2020…. How are you coping so far?!... Like many others, I have found the last six months a very challenging and difficult time to navigate.
We all understand the benefits that physical activity can provide; particularly during stressful periods both mental and physically. However, it seems to be that during periods of increased stress and chaotic schedules physical activity and regular exercise is often one of the first things we neglect.
For me, I love getting outside to exercise. I love being out in nature and will often throw on my runners and head out to run local trails. Over the last couple of months however, my regular runs have become very inconsistent and I was finding it easy to make excuses not to get out and go. Does this sound familiar to you?
I realised I needed to find a way to increase my motivation levels and consistency. In the past having a goal or event to train for, and or a friend to keep me accountable was the best way to ensure that I was consistent and not making excuses.
What event could I enter though? COVID had really put a spanner in the works in regards to organised sports and annual running events. I jumped online and like many amazing businesses that have been forced to pivot in order to survive over this period so have some virtual events and fundraisers. I had already participated in Clothing The Gap ‘Run Rona’ 10km in May and at the end of July I came across a Fred Hollows Foundation fundraising event, ‘Fred’s Big Run’. A virtual event which encourages people to sign up as individuals or teams to complete a selected distance over the month of August. The fundraising goes to a really important cause of restoring sight and aims to bring an end to unavoidable blindness.
I decided to create a Kate Johnson Osteo team and I invited a number of my friends and family to jump on board to complete the challenge. The fun thing about doing an event like this virtually is that we can all cheer each other on from a far. One of my best mates is over in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam, my sister is in Melbourne, my cousin is in Sydney and others through Albury-Wodonga, are all running to achieve a united goal. It has been lots of fun as we all spur each other on via social media, which also provides a great way to connect and be social, despite the current conditions.
This year has forced us to look at different ways to do many things, including how to remain social and stay connected. So if like me you have been struggling with motivation to exercise, jump online, there are lots of options and opportunities to be active and social. Which can only be good for our mental and physical wellbeing!
If you would like to join our team and participate in ‘Fred’s Big Run’ or make a donation to The Fred Hollows Foundation please follow the link below: