Author

Stephen Morrison

#1PercentMore- A Spogo Challenge

SpogoUK have set me the challenge of coming up with this week’s #1PercentMore Challenge. Over the past few months we’ve seen amazing efforts at planks, burpees, wall squats and various other body weight movements. The times set and the repetitions recorded have been fantastic and although I’ve usually found myself in the lower half of the Spogo leaderboard, I’ve enjoyed the Challenges.

Now, it’s my turn and my #1PercentMore Challenge is simple. Imagine if we could encourage 1% of the population to be more active. Not those that are already physically active, but those that are relatively sedentary and even those that do some activities. What impact would that have on the health of the nation?

I’m asking each of you to encourage, inspire and/or introduce someone to a new activity. Make them (and you!) a Try Athlete. Post updates of your efforts (and hopefully successes) on social media, using #1PersonMoreActive and let’s get more people, more active, more often.

Small steps and small changes. It could be walking more or playing with the kids more. Getting onto a bike or into a pool. Anything that gets them (and you, remember) moving, just a little more.

One step at a time and one person at a time.

August 13, 2014 0 comment

Commonwealth Games #Team14 Try-Athlete

People Made Glasgow 2014

written by Stephen Morrison

It seems so long ago. A time, when the sun was shining, people were smiling, our train journeys were filled with cheers and our streets were filled with Clydes. How quickly have we returned to our normal lives? How much do we miss high-fiving police officers and giving standing ovations to both winners and the guys and girls, who came last, regardless of what country they represented? Glasgow 2014 was special, in so many ways. Record crowds at events. Record medal hauls. Records broken and tales of heroes and heroines breaking through barriers to record magnificent performances. Amateur athletes, many of whom hold down jobs, just like you and I, were made to feel like superstars.

Even HRM Prince Imran stated, for the record, that it was the best ever Games and Pure Dead Brilliant. And so it was, by the way.

Everyone played their part and none more than the 15,000 strong army of volunteers. The Frontrunners, Baton Bearers and, of course, the Clydesiders. I’ll miss their banter with the crowds, their green hands and their energy and passion. These were a group of people who had travelled from near and far, who had given their time and their hearts to Glasgow. They fulfilled a multitude of duties and without them, Glasgow 2014 would not have been the same.

These are the people who made Glasgow 2014 (well, some of them).

I’m Hazel Barton and I am Glaswegian through and through. I worked in Athlete Services with badminton at the Emirates. I have so many highlights, but I guess being involved in some of the medal ceremonies on the final day was a golden moment for me. My hopes….well that the legacy comes to fruition…. that this pride, optimism and enthusiastic energy carries forward in our dear green place.

August 9, 2014 0 comment

Commonwealth Games #Team14 Try-Athlete

Bonnie Stuff and Clyde

written by Stephen Morrison

Right now, Glasgow is proudly hosting the Commonwealth Games (you may have noticed). Some of those talented enough to participate will leave with medals, the glory and tales to regale, while others will leave with broken dreams. The volunteers will take away the experience of contributing to a great Games and Glasgow will hopefully be left with increased exposure, fantastic facilities and opportunities for many of its residents. Everyone will have memories, there will be selfies galore and enough Clyde soft toys will be sold to make him rival a Hollywood A Lister in popularity. How big will his head be then?

Clyde Selfie

In addition to buying Clyde, everyone can pick up an array of Games related merchandise from t-shirts, towels and trinkets to Glasgow 2014 Haggis (specially bred and hunted in the East End of Glasgow). The range of goods is almost as long as many of our journeys to work and the queues at Central Station during the Games (small price, surely?) and you can buy them all Here

However, I wanted to draw your attention to three souvenirs that I especially like.

We couldn’t all be at the Opening Ceremony, be a Baton Bearer or get access to the Press Box, but we can all get a picture of ourselves, as if we were. This magic (it must be magic) is proved by the mages at Glasgow 2014 Photographs.

