Physical Activity

ukactive’s Lazy Approach to Inactivity

As a fitness blogger, my main goal is to move people to move more. It is not to move products.

This is why you will find very few product reviews on my blog (people like DC Rainmaker do it much better); why I often use emotive language and possibly why I am on few (if any) PR lists (other than blacklists).

Please do not take this as a slight on my fitness blogging peers, but sponsored post after sponsored post promoting and pushing products, places and people is not my idea of influencing.

What is Influencing?

For me, influencing is about inspiring and creating change; it is about challenging the status quo and sometimes, it is about going head to head with organisations and businesses whose practices I believe are detrimental to my main goal of getting more people moving.

In the past few years, I have used this blog, my blogs for the British Medical Journal (BMJ) and the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (FSEM) and even evidence to a Parliamentary Committee to criticise The Sun for its coverage of Man v Fat Football; Herbalife and Great Run for their intended partnership; the UK Government on their failing obesity policies; the Sports and Exercise Medicine community for their approaches to inactivity and also UKactive for their less than national National Fitness Day celebrations.

I possibly have some anger issues, but what I definitely do have is passion and determination.

I do not give in, I do not give up and do not care about upsetting brands or organisations. If I find what they are doing to be questionable, I do not adopt a policy of “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all” in fear of being blacklisted or missing out on future opportunities. Instead, I question and I challenge.

And that is why I find myself again at odds with ukactive, the self proclaimed champions of physical activity.

For since the turn of the year (and even since 2012), they have been pursuing an agenda.

Fittest and Laziest

That agenda is a reductionist one that labels the cause of inactivity as laziness. According to ukactive, the UK population are defined by their place in some spectrum between the fittest and the laziest. The laziest are a national embarrassment and a burden on society while the fittest are celebrated.

Not just a one off

By repeatedly pinning the blame solely on personal lifestyle choices and using such pejorative language, ukactive are ignoring the myriad of factors impacting on activity levels. I won’t bore you with these, but my FSEM Blog on Salutogenesis is worth a read (no really, it is).

If we are to purposively tackle the inactivity epidemic that blights this and many other countries, we have to move away from blaming individuals and accept that the problem is a societal and often environmental one.

That is not to say that people should be excused from personal responsibility, but we have to consider the reasons why people adopt self destructive behaviours. We also have to look beyond the fact that we are actually hardwired to conserve energy and ask ourselves if continuously telling people how lazy they are has any benefits? Does it make sedentary people reflect? Does to inspire behaviour change?

I am not a behavioural scientist, but my experience and understanding (very basic) of behaviour change tells me that it does not.

So why do ukactive insist on repeatedly using this word? You will have to ask them yourself. For they are refusing to respond to my questions or those of other bloggers. Helen and Bethan and physical activity advocates.

Still Waiting!

Some have came to their defence stating that this is not indicative of ukactive’s beliefs or approach but with the offending posts still live and questions remaining ignored, I am struggling to accept this.

As long as these questions go answered and this mindset exists, I will be unable to support ukactive or National Fitness Day who otherwise undertake some fantastic work and champion some wonderful initiatives.

Pursuing this line of enquiry so aggressively will not endear me to ukactive or to their followers and partners, but as a fitness blogger/influencer and physical activity advocate this is important and we must ensure that the media (shame on the BBC for the original news headline) and those charged with helping the nation move more understand that:

Inactive does not equate to laziness and to suggest otherwise is simply lazy

SaveSave

July 16, 2017 2 comments

Cycling Pedal For Scotland Physical Activity

What you need to Cycle to Work (my 5 month “expert’ advice).

written by Stephen Morrison

What you Need to Cycle to Work

Ever since the weather improved in March (wet, breezy and cold as opposed to soaking, blustery and freezing) I have been cycling the three miles to and from work each day. For someone who does not always have time for long rides, this is valuable bum in seat time that will help me prepare for my Pedal for Scotland 2017 Challenge (I hope).

Over these past five months of cycling to work I have learned a few valuable lessons that might help to encourage you to get back on your bike and cycling to your place of work or education.

The most important thing that I have learned is that I genuinely enjoy my cycle to work. More often than not, it puts a smile on my face.

When was the last time you smiled on the bus to work?

Not only is it often faster than the bus, but it is both energising and calming. It is the perfect start and end to the working day for me. Cycling to work brings an array of benefits (you do not need to be a Tour de France rider to enjoy cycling) and you can read about them in this Pedal for Scotland feature in the Daily Record.

Now that I kinda know what I am doing, I would never go back to getting the bus or train. However, there are a few things that you might need before joining me in a cycle to work.

Firstly, you need to understand that not all drivers hate cyclists (no, really, they do not). Yes, I have had some obscenities hurled at me for daring to hold up traffic and yes, I have been victim to some drivers cutting me up, driving too closely and even tailgating me with their engine revving, but in the main, most drivers are courteous, understanding, forgiving and even respectful, especially if we show mutual respect. They have given way to me, waited patiently behind me and the vast majority overtake me in a safe manner, maintaining at least 1.5 metres between myself and them.

Let’s all get along .

Drivers are not the enemy and they should not be the reason for not getting out on your bike and joining the increasing number of commuters that now cycle to work.

You also need to be seen. Orange (or luminescent yellow) is the new black while lights are a must, even in the summer months. You can spend a small fortune on lights and I do like my Garmin Varia Smart lights that respond to my speed and to light conditions, but for city cycling I have found that my super bright and long lasting Infini Sword set is ideal and more cheaply replaced when they are unfortunately stolen (we will come to that later).

Be seen, be safe

Four Seasons in One Cycle to Work Day

With Glasgow being one of the wettest cities in the UK, I also seem to take the wet weather with me everywhere I go. Even when I am feeling warm, the temperature could drop away, so I made sure to invest in a bright waterproof jacket.

Again, you can spend huge sums on weatherproof hardshell cycling jackets, but if like me, you are a) short of cash and b) larger than the average Tour de France rider you might want to opt for a simple but still highly effective barrier running jacket (get one in the sales!). Not only are they relatively light on the wallet, but they are also extremely light to wear and carry, very breathable (I once made the mistake of wearing a hiking jacket. There was more moisture in the inside than the outside) and a little roomier than your average cycling jacket. My current fav is the Pearl Izumi one below (not just saying that as Champion Team member…honest).

