Publish date: 3 February 2023
At the start of the year we launched our West London Gets Fit campaign to improve health and well-being by creating a West London community; bringing staff and the local community together over walking, running, swimming, cycling or any other activities you enjoy.
Jo Manley, Deputy Director, Local Services shares how she keeps active by joining in and volunteering at the Wimbledon Common Park Run. Jo's an avid Park Runner and completed her 200th run at the end of last year!
Jo shares what getting fit means to her. She says:
"I think it’s all about doing something a little bit more active than you are currently doing. I’ve just hit the big 60 and as I get older I am not as flexible and mobile as I was but I try and just do a little bit of physical activity three times a week – run, light weights at a gym class, jive dancing, walk to the shops rather than take the car etc
I find it sets off my weekend to great start. I get up and started on my day promptly which means I get more hours on my day (rather than lying in bed!!).
While I’m running I’m on my own space and can think through problems, plans and reflect on the previous week and it’s actually very therapeutic to have head space.
I’ve also made lots of new friends. If you offer to volunteer you’ll find all kids of people chat to you.
Getting my 200th run and 100th volunteer award was a very memorable achievement for me. As well as the Volunteer of the year award in 2019, was a very proud moment for me."
She also shares some advice for anyone interested in taking up running:
"The Couch to 5k app is great, but the main thing is not to start too fast. Just set small goals. Walk it to begin with, then try a few mins on a gentle jog and juts build from there. I started on a two lap course and to begin with I just did one lap, then one week I just thought.. I’m going to try two…and that was it! I always walk a bit too…
The other thing is to just go along and offer to volunteer at your local parkrun a few times...before you know it you’ll be joining in!
My challenge for 2023 is to achieve 250 runs! And I want to win the green shirt!"
Well done to Jo, for completing her 200th run!