It’s a great and fun way to capture your own special moment in special Green Screens located in the George Square and the Athletes Village retail stores. You can even upload your own photograph, give it a Games touch and instantly send it, as a postcard. All direct from your phone. As a self-confessed selfie fan, this is one App I might enjoy a little too much and you can find out more at Glasgow 2014 Photographs

From the simplicity of a selfie, we move on to the perfection of a Papercut. No, not those annoying, bloody and inexplicably painful little cuts we get, but beautifully crafted and limited edition Glasgow 2014 pieces of intricate decorative art that encapsulate the spirit, venues, sports and landmarks of host city Glasgow. At the first time of seeing this I was instantly taken by the creativity and artistry required to produce such an eye catching work of art.

As a self confessed running geek who adores his running chic, what better way to sport up my life, than to acquire a pair of the unicef shoe laces. Not only do I get to support the work of this charity, that provides humanitarian support to children and mothers, but I get to customise my shoes and add a little extra colour to my life. Glasgow 2014 has shown tremendous support to unicef and you can too, at UNICEF-Putting Children First

Whatever you pick up at Glasgow 2014, I hope you leave with smiles.

With just under one week of Glasgow 2014 left, it’s time to start picking up some mementos. What has caught your eye and what has been your fondest memory of Glasgow 2014 that you will take away with you?

If I get twenty original responses, I’ll compile them in a Team14 Blog AND donate £10 to unicef. If I get forty, I’ll donate £25 (well seen I get paid on Thursday).

July 29, 2014 0 comment

Journey Running Triathlon

I am a Runner

written by Stephen Morrison

I haven’t always been able to say that. Three years ago I weighed 354lbs (over 25 stone). If you had suggested any exercise, I’d have run a mile (sadly, not literally).

But then, a friend changed my life. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. My family and friends had used many more over the years, imploring me to lose weight. I had made a few lame and short lived attempts in the past and like many dieters I gained more than I lost.

I never felt ready. I never felt able. I never felt that my weight prevented me from doing anything I wanted to do. I argued that I didn’t smoke and that I didn’t drink. I was fat, but I was relatively healthy (possibly more healthy than an unfit person of normal weight). The truth was that I was in denial.

But then, a friend took and shared that photograph. It was the photograph that stopped me in my tracks and the photograph that set me on a new course of action. It is a photograph that I keep on me at all times. To remind me of how I was, what I was and how far my journey has taken me.

I wanted to get more active and to feel healthier. I wanted to feel happy and I wanted to regain my confidence, libido and energy that obesity had stolen from me. I wanted to feel like a man again.

But then, I was over 350lbs. What could I do? So, I started by walking and as the pounds fell off I began searching for other ways to get active. Before my weight loss, running a bath was a problem. Once I got in, there wasn’t much room for the water. The idea of running to lose weight was absurd and the thought of running for pleasure was beyond me.

I did, however decide to try running in September 2011 when my friends asked me to grow a moustache for Movember. Being facially folically challenged and 100lbs lighter, I instead committed to running the Mo Running 5K and set about starting a Couch to 5K programme. Alternating walking and running between lamp posts. Within weeks, I was running more than I was walking. More importantly I was surprisingly enjoying every bit of it and looking forward to my next run and to my first competitive race at Mo Running. I wasn’t the fastest but I did overtake a few runners and even managed a sprint (well, ok maybe a dash) across the finishing line recording a personal best of under 27 minutes which might not seem great but it made me puff my chest with pride and not just exhaustion.

In December I was again competing in another “facial hair” inspired race, the annual “Santa Dash”. Along with several thousand other Santas we raced through the city streets and although my Santa suit and beard was not the most ergonomic or comfortable of outfits I was still able to leap over stray dogs, side swerve errant mothers with push chairs and tackle a relatively large incline (all my previous runs had been on the flat). I was far removed from fitting the role of the jolly fat man, but I knew I had further to go, before I’d be happy.

But then, the taunts and jeers of white van men and boy racers stopped me in my tracks. I felt humiliated, I felt hopeless and I felt hatred. Mostly I hated myself. I was so close to giving up and accepting that I couldn’t change. Despite being a shadow of my former self, I was still obese and it weighed heavily on my mind.