Most importantly, they keep you dry

I love my Cycle to Work

In the picture above, you will also see that I am wearing gloves….in summer!!

I have always had cold hands and as an office worker, I find that wearing gloves prevents blisters and protects me from biting cold winds and driving rain, even in summer! I have every level of glove protection, from fingerless to fully thermal, but a light pair of trail gloves will provide enough comfort and protection this summer without making your hands sweat.

While on the subject of keeping you dry, I highly recommend fitting mudguards to your bike. While they might not help you win that Strava segment, there is little worse than a jet of surface water being propelled from your wheels onto your thighs and groin (yes, I have been there). Most shops such as Evans Cycles sell and even fit them (yes, I am that hopeless).

As I am cycling to work, I have my work clothing and lunch etc in my bag, so a decent rucksack is invaluable, especially for my valuables likes wallet, keys and phone. As is a waterproof rain cover (you may have guessed that I have a thing about the rain). You can splash out for a waterproof rucksack or one with its own cover, but I love the Double Hump cover on top of my existing rucksacks. It also adds added visability and a couple of handy storage pockets.

Make every wet cycle to work day a Hump day.

You might also want to invest in waterproof socks, but I find them quite bulky. I have yet to master the use of cleats, so I tend to wear Gore Tex trail running shoes and pack a spare pair of socks in my bag

From protection from the rain, we next move onto protection from the slippery hands of bicycle thieves. I find myself now cycling everywhere. To work, to the shops and even to my GP. Despite living in CCTV obsessed Britain, I have heard, with increasing frequency, of too many bikes being stolen by opportunistic and sometimes skilled and equipped thieves. If a big thief wants your bike, the right tools will disable most locks and break any chains, but you can make it difficult and hopefully deter them from attempting to steal your bike.

For too long, I put portability and storage over security and opted for a simple chain that gave me relative peace of mind in my underground bike garage at my work. However, I recently received the Kryptonite Keeper 810 from my friends at Madison Cycles . With its flexible hardened steel links and one metre length, I can chain it to almost anything and while at 1.11kg it is heavy, it also relieves me of the weight of worrying if my bike will still be there when I come out of the shops or GP.

Even Superman would and this challenging

Whatever lock you get, please get one which will deter a thief from stealing your bike and look for locks and chains with a Silver or Gold standard (it will also help with insurance). You might also want to register your bike and have it security marked. You can find out where you can get this done for free HERE.

Thieves don’t just steal bikes. They will steal your lights, wheels and anything else that is not secured. It is a hassle but having lost one set of lights, I now also remove my lights, tool bag and bell from my bike whenever I park it while I also secure my wheels with additional chains.

Yes, you did just read that I remove my bell. For my bell is no ordinary bell. I have found that rather than cars, it is pedestrians that I need to be more cautious of when cycling in the city. Compared to a car, I am relatively silent and frequently I have had pedestrians step out on front of me. Or I used to!!

Timber!!

Now, thanks to the wonders of the Timber Bell I need to worry no more. Whenever I am in populated areas on cycling on shared use paths, I switch on my bell and watch as people instinctively step out of my way and out of danger. No more panicked reaching for the bell seconds before impact. It is like magic. Then, when I am on the open road, I switch it off. I would recommend this bell for anyone riding on trails or cycling in a city.

Now for some controversy.

The one thing that you really need to have is a helmet. There, I said it! I really do not care what others think about my anecdotal experiences in comparison to public health data. If I had not worn a cycling helmet, I would have on at least two occasions suffered some level of head trauma as I have fallen from my bike after losing balance. A helmet will possibly not help you if you are hit by a truck at 50 mph but it will protect your head against minor accidents and the wearing of a helmet has been shown to reduce your chances of suffering a serious head injury by 69% .

For me, putting on a helmet every time I get on a bike is second nature. It does not make me cycle more aggressively or feel invincible, but it is similar to putting on a seatbelt in a car.

You do it because you know that it reduces the risk of injury.

And for the fashionistas amongst us, a helmet does not have to spoil your look. I love my Lazer Genesis lid and you can get helmets in every style and colour.

Make any cubicle door look instantly better with a cycling helmet

Unfortunately, our roads and cycling networks are not comparable to many of our European neighbours and we should not be comparing how they cycle sans helmets.

Use your head and use a helmet to cycle to work.

The last item or items you need is a repair kit. Yes, you can chance your luck (and I did for three months), but eventually you will get a puncture or a chain will snap, so I now always carry the following:

A spare inner tube (only one as how unlucky would I be to lose two tyres).
Tyre levers for levering tyres when replacing above tube.
A gas canister for quickly inflating above tube.
A pump for slowly inflating tube.
A multi-tool that does a multitude of tasks.
A chain tool that does one task. Removing/adding chain links.
A set of Allen keys for adjusting everything else.

I store these in a wee triangle bag that sits snugly in my bike frame. I am sure that I could find another 20 tools and gadgets to add, but these provide me with a semblance of confidence as I cycle to work and are about all I know how to use.

On top of the above, you need a bike (next blog will give you some ideas) and a will to cycle to work. For me, it started as a replacement for running, but now it is my favourite mode of transport and even my favourite activity.

What do you need to get you cycling to work? What is stopping you and what barriers are getting in the way? Let me know and one of my next posts will try to address your responses and give you some ideas.

It is not officially Cycle to Work Day until September 13th but let’s get you started now.

Go on. Sign up to Cycle to Work Day.

SaveSave

July 13, 2017 3 comments

Physical Activity Try-Athlete

There Is Only One Way To Spartan Race Edinburgh

written by Stephen Morrison

Go Hard or Go Home! It is Time for Beast Mode!

Usually when I hear or read this, I go home or I switch off. For me, being active is a joy. In addition to keeping fit, I mostly want exercise to be fun and/or functional.

That is why I love cycling to work, training with S D Movement and going for the occasional swim. They help me to stay fit, move better and relax. When asked what I believe are the best activities and sports to help lose fat or remain active, I am a firm believer in doing whatever you enjoy and whatever will become a sustainable activity in your life.

But sometimes, you have to come out of your comfort zone and it pays to push yourself that little bit harder.

If I am going to be an Ironman, I need to build up my stamina and endurance levels and improve my mental toughness.

So, when Spartan Race Edinburgh came knocking on my door and offered me the chance to bring a few friends to Spartan Race Edinburgh on July 22nd and 23rd I said yes quicker than you can say “Aroo!!”

Spartan Race Edinburgh

1a05a4568e2f81249069fcfa590a06e5

It is time to train hard and dirty for a bit, although the infection control doctor in da house is not too happy with my decision to get back down in the mud with Spartan Race Edinburgh again. I am not normally known for my masochistic tendencies, but there is something about Spartan events that I cannot resist. It is not just the addition of physical obstacles that distinguishes Spartan from normal road races. Although you can participate in Spartan Race Edinburgh as an individual and you can race through the course (it is a race, after all), I have always loved going as a team. Helping each other over walls, under nets and around obstacles symbolises life and for me it is much better to face life’s obstacles with others around you and with you (plus I am rubbish at climbing walls on my own).

In 2012, I really embraced Obstacle Course Racing and competed in both Tough Mudder and several Spartan Races, including the Spartan Beast and Spartan Race Edinburgh. It was a blast but I received a few pummelings.

Don’t hit the face!

I was much slimmer and slightly fitter than I am now and I have to decide between adding another Sprint event this year on top of my Bishopbriggs Sprint Triathlon or tackling another Beast (I have entries for both). The last one, down in Brand’s Hatch, was one of my favourite events but it was tough, despite my first mile smiles.

It was all smiles at this point

In order to help me decide, I went along to Central Strength Gym in Glasgow to spend some time with Scott Devenney who will be joining me at Spartan Race Edinburgh and he will hopefully be helping me prepare for the big day.

With a lot of time expected crawling in mud, under nets and under and over wood, we decided to focus on my ability to crawl, squat and push myself up. It was not pretty, but it was not without hope.

Down on all fours

It’s squat to be all in all from now all

I hope to be another 10lbs lighter by July 22nd but I also hope to be stronger. I will be training in Central Strength Gym twice a week for the next month and hope to see some real improvements before Spartan Race Edinburgh. A new rig will be getting installed next week, so we will be able to spend some time climbing and playing on monkey bars (my two greatest Spartan fears).

Hopefully training for Spartan will complement my Pedal for Scotland training and with lots of core training, I am looking forward to the changes to my fitness and my physique. I will probably settle for the Spartan Sprint even if I do hear the call of the Spartan Beast.

It is all about taking steps

We will be Spartans!

Will you join us at Spartan Race Edinburgh (discount code in my next Spartan post)?

SaveSave

June 11, 2017 1 comment

Obesity Physical Activity

The End of the Road and the End of Being Fat and Fit

written by Stephen Morrison

When the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine suggested that I speak at Elevate on a panel debating the notion of being Fat and Fit, I did not take it as an insult (it was a privilege and an honour to both represent the Faculty and to speak to such a distinguished audience).

For I am fat and I am relatively fit

I can swim, cycle, run (all slowly, mind), lift weights and I can play with my step-sons. I am a try-athlete and a triathlete (number 210 is still inked on my leg).

Fat and Fit

But, I am fat and over the past year, I have gained more weight as I allowed injury and my mental health to impact on my training and my eating.

However, I do know that by cycling and walking daily and going to the gym that I am in a better position than had I just sat on the couch.

At a recent health check, my blood pressure, resting heart rate, blood glucose and cholesterol levels were all within a healthy range, even if my BMI was not, and since increasing my activity levels, my mental and emotional health have again improved. While I still want/need to lose weight and I am fully aware of the dangers of being obese, I am appreciative of how being active improves my overall health.

The World Health Organisation states that health “is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” and this week’s news, labeling the notion of being fat and fit as a myth, seems to have largely ignored this, even if its main claims are not to be ignored.

Being active enriches my life and a huge part of me wants to help others discover the same joy and that is why I have used opportunities like Elevate and even my FSEM Lay View to promote physical activity for all. It is why I write this blog and why I launch campaigns and initiatives to encourage others to become try athletes, regardless of their age, ability or size.

However, I will not lie. I have struggled of late. As I invest more time into helping others, devising schemes and writing blogs, the time spent on my own well-being shortens and my waistline widens.

Today, two things happened that decided a new course of action and a new direction.

Facebook’s “On This Day” brought back a memory from 18th May 2014.

Uv RmFzVFjLYwHhEjoJNVFkXSjrzLZ5iev4zdxWLNJccAUmhhirCtpdhdBKELBubP sz9gs2048

This was the day that I ran my first and only marathon. It was my proudest achievement but also the peak of my athletic performances. From the moment I crossed the finishing line to about about four days ago, I have coasted and I have felt lost.

I have searched for a purpose; I have searched for ways to use my story and experiences to help others and I have searched for recognition.

And all too often, I have searched for conflict and too many of my posts are filled with despair and anger.

I have stopped looking for ways to have fun and for ways to keep me moving. Everything now is judged on its potential as a blog feature or it is measured on its ability to promote How Many Miles. If I am going to ever be an Ironman (or even a fit man), I have to focus less on being a try-athlete and more on being a triathlete. I have to stop worrying about writing blogs and focus on updating food logs, especially if I am to reverse the damage done over the past few years. Damage that has been fully illustrated via my love of gadgets and technology (all the gear and no idea).

For in addition to the fantastic seminar by Professor Greg Whyte (there WILL be a FSEM post on this at some point) there was one stand at Elevate that caught my eye and today, I looked at the results of of my session with them and it proves that a picture is worth a thousands words.

Fat and Fit ?

This is ME, fat and fit but mostly fat. Using the cutting edge technology of the Styku 3D Scanner I have finally come to terms with how I look and feel about myself.

Regardless of my general level of fitness, my excess fat is a greater risk and I cannot ignore the image above. There is no hiding from the truth and there is no cropping of pictures to hid my girth.

I might be fit, but I am unfortunately fat and even as a supporter of body positive campaigns, it is hard to see anything positive about my current physique (other than it is still over 100lbs lighter than my heaviest).

So, I have decisions to make. Do I continue on my current path and continue to make the same mistakes or do I accept that change is needed.

