitious. I now accept that that’s just the reality of how we are as humans, and that’s ok, but after a while the guilt does start to creep into my head about it, and that’s what gives me the jolt to get back doing it.

I’m plodding at the moment, and am hopeful that it won’t be just a phase to help me shed a few excess pounds put on over Christmas, I’m thinking about signing up for a 10k later in the Spring, which will hopefully encourage me to keep it going, as I do find it helps if I have a goal to aim for. Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose to do this RED January, it’s not what you do, it’s that you do something!

Richard