I couldn’t go on. Once again, I was a failure.

But then, my anger and frustration led to grit and determination. I wouldn’t stop. I wouldn’t give in to the taunts and my own self doubt. I could and I would run. I started with 5Ks and then progressed to 10Ks before entering my first Great Scottish Half Marathon then more and longer races. I have completed Tough Mudder, Spartan Beast and my first Marathon in Copenhagen. I now run to work, I run at weekends and I scour the country looking to add new bibs and new medals to my collection. I have continued to lose weight and I am now almost half the size I was.

I am also now looking forward to launching Great Run Local Glasgow, in partnership with Great Run and with the support of friends and the team at Run 4 It. Designed to provide a short and timed weekly run for new runners, it’s a chance for me to give something back. I am not a philosopher or even a particularly great runner, but I am passionate about running and all forms of physical activity and I will do what I can do support and inspire others.

I am now a runner. Will you join me?

July 22, 2014 0 comment

Commonwealth Games #Team14 Try-Athlete

Team14 Are Bowled Over

written by Stephen Morrison

Old men in blazers with old fashioned views. A place where you go for funerals and 40^th – 60^th birthday parties. A place with drink prices and attitudes stuck in the past. If I’m honest, that’s how I perceived bowling clubs. Not a place that an, ahem , young hip and progressive person like me would go.

But maybe it’s my Presbyterian roots, but something about the discipline, tradition and the seeming simplicity of Lawn Bowls had always intrigued me

So, when Woodend Bowling Club and Bowls Scotland invited myself and some other Team14 members (including women and children!!) along to help promote the sport ahead of the Commonwealth Games, I thought, hell, I am now the wrong side of 40. It’s about time I took up a sport more befitting my age (I’ll hopefully be running well into my seventies, health permitting)

But, it wasn’t only that. Woodend Bowling Club were tweeting. They were funny, engaging and had pictures of kids having fun. This was not a Bowling Club like any I had visited before. And the introduction to bowling was more fun than I would ever have imagined.

We were met by Tom, who introduced us to our coach Ron of Team Scotland. We were given quick and concise instructions on how to hold and then release the bowl. To my horror, my week of practising lunges was in vain, as Tom explained how bowling required only small and controlled movements.

Tom not lunging

We were then let loose on the Crazy Bowling course, a range of fun obstacles, designed to develop skills and which had introduced bowls to over 1,000 children in the area. Was this REALLY a bowling club? Even little 4 year old Reese was having a ball, or should that be bowl?

Reese showing us how it is done

Once we had honed our skills, it was match time. Now, some might say I’m a tad competitive, so when it came to picking teams, I quickly partnered with Paula, who has taken part in 17 Commonwealth Games sports. She would make up for my general sporting ineptitude. However, I forgot why Paula had set herself the challenge of trying the sports of Glasgow 2014. She’s as bad at sports as I am!

Crazy Bowls

Thankfully, we had Louise, a 14 year old super kid, come to our rescue and we trounced (maybe a little exaggeration) Louise’s dad and @glasgowdaybyday and @buteifulbute in the last end. Bowling may have modernised, but I am not sure if my subsequent victory dance, fist pumping and hollering are now part of everyday matches.

It was a great night and as it progressed, I really felt I was improving. It’s a relatively quick game to learn the basics. I was obviously not alone, in thinking I had potential, as Ron had some inspiring words.

Bowling really is a sport that almost all can try and as a physical activity advocate, I noted that we were too busy having fun and focusing on the game, to notice that we were constantly moving, bending and lifting. Bowls Scotland are launching a Try Bowls campaign, and as a try athlete, I’d urge you to seek out your local club, take along your kids and find out just why, all these years, old smart men in blazers, were trying to keep it to themselves.

July 12, 2014 1 comment

Europe Running Travel Triathlon

Stairway to Heaven- Running In Sorrento

written by Stephen Morrison

Next stop on my Italian tour was the beautiful and picturesque coastal town of Sorrento.