It is time for change

An inner voice is calling on me (and has been for some time) to give up blogging and to give up campaigning and launching initiatives. Yes, I have had some notable successes, but I havve also experienced difficult times and while I do enjoy writing, all too often the writing of blogs and the promoting of said blogs has felt like a chore.

I have judged my value as an individual on my ability to accrue views and comments on blog posts and with the number of Twitter and Facebook shares and likes. I have become paranoid, resentful and at times delusional. I have let my persona of How Many Miles take over my life

It is time for change

I am not one for making sweeping changes and I have always benefited from making one or two changes at a time and then assessing the results. If something works, it continues and it mitigates the need for further action.

Most of my anxieties and self destructive behaviours stem from the frustrations borne from my failings as a blogger, event coordinator and physical activity champion. I try so hard and I often try too hard. I appointed myself as a guardian of the obese and the inactive. I made it my responsibility to stand up for them and to challenge the status quo. I made enemies and I am not sure if I have made a huge difference.

It is time for change.

I enjoy writing too much to completely give it up and I do get to have some fun, so howmanymiles will continue, albeit in a simpler, smaller and less confrontational form. I will post updates on my Ironman training and anything related to regaining my fitness but gone are my campaigning, my ranting and my pursuit of blogging superstardom. I will write to help keep myself accountable and hopefully it will entertain and encourage others. I will not lose sleep or friends over it.

I also genuinely enjoy supporting others and devising plans to get others active, but when I see my name omitted from credits, others rewarded for my efforts or my ideas fall flat, it saps my energy and usually drives me towards some form of chocolate. I admittedly get involved in far too many projects and cannot resist taking on more challenges when I am struggling with my current commitments. I let myself and others down and I head again for some form of chocolate. Yes, there is a pattern forming.

It is time for change.

I will honour and complete the roles and partnerships that I actively support and anything new that will complement my Ironman aspirations will be considered, but I will be discarding a few more roles and I will not be able to help any more businesses or organisations. I will not seek any more blogging opportunities that don’t directly relate to my own wellbeing (time to lead by example) and I have removed myself from blogging groups in which I have learned to loathe the very nature of blogging and sadly, many of those who practice it. I will continue with my reduced presence on Facebook and make a real effort to connect with friends in the flesh.

If you are one of those that I have disconnected from over the course of the last year, then I am sorry. You were most likely a good friend and it was my paranoia, angst, self loathing and fear of rejection that drove us apart.

These changes will reduce my levels of anxiety while enabling me to spend more time training and less time on the internet. I can’t promise to bounce back overnight and my excess pounds will not magically disappear, regardless of what that skinny coffee selling person tells you (sorry, I promised no more ranting) but I am going to take advice from Professor Greg Whyte.

I am going to aim to do more today than I did yesterday and I am going to prove to myself and others that the impossible is possible and most importantly, I am going to stop being Fat and Fit.

I am going to be an Ironman

May 18, 2017 2 comments

Physical Activity

Great Run Herbalife Petition : The Epilogue

written by Stephen Morrison

As a blogger, you sometimes (ok, all the time) wonder if what you do matters. You wonder if your words make a difference. You wonder if your words are even read.

And then, sometimes, something wonderful happens

The chances are that if you are reading this, then you’ve probably also read my Great Run Herbalife Blog

Together with the equally wonderful Helen Tamblyn -Saville, we started the Great Run Herbalife petition and a social media campaign to convince the Great Run Company that their partnership with Herbalife was wrong. Over 2 days we gathered over 1,800 signatures and gained support from across the world (running truly is a global community).

WELL, THE NEWS IS JUST IN AND WE DID IT! WE BLOODY WELL DID IT!

18119245 1620888441285038 5921385857699975934 n

Great Run listened to us and more importantly they listened to the thousands of runners and those opposed to mlm who were voicing their displeasure, signing our petition and even withdrawing from events (this was not something that I wanted).

This was a victory not just for us and the runners, but for every blogger and influencer out there.

Social media gives us the power to create change and when used effectively we really do become influencers.

When we first decided to campaign against this partnership, Helen and I hoped that it would result in Great Run terminating the deal. We both knew that there was the possibility that we might attract some unwanted attention (it was minimal) and we were prepared for the eventuality that ultimately, we would fail.

After all, we are both relatively unknown bloggers (speak for yourself HowManyMiles, I hear HelsBels screaming) and neither of us have huge followings, despite the awards that she has and the organisations that I write for and advise (yes, I would love it if you stuck around for more of my blogs or even checked out some of my older ones).

But what we do have is integrity, passion and fire in our bellies (let’s start a mlm scheme selling that, Helen). We also had wifi which is just as well. Throughout each day and every day of the campaign we were messaging each other (we also had trusting partners) to discuss every 10 new signatures on the petition and every new share of our blogs. Together we worried about every stall in signings and together we celebrated every milestone. We hatched plans and coordinated our tweets.

This was the very epitome of collaborative working.

And as the signatures and blog views increased, we started to attract increasing support.

Fitness Legend (I won’t have anyone say different) Ben Coomber was responsible for a huge spike in traffic, shares and precious signatures. We were gaining momentum and we started to believe that we could win

And then….Herbalife’s PR team emailed me, stating that my blog was inaccurate and inviting me to learn the truth behind the brand. Throughout the exchanges, they were nothing but polite, courteous and professional.

In the end, they did not elaborate on what inaccurate statements that I had made and a few hours after their last email, Great Run made their announcement.

And what a welcome surprise it was.

Up until this point, Great Run had not responded to any tweet (and there were many) and they had made no indication that they were taking this campaign seriously.

In fact, as the resistance escalated and the number of event withdrawals increased, I held out an olive branch to Great Run via one of my friends who still worked there. I pleaded with her for a response and within 24hrs, Great Run did exactly that, although indirectly.

Great Run deserve credit for listening to runners and for acting so courageously, decisively and so swiftly. It could not have been an easy decision to make, and it should never have been one that was needed, but I totally respect the fact that they did not flinch from doing the right thing.

One just has to Google Herbalife to see how toxic a brand they are. Sure, they have many partnerships (Ironman, we are coming for you next), but some due diligence by the commercial team should have red-flagged this as a partnership not worth entering into.