I had previously envisaged some early morning barefoot beach runs. However, I really should have conducted some prior research. For Sorrento is mostly pitched on a cliff top and beaches were in short supply.

I say mostly pitched as my hotel was in fact located in the Marina with a short stretch of beach, which really would only have been suitable for sprint training. So each morning I made the most of my location to begin my run up a punishing and seemingly unending set of steps to the top. I’d like to say that I sprinted up them like a mountain goat, but in truth, the last dozen steps were taken at barely faster than walking speed and in temperatures of 28C, I thought my heart was going to explode.

Which, it almost did on a few other occasions. The streets of Sorrento are very narrow. Like lots of Italy, the vehicles of choice have two wheels. As an active travel advocate, it pains me to say that it wasn’t the self-propelled variety. And Sorrento doesn’t only lack from a shortage of beachfront. The town’s planners, way back, obviously weren’t too pedestrian friendly. For every so often, the sidewalk I was on would abruptly stop and I would be forced to join the motorised traffic, on the road. I can only guess from the car horns and shouting (my Italian isn’t great, but pretty sure they weren’t encouraging me) that I wasn’t too welcome.

If I were to avoid becoming another road traffic accident statistic and meeting my maker, I had only two options open to me.

The choices were to either resign myself to NOT running in Sorrento or to continue risking the ire of my girlfriend by getting up at an unfeasibly early hour and getting out before the rest of Sorrento was awake (well, apart from maybe the fishermen).

Well, I’m a runner (haven’t always felt able to say that) and if she loves me…I guessed, she’d understand. Plus the views from my run route were pretty spectacular.

But even that wasn’t sufficient as another omission from traffic in Sorrento were the concepts of “give way” or “slow”. When combined, narrow streets, blind corners and lunatic early morning drivers made each run a little too exhilarating.

On too many occasions, I’d be approaching a corner, only for a motorcycle or moped to burst into view and more worryingly into my path resulting in the need for some evasive action, on my part.

There weren’t going to be any PB’s set here as I learned to approach every bend and corner with caution. However, the mixture of heat, exertion and panic did manage to secure me the coveted “Sweater of the Week” award from my pals Elle and Jen.

What lengths do you go to manage a run and have you had any scary experiences?

July 9, 2014 1 comment

Commonwealth Games #Team14

Team 14’s Try Athlete

written by Stephen Morrison

We have all heard the argument. We have all seen the meme: “Running vs Lifting”. It’s usually accompanied with a picture of a pale, skinny and exhausted long distance runner in one corner, with a bronzed, chiselled and statuesque Adonis (no, not me) in the other.

It takes great delight in tearing apart the sport runners love while glorifying an activity that probably too few of us do.

It portrays runners as weak, feeble and ignorant of just how damaging running is (even though research shows that running can be a great treatment for arthritis). And it assumes that runners and lifters are two separate species.

That because we run, we don’t lift.

And, I am afraid to admit that used to be the case for me. I had spent so long on a calorie restricted diet and only doing cardio that I worried that doing resistance training would require more food and result in more weight gain. Furthermore, the gym wasn’t a place I wanted to be. Full of athletic, strong and attractive people who would look at my rather plump backside and run me out of the place. So I went outside and ran. And I quickly realised that I enjoyed it and that my weight loss continued.

Sure, I did the odd class of Pilates and Yoga to improve my core and increase my flexibility, but lift weights? Nah!

However, as I researched the events of Glasgow 2014, for Team14, I came across an advertisement for the weightlifting and my primal urge to lift something heavy took over and I decided that I’d be a jerk if I did not at least find out more. So I turned to Scott Devenney, of SD Movement, who had coached me back from my recent running injury and who had studied under John Hardy of Faster Function.

I turned up expecting to snatch up some barbells and power my way though some lifts. However, Scott had different ideas. Before unleashing me on heavy weights, he wanted to assess my technique and pulled out his IPad!

There’s not a squat right here

Scott identified that both the bar and my knees were too far forward, which would impede me when lifting heavy loads and that I leaned too much to the right (so had to resist a pun). So, we didn’t hang around to correct my technique…Well, actually we did. I have t-shirt muscles. My biceps are developed, but my shoulders are weak, so I needed to toughen up. I needed to hang tough.

Hang Tough

After hanging around and pulling myself up, without using my arms, for a bit, I worked on uncoupling my back. I focused on moving my upper, middle and lower back in isolation, which was harder than I thought and before long, I felt ready to have another attempt at passing the bar test.

A clean approach

With homework (hanging in swing parks), I will continue to strengthen my shoulders and improve my range of motion. Maybe then, Scott will let me actually try some Commonwealth weightlifting . Until then, I will just need to take some inspiration from watching the stars at Glasgow 2014. Tickets for the weightlifting are available from glasgow2014

After this session, I have decided not to make a choice between running and lifting.

Why can’t I do both of them? I’ll become a try athlete and continue to sample and enjoy all sports and become stronger and faster.

And for all of the runners that cross train, what enables you to show a clean pair of heels in your races?

July 9, 2014 0 comment

Europe Running Travel Triathlon

Vidi, Vici, Curro

written by Stephen Morrison

“That’s an awful lot of running gear” my girlfriend remarked as I packed for our trip to Italy. “I am going to do an awful lot of running” I responded just before ducking to avoid the shoe (not a soft running shoe) heading in my direction.

While my better half spends her time researching hotels and planning activities, my preparation for a vacation normally revolves around researching running shops and planning running routes. For me, going to a new country is an opportunity to run in a new country and to buy a running top in a new country. And with several Great Run events planned for this year, I couldn’t afford to not run for two weeks.

Some people like to go on bus tours, but I reckon that there’s no better way to experience a city than to run in it.

“And I have yet to find a better city to run in, than Rome, while I learned that there is no better time to run in Rome, than at dawn.”

At dawn the streets are relatively clear of crazy drivers, the tourists are still tucked up in their hotel beds, and given that the sun is only just rising, the temperature isn’t yet in the upper 30’s (I learned the hard way).

And there is nothing quite like running past the ancient ruins of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum as the sun rises.

Apart from maybe running amongst the ancient relics of the Vatican as the sun rises. Standing in almost solitude in St Peter’s Square prior to the arrival of the masses is an experience I’ll forever savour.

But it isn’t just the streets lined with beautiful architecture and stunning viewpoints. Rome is built on seven hills which give ample opportunity to do some hill sprints. Running up and down the Spanish Steps was my personal favourite, although I did garner some strange looks from all the beautiful people adorning the steps in their Italian couture.

Not the Spanish Steps.

Whether it’s running along the banks of the Tiber or running through the tree lined Villa Borghese with the locals, Rome is a beautiful city to run in. And when in Rome, I couldn’t resist getting my own special carved marble moniker

What is your favourite city to run in and what is so special about it?

July 5, 2014 1 comment

Commonwealth Games #Team14 DoMore with Strathmore Swimming Triathlon Try-Athlete

Can’t Swim, Won’t Swim with Robbie Renwick

written by Stephen Morrison

I can’t really swim and if asked I don’t really want to, but when invited to swim with a Commonwealth Champion, it was time to get my Speedos on (ok, there’s never a time to get Speedos on).

There’s a reason why I like runing. There are, in fact, several reasons why I like running, but one is that it is a simple case of putting one foot in front of the other and then repeating. Yes, some of my running friends and my Garmin might go on about about cadence and vertical oscillation, but we really were born to run.

Swimming is a sport that I know is great for getting fit and strong (see pictures of Robbie Renwick) and I know it is an excellent activity for the obese and overweight. As Robbie (more about him later) explained, when asked about injuries, it is a relatively low impact sport (he’s obviously never seen me dive-bombing). However, for many obese people swimming pools are uncharted waters. When you despise how you look, the walk of shame from changing rooms to pool can strip you of your dignity, regardless of whether anyone is even looking at you.