I can only think that it was worth a lot of money. Enough to cloud Great Run’s judgment.

Hopefully, this decision means more than the end of the partnership (good luck Great Run with the task of finding a more befitting partner). Hopefully it can be the start of more ethical and less inappropriate sponsorship of sporting events.

It is my opinion that Brands like Coca Cola and McDonald’s have no place in sport (the win is making me brave) and more sporting events need to look at what has happened here and wonder if they are next. For we have shown that what we do does matter; it does make a difference.

As bloggers and influencers, we should not be afraid to speak out, as people do read and act upon our words.

I’ll leave the final words to Helen, who was arguably the driving force and the Batman to my Robin (now I think that we are superheroes) while I enjoy another celebratory homemade Japanese Knotweed brew (don’t ask) with my neighbour:

Thank you for your support. The Great Run series have now announced that they have decided not to proceed with the nutrition partnership with Herbalife.

We are pleased that The Great Run series has listened to the running community and would like to thank everyone for their signatures, tweets and shares.

Together, #WeEndedGreatRunHerbalife

April 26, 2017 6 comments

Physical Activity Running

End Great Run Herbalife Partnership

written by Stephen Morrison

I loved my time with Great Run.

I loved writing blogs for them. I loved launching Great Run Local in Scotland for them. I loved being part of the Great Run family. I especially loved their events and I will not lie..

I absolutely loved the VIP treatment I received at each event where I met my running heroes.

end great run herbalife

Even when I decided that I could no longer work with them, part of me still loved them.

However, on the 18th April 2017, my love affair with Great Run ended (hopefully, not for good).

This was the day that they announced Herbalife Nutrition as their new partner. For the uninitiated, Herbalife are a global nutrition company (salespeople in 94 countries) who sponsor and support some of the biggest names in sport (including Cristiano Ronaldo and inspirational triathlete Heather Jackson) ; they deliver free and often fun fitness classes via their community based Herbalife24 FitClubs and you’ll find many local personal trainers extolling the benefits of their products.

So why am I not loving this? Why am I so disgusted by Great Run’s decision to partner with them and why am I calling for them to end the Great Run and Herbalife partnership?

Well, for a start, Herbalife were recently fined $200,000,000 US for cheating almost 350,000 salespeople out of hundreds of millions of dollars with a high-pressure multi-level marketing scheme.

The chairwoman of a Federal Trade Commission inquiry stated that the only way to make money was for salespeople to buy its products in bulk, pressure new recruits into joining the company and then sell on those products to the new employees.

The vast majority of Herbalife salespeople make no money while the company made sales of $4,242,200,000 US in 2016.

We’ve all seen the Facebook posts from friends inviting us to share in their latest get rich, get ripped and get your life back scheme.

The truth is that very few get any of the above. The inconvenient truth alleged by the Federal Trade Commission is rather unsavoury:

The small number of distributors who actually made money made it not by selling products to people who wanted the company’s powders, pills, and potions, but rather by recruiting others to serve as distributors – and encouraging them to buy Herbalife products.

Then, we have the products themselves. Now, I am not a dietician or nutritionist but I know a few and I haven’t met one who has ever supported the effectiveness or efficacy of Herbalife products. That’s not to say that they are better or worse than any other supplement promising increased performance and recovery (yes, I am cynical of most of them).

If you look at the ingredient lists of any one of their products (not that you will find any on the actual Herbalife site!) you’ll find such appetising ingredients as soy lecithin, carrageenan, copper gluconate and fructooligosaccharides ( I picked on this because of its long name). There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these additives (despite some internet claims to the contrary) but they do belong to an ingredients list that goes on and on and on….

Herbalife are widely known for their highly processed meal replacement products and although shakes do make for a quick and often tasty snack, they are not ideal for establishing sustainable and healthy eating behaviours.

Great Run are currently promoting a wonderful #RealRunners campaign. Just a pity that with this partnership they are not promoting real food.

No doubt, Great Run will argue that it is a commercial decision that will help them develop new events, help many new runners enjoy great races and support those at the end of a race. They might even state that they are only providing samples of their “Hyrdate” product in finishing goodie (or not so goodie) bags.

However, if you look at the press release, you’ll see that Herbalife and Great Run plan to provide Great Run runners nutrition advice THROUGHOUT their training.

Y8 kh9E 9Mod4EZ8tQGekoEZW0MeczMbJkg2DMlyBILfuRrlGaZFKc8YK0AH9D6V08VreQs2048

Having been involved with Great Run, I can envisage this involving blogs and lots of social media posts linking to Herbalife products. They have legitimised Herbalife and it wasn’t long for the multi level marketers to start offering their services.

They use these prestigious partnerships to promote their products and they will not stop. They are already pitching powders and selling shakes. They are acting independently (well, they are independent distributors) and Herbalife should be giving them clear guidelines on how they use this partnership. Otherwise, we may discover more people being pressured into purchases.

VBbDCF8 7j0bQL iKZCHI1a5khKYnqsTRLG4gj AGHW8ysHCufJH8fqwNNzEo8B4ZkAwSws2048

Great Run are to be praised for their efforts to encourage and inspire runners; they promote running as a sport for all and their events give plodders like me the opportunity to run alongside (or more like way behind) the elites of the sport. Great Run events are full of first timers and many of these will be exposed to Herbalife for the first time because of Great Run?

I genuinely think that they have made a huge mistake with this partnership and I am not alone.

Twitter has not been kind and the general feeling is that Great Run should end this partnership before it even starts (although I did hear that they were quick off the blocks with samples given out at the Great Edinburgh Run).

Emma, the phdrunner did not hide her disgust:

end great run herbalife

Zoe and Emma shared their lack of approval:

xUDsIueV5ikVw8kzvDTiMmnxGmaipjV8VQWKzyuNDhhdnzK Q r9gtc0tH 2Lnk9OlIheQs2048

While Bethan was troubled:

iUXS3TR2KaMazujOIH4vPwt 4wIxZJB3NgvhwDTPBuYsvmRn6DpluUjcw9XUBNIhW7H1wQs2048

Some even vowed not to register for any more Great Run events:

aZ7UWv5r5dCaH38DiNI 5ThV2H34MJIfQUiJ9lTpyJZIwNJV EdCwgjszTznYGNjHJ3wsQs2048

While Helsieboo took a step further:

We could all vow to boycott Great Run events, and many have, but I prefer Helen’s’ approach. People and charities gain so much from participating in Great Run events and I do believe that it is better to use dialogue and reason.

So, let’s use social media to convince Great Run that this is an error. That no financial gain is worth alienating so many runners and tarnishing the Great Run brand and name. And what must Great Run’s other partners think about this partnership?

So, if Great Run working with Herbalife angers you as much as it does us, then please go to the Great Run Petition at Change.org, sign up and urge Great Run to reconsider this partnership.

UPDATE

Since writing this blog and Helen starting the petition and writing her own brilliant BLOG, we have received over 1,200 signatures on the petition (thank you Ben Coomber for the support).

Herbalife have contacted me to correct inaccuracies in my blog (I am still waiting to hear what they actually are, but I will change them if need be) while I have also had messages from Herbalife members telling me that stupid fatties were responsible for their own failings; that without reading my blog that I was ill-informed and had not done any research and that only fools lost money.

That seems a little unfair on Tracy who bravely admitted on Facebook that she was lured in by the extravagant claims

Since Sunday, I have been repeatedly told that rogue Herbalife distributors were a minority and that they unfairly blackened the Herbalife name. But, stories like this are not uncommon. How many of us know someone who has experienced similar and who like Tracy has been on the receiving end of 5am calls (I.E. harassment )?

Herbalife have admittedly made improvements to how they operate (following the FTC Inquiry, mind) and I am sure that they have removed many of the distributors who made life difficult (or even hell) for others, but the old behaviours still exist and Herbalife have much to do to convince the public that they are an ethical brand.

Great Run have also been disappointing in that they seem to be simply ignoring the dissent and hoping that it will go away.

That’s why I ask you to share our blogs and the petition. With each new addition we show Great Run that #RealRunners (if you run, you are a real runner) do not approve of this partnership. People are cancelling hotel reservations and withdrawing from events. It is not going away.

We are not going away.

Together we can make Great Run think again

#EndGreatRunHerbalife

April 22, 2017 6 comments

Physical Activity

How the Step Count Challenge 2017 Can Help 20 Million (ok maybe not them all) Become More Active

written by Stephen Morrison

20 Million Britons are Inactive!

This alarming and frightening statistic comes from the British Heart Foundation and you might be wondering what makes it so alarming and frightening?

Well, it is alarming because despite recent increases and the efforts of Olympic and Commonwealth Games we are seeing huge sections of society being left in the starting blocks and it is seemingly costing the NHS £1.2billion each year.

Because being inactive (i.e. getting less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week) increases your chances of developing cancer, heart disease, diabetes and even dementia. It increases the risk of strokes and, as we age, it makes us more likely to fall over and break bones.

So why are we so inactive?

If you ask the media, it is simply because we are all lazy and obese.

Lazy Journalism?

Now, I might be displaying some confirmation bias as a stereotypical “fat and fit” athlete, but we really do need to remember that inactivity is also an issue for those who are thin or even of normal weight and that my low resting heart rate, normal blood pressure and low cholesterol levels make me fitter than most of those who are much lighter than me, but also inactive.

Inactivity affects all of society, even if we do know that it is more prevalent in areas of multiple deprivations and amongst some of our ethnic groups. There are also more inactive women than men (another reason why that Telegraph image is flawed) and this is why campaigns such as #thisgirlcan are so important.

There are many reasons why 20 million people in the UK are inactive and experts including sports and exercise medicine lay advisers (that’s me, btw) highlight that it’s never one thing. That time, cost, the built environment and opposing and competing priorities prevent us from being as active as we would like to be.

Many of us work long hours and spend what feels almost as long travelling in cars and public transport to these places of work. Yes, we can get up and move more at regular intervals but when you chasing productivity targets, or chained to a headset or needing an immediate response, getting up and walking to the other side (or even another floor) of a large office to speak directly to a colleague (who might not even be there) isn’t an approach that we realistically consider.

There is also the small matter of the theory of Salutogenenis (great bedtime reading is my Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine post on the subject) which suggests that many of us have no desire to be more active, not because we are lazy, but because we have no hope and don’t believe that taking extra steps will make a difference to our lives.

In order to address this we need to look beyond physical activity promotions and consider how we improve people’s lives and give them a sense of belonging.

So, what can we do?

Well, for those working and living in Scotland, there is the fantastic eight week Paths for All Step Count Challenge 2017 which starts on May 1st.

Why is it so fantastic?

Well, I am possibly again showing my bias, but it was a Step Count Challenge that changed and saved my life. Walking more was the only real activity that I could do at 354lbs and given how it helped to transform me (read my amazing step count story in the British Medical Journal Blog), I remain a huge supporter of the benefits of walking and Paths For All.

2012 Step Count Champion

But, what’s in it for you?

Walking more is a great way to increase your activity levels without putting too much pressure on your joints or your purse strings. It’s relatively accessible and registration for the Step Count Challenge 2017 costs only £5 (unless, of course, you belong to HASSRA Scotland when I’ll pay for it via my HASSRA Scotland Physical Activity Fund).

Joining a five person Step Count Teams is a great way to spend more time with friends and colleagues and the team element adds some gentle competition and accountability. We are more likely to get off the bus early if we know that our team needs our steps for the Step Count Challenge Table and that they might win us one of the many prizes available during the challenge.

It isn’t limited to walking. Cyclists and runners can also take part and have our miles converted to steps. Every form of active travel is encouraged and on the Step Count Challenge 2017 website you’ll find advise on how to walk more, route planning, group walks and even on how to make it fun.

On a personal note, I’ll be commuting on bike from the southside of Glasgow, if anyone ever wants to create a convoy into the city centre, but be warned, I don’t always take the most direct route and I am slow.

I take #makeyourdayharder to a whole new level.

I am sure that there is a quicker way to work

The eight week duration is all part of a cunning plan. It is hoped that over eight weeks you will develop behavioural changes that you will continue far beyond the Step Count Challenge 2017 and that the habits of walking at lunch or walking to work will become your normal everyday activities.