And then there is the synchronised swimming. No, not some artistic moves but simply using my arms and legs while trying to remember to breathe (while my head is OUT of the water).

So, when I was invited by Strathmore Water to join Commonwealth Gold Medallist and British 200m Freestyle record holding Robbie Renwick and to find out more about their Do More campaign, I put aside my worries about drowning in a sea of embarrassment and took one for Team14.

I was joined by six other wonderful bloggers (including my Team14 pal Paula McGuire) and the shared apprehension seemed to ease our collective fears. Fears that we incidently didn’t need to have.

Robbie, despite only being weeks away from a wee event in Glasgow and Sunday being his day off, was a fantastic coach. Over the course of an hour he took us through various swimming drills. We focused on streamlining (don’t think I’ll ever resemble a streamline), techniques and endurance training.

Thankfully the most we had to swim was about 400 metres and the chance for me to fully embarrass myself was limited.

Or so I thought!!

Robbie was keen to help us improve every aspect of our swimming and like David Carry, who I had listened to at a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow conference earlier in the week, he spoke at length about how making small changes and improvements to aspects of our swimming can shave seconds off times. Seconds that can mean the difference between podiums and doldrums.

One way of finishing faster is turning faster. Very seldom (IE never) do you see swimmers replicating my approach of reaching the end, stopping, turning around and starting again. Instead, they perform tumble turns. And Robbie wanted us to perform them. It is testament to his professionalism that he kept a straight face as I tumbled and turned. On my first attempt I ended up turning 90 degrees and in the lane next to mine.

However, it was in my second attempt that I invented a new style of turning.

Somehow, as I turned and pushed my legs, with all my might, I ended up with my feet out the water and ON the edge of the pool. As I lay there with only my upper body submerged, I was literally choking with laughter

Grin When You Are Swimming

Robbie, to his credit, took my incompetence in good spirit and was obviously really impressed by the progress that I made during the training session. Despite having some excellent swimmers in our group, it was quite clear that my unique style had left a lasting impression on him and his praise was totally unexpected.

After the relay race (we’ll not dwell too much on that, other than to say that the losing team had to then swim two further gruelling lengths using the fly technique that left me gasping for breath) we headed upstairs for a Q and A

I asked him about setting milestones and goals and I asked if he worked backwards. He confirmed that Rio 16 is his goal with Glasgow 2014 and the World Championships (update: he is a World Champion) his milestones. Throughout the questioning it became clear that Robbie was dedicated, determined and disciplined. Yes, he enjoys cakes (who doesn’t) but he also swims for over 30 hours every week and has strength coaches, sports psychologists and physiotherapists in his corner. Competing in Glasgow is a great honour, but he will not let that pressure affect him. He has been training for four years, in preparation for defending his Commonwealth crown. On any given day Robbie gets up at 5 am, swims 7000 metres, goes to the gym for 2.5 hours before heading back to the pool.

At the Q and A afterwards, the question I wanted to dive in with was: “Robbie, just what is your problem?”

Instead, we spoke about something we both are passionate about. Getting people to Do More. Robbie Renwick is one of three inspiring athletes who belong to Team Strathmore. Together, they are encouraging more people to get into the sporting spirit and to take small steps. To try new sports and activities. Although sharing my concerns about the accessibility of swimming to young children, he did feel that pools like Tollcross International Swimming Centre were encouraging more and more to swim.

And guess what? He’s inspired me. I’ve harboured (last water related pun) a desire to become a triathlete but felt anchored (sorry) by my lack of swimming skills. Using the training tips he imparted upon us, I am going to wade back into the pool and I will practice. Then I will participate in the Great Swim. A one mile swim of Loch Lomond.

Can’t Swim, Will Swim.

Huge thanks to Robbie Renwick and Strathmore for a fantastic experience and to Jeff, the photographer, for not filming any of my really embarrassing moments.