And let’s not forget that it can help you lose pounds and save pounds. Each week I am saving £20 on bus fares and I’ve lost 10lbs in four weeks. I say “saving” but every penny I save is currently being spent on new cycling gear. You do also get to help save the planet by reducing emissions. And you get to spend more time in our beautiful dear green place.

Beats any bus route in Glasgow

For that is how we address inactivity. Not by launching glamorous and star studded events or by continuously lambasting the public for being inactive, lazy, obese and a drain on the nation’s finances, but by empowering and encouraging them to take steps to take more steps. By helping them to make positive changes to their daily lives.

Changes that will add years to their life and life to their years.

Let’s Get Scotland Walking by signing up to the Step Count Challenge 2017

April 3, 2017 3 comments

Cycling Physical Activity Triathlon

We are the Pearl Izumi Champions

written by Stephen Morrison

I’m going to give the ride a miss. I don’t feel up to it.

I was down at the launch of the Pearl Izumi Champion Team at the Madison HQ in Milton Keynes and had only just tried on my limited edition (limited to 50 odd PI Champions) cycling kit.

The kit is beautiful and very well made, which should be a given as Pearl Izumi are by far the biggest cycling apparel brand in the world, but also because Pearl Izumi are committed to making their range functional as well as visually stunning. Every item found in your local retailer or online at Pearl Izumi is painstakingly crafted and designed for maximum comfort and performance.

17211890 1561565547217328 4048003783220185949 o

But I doubt if my current physique was part of their design process. Short limbs and a barrel body are not what you expect to see in a Champion cyclist

And, as I tried on that Pearl Izumi Champion Team kit, I did not feel like a champion.

I felt like a chump.

I resigned myself to the fact that I am losing weight and that I will fit into the kit shortly, but that didn’t stop my slipping on a hoodie and trying to slip off into a dark corner as I told my roomie Mark that I wasn’t feeling up to the ride.

I was embarrassed and I was ashamed. Not for the first time, I questioned what I am doing. I asked myself if I could continue being a supposed inspiration and role model when I hated what I had once again become and how I looked.

And then, I gazed around the room and noticed that nobody seemed interested in how I looked in lyca. I also noticed that the room was full of cyclists of all shapes and sizes and all ages and abilities.

Pearl Izumi Champions are not necessarily champion riders (although I reckon we do have a few tidy riders) but we do all champion cycling and we are all passionate about life.

I remembered what Pearl Izumi were looking for in a Champion with riding ability making up only 5% of the profile. Pearl Izumi were looking for attitude, dedication, love and an aptitude for selfies (and we all know that I do like a selfie).

Pearl Izumi Champion

FB IMG 1488921518185

And I remembered that Pearl Izumi had picked me out of hundreds of applicants. I hadn’t hidden my lack of cycling proficiency nor my expanded waistline. And they hadn’t cared. They recognised that, in me and in every other Pearl Izumi Champion, they had someone passionate about encouraging others to be more active.

So I sucked in my gut and sucked it up and headed downstairs to first get my profile picture taken (with the instruction of chest up!) and then to get my loan bike fitted to my short limbs.

17309887 1568866629820553 376036465721409491 n

Because, I was going on that ride. I would wear my Pearl Izumi Champion kit with pride.

We had all been split into groups according to our self professed speeds and I had elected to join the slowest group, who also turned out to be the best group (I have no grounds for comparison, but I doubt any group could be as awesome as ours).

I was the only male in my group and the only Champion in blue for our female riders were cloaked in pink (more salmon, if you ask me). Our wee blue and pink pelaton set off at a gentle pace with instructions provided on the route and on how to manage, as a group, other traffic on the road.

We were soon in the Buckinghamshire countryside and with each mile cycled, I became more and more confident and we picked up speed. Especially once I got to grips with how to change gears (I really wasn’t lying about my ineptitude).

All the while, we chatted and learned more about each other and why Pearl Izumi had chosen us. Amongst our group were women who had encouraged hundreds more women into cycling and women who were the embodiment of the #thisgirlcan campaign

For most of the ride, I knew my place. I was happy sitting at the rear or in the middle of the pack and chatted to whoever found themselves alongside me.

ride

It was a very relaxing and enjoyable ride , helped somewhat by the Pearl Izumi chamois in my Champion Team bib which had succeeded in protecting my derriere from the expected pain.

For this 20 mile ride was my longest ever ride and at the onset, I hadn’t really known if I was going to manage. But manage I did and I even managed to break away from my group. Not intentionally mind (honest). I don’t know if it was due to my increased confidence or my affection for squats, but I felt a surge of power in my legs and I just had to push on. So much so, that at one point, I was racing one of the faster groups up a small incline (I unsurprisingly lost) and had to be reigned back in by our ride leader.

By the time we had reached the end of ride back at HQ, I had discarded my fears and I had fully embraced the idea of me being a Pearl Izumi Champion. I even earned a wee “Well Done” flag from my teammate Linzi. I had cycled over 20 miles and survived and it was the kickstart my Ironman training needed. This week, I aim to cycle more than 100 miles and each week, I will further stretch that goal.

And yesterday Facebook’s “On This Day” highlighted the short message that someone had once posted on my Facebook page that now acts as my mantra.

FB IMG 1489587437841

Yes, I have impossible goals. Yes, I attempt things that I have no real mind to even try, but when I think back to 2011 when I couldn’t even climb stairs and walking my dogs was a impossible task, I know I never ever thought that I would be in such a special group of cyclists or have such an amazing life.

I have much to learn (bike maintenance included) and weight still to lose, but I cannot wait to see and experience what being a Pear Izumi Champion means.

I hope that you will join me and I hope that we can all be champions in whatever challenges we set ourselves.

What will you Champion?

March 16, 2017 5 comments

Physical Activity

Can a Fat Man be an Award Winning Fitness Blogger

written by Stephen Morrison

Can a Fat Man be an Award Winning Fitness Blogger?

Google “Fitness Blogger” images and you’ll notice a pattern. Long hair, tight abs, bikinis and the obligatory instagram friendly butt selfie.

I know that the scene is much more diverse than this, but this is sadly the perception of many and as an overweight, balding and bespectacled 43 year old man, I am as far removed from the archetypal fitness blogger as you can get and you will be relieved to know that as much as I love selfies, I tend to keep them confined to my butt ugly face.

So, when I discovered that I had been nominated for the UK Blog Awards in the Sports and Fitness category, I saw it as an opportunity to address this misconception and to hopefully further raise my profile as a blogger (like my Man V Fat Reviews, I am honest).

Thermolean PowerUp 864x400 c

How Many Miles has seen a lot of traffic and posts in the past 12 months, but I am not an overnight success.

I first started blogging back in 2011 with a small workplace feature that grew as my confidence grew and as my weight reduced. Soon, How Many Miles was born and it wasn’t long before I was blogging for Tribesports, Spogo, the Men’s 10K and Paths For All.

In 2014, I hit the Big Time. Or so I thought.

Great Run made me their blogger and a wee sporting event in Glasgow picked me to be one of their special Games bloggers. I also started writing for the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (FSEM) and Man V Fat. I then ended the year with what I view as the pinnacle of sports and fitness blogging.

No, not the bloody Huffington Post, but my first British Medical Journal Blog. For as long as I blog (or live) my BMJ blog posts will rank alongside my greatest writing accomplishments.

For two years, I focused on my Great Run and FSEM blogs with regular guest posts for Man V Fat and others. I attended a few sports medicine symposiums and Great Run gave me the VIP treatment at all of their events. I wasn’t well known and I didn’t really care

Well, that wasn’t quite true.

I love blogging. I love knowing that my words sometimes entertain, inspire and sometimes even educate. I love the opportunities that blogging brings and I do love the occasional gifts from partners. I also genuinely love putting my thoughts on paper (even if it is only Google docs). However, I will be totally honest. At Great Run, I didn’t feel in control of the blog and it soon became clear that my role there wasn’t developing as I had hoped.

I wasn’t reaching as many as I wanted to and I also wanted to write about more than running. Great Run were indeed great, but my run with them was coming to an end.

So, I decided to leave Great Run and to resurrect How Many Miles and for the past year, I have focused my main efforts on my own blog. I redesigned the theme, added new categories and I even got myself a wee logo.

final

The UK Blog Award nomination is a wonderful honour and culmination of an amazing but also difficult year . It hopefully reflects my efforts, but I nearly didn’t accept it.

The fitness blogging industry, much like the fitness industry, is largely driven by aesthetics and carbon copy blogs that all seem to review the same boutique London gyms or the same fashion lines. It has became too focused on product and brand placement and over the past few months, I have unsubscribed from many. I have become a little disillusioned.

However, I still have my favourites and I am up against some of them in the UK Blog Awards.

I like to think that we share a common approach. We tell honest stories and we are open about our struggles as well as our accomplishments. For us, blogging is about sharing our experiences in the hope that we can inspire others to step out of their comfort zones. I also like to think that we offer hope to people not unlike ourselves.

I unfortunately feel that we are a minority and there is obviously a market and demand for the Instagram famous bloggers and their photo led content as I enviously watch on as they go on yet another sponsored island retreat or parade in their latest sports gear, but I do hope that the public and judges of the UK Blog Awards prefer stories. I know that I enjoy writing them.

I’d love this story to end with myself (or even one of my favourite blogs) in the final, but to do that I need your vote.

Vote for How Many Miles at :

http://www.blogawardsuk.co.uk/ukba2017/entries/how-many-miles

And let us show that sports and fitness blogging is about more than bikini clad athletes attending the latest VIP fitness launch in London.

Can a fat man win a fitness blog award? Only time will tell.

December 5, 2016 5 comments

Health Physical Activity

National Fitness Day- What went wrong?

written by Stephen Morrison

Not a lot of people in Glasgow seem to know this, but Wednesday 7th September is/was National Fitness Day.

It was supposed to be a day to celebrate the benefits of being physically active, but also, more importantly, a day when we could encourage more people to move more, more of the time. It was a day to Move The Nation.

What we got instead was more self back patting, a trending hashtag, more confirmation bias and lots of preaching to the converted.

It trended on Twitter, but did that reach make a difference?

On National Fitness Day, it seemed that the already active were hashtagging their day’s activities with #NationalFitnessDay while the inactive presumably went on with their day none the wiser and certainly no more active than they were they day before.

And can we blame them? One National Fitness Day Challenge was to record 50,000 burpees. This is not an exercise that you motivate the inactive with. This is the type of challenge that frightens people and most likely makes them doubt their capabilities.

Is this how we get the inactive moving!?

If you are in London you might be reading this and wondering what I am on about? For you, National Fitness Day included events outside the Olympic Park, events with celebrities and Sports Ministers and events that went on all day. It looked exciting, it looked fun and it really looked like people were getting involved.

No expense spared in London

However, it is supposed to be National Fitness Day, not London Fitness Day and in Glasgow, you would never have known that it was even happening.

In Glasgow, I struggled to find anyone who knew what it was and I struggled to find ANY fitness operator giving it any serious attention.

Just look at the efforts that Pure Gym and the Gym Group went to, in order to entice people in and to share their free gym pass offer! Inside Pure Gym, there were no posters, no flyers and no events that I could see.

It was simply business as usual. With gym membership and attendance increasing, do the likes of Pure Gym and the Gym Group even see a need to invest time and money into National Fitness Day? The pictures below suggest not.

No expense spared

I also visited National Fitness day Sponsor, Argos, to see what activities and promotions they had. As the main sponsor and having read what they had planned, I was confident that they would be celebrating it with some style.

Oh, how wrong was I?

I saw a young cashier with a National Fitness Day t-shirt on and I asked him what was happening. He responded that he had turned up for work and had been given the top to wear. To his credit, he went searching for information and told me that there had been people in, but that they had left. They hadn’t left any flyers or posters and Argos were not advertising any offers, but at least someone had been there. It is however National Fitness Day, not National Fitness Hour.

Wide Open Spaces

Was Glasgow alone and were we just proving that despite our protestations, that we are the Sick Man of Europe?

According to Sean Blyth of World Gym Challenge, the answer is no. He organised and delivered a National Fitness Day event in his Argos Store in Kent and he struggled to engage any members of the public . He reported that while the staff in Argos were helpful, they were too busy to offer any real support.

People were shopping or on lunch from work. They had no desire to work out in Argos and had no real interest in