June 26, 2014 6 comments

Commonwealth Games #Team14 Try-Athlete

Before and After Glasgow 2014

written by Stephen Morrison

My own story has been one of transformation. The purpose of this “How Many Miles?” blog has mainly been to chart the challenges and opportunities that now present themselves to me. To help me to reflect on where I was, what I have achieved, how far I can go and what I can do to secure my own and my boys’ future health and happiness. Glasgow 2014 will, in many ways, be a reflection of Glasgow’s transformation and in exactly one month today we will witness the culmination of years of planning and regeneration. Although the Games themselves will last only a few short, but exciting weeks, the ripple effect will hopefully carry on for years to come.

Let’s think about what we hope to see the Commonwealth Games deliver and leave behind for Glasgow and indeed Scotland.

Everyone feeling excited, engaged and empowered to get more active.

Glasgow benefiting from increased exposure and an improved profile resulting in more high profile national and international events

Areas across the city being developed and many new facilities being built in local communities.

Companies flourishing on the contracts won, growing and recruiting more employees.

Young people being given the opportunity to gain work experience and new skills with increased employment opportunities.

Every one of these goals will enrich lives and fuel the economy and in, my day job, I have witnessed the genuine delight on the faces of people gaining employment in a Glasgow 2014 related role. Many of these positions may only be temporary, but the confidence and skills gained will give many a renewed belief in themselves while increasing their employability to prospective employers.

However, as a physical activity champion, it seems appropriate that I focus on how the Commonwealth Games present a fantastic opportunity to excite, enthuse and encourage more to get active, to try and take up sports and to leave a legacy for our next generations. It is an opportunity to address some of the damning statistics that blight our city and our nation.

Our children are some of the most inactive in the world with a Life Expectancy shorter than their parents. Inactivity can reduce our life expectancies by 5 years. We have a diminishing percentage of adults meeting Physical Activity guidelines and increasing levels of Obesity.

So, how can Glasgow 2014 reverse years of declining health statistics and affect behavioural change in our population? I have argued, in my role as a Lay Adviser to the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine, that a wide and varied approach is required. That we need to ensure that physical activity is available to all and viewed as part of our daily lives. With the latest reports showing that over 96% of primary schools are now meeting the recommended target of 2 hours of physical activity each week, there is hope that our next generations can be our most active. We then only need to look at some of the other plans that are in place to get Glasgow and Scotland more active to see that there is a genuine and strategic plan to get more of us moving.

I am an Ambassador for the Scottish Government’s Fit In 14 campaign, which is aimed at Scottish businesses to encourage their staff to take small, simple steps towards a more active lifestyle which will have a positive impact on their mental and physical health and well-being. Sedentary behaviour is a leading contributor to several life limiting conditions and with many of us spending considerable time at our desks, workplace initiatives can be highly effective and fun. Yesterday marked the end of my latest workplace walking challenge that attracted nearly 300 participants. By 2016, it is hoped that, across Scotland, we will have at least 150 Community Sports Hubs, where local communities can gather to take part in new activities. These will hopefully bring local communities together and provide more support to grass route sports, activities and the volunteers that deliver them. Having looked at the current Hubs in Glasgow I have concerns that they are mainly located in Glasgow’s leafier suburbs. I would hope that many more will be rolled out across the city to ensure that physical activity is available to all. Community led initiatives are also at the heart of the Big 2014 Communities Programme and Active Places Fund with £10 million set aside to fund local programmes to get more people, more active. Later this year I’ll be launching one such scheme, to get more people running. Running is a major part of my life and it is a fun and challenging way to get fit and achieve personal goals. These programmes, when combined with the momentum of the actual Games, have the potential to make a positive impact on our perceptions of sport and physical activity. To make them more accessible, inclusive and fun. To make them part of our active lives again. To take us from spectators to participants. The key is public engagement. People make Glasgow and for all of the above to succeed, it will require the people of Glasgow and Scotland buying into the programmes, being excited by the opportunities and retaining an interest long after the athletes and officials have moved on to start their preparations for the World Championships and Rio 2016. With one month to go, what are you doing to ensure that your community benefits from the legacy of the Games?

June 23, 2014 0 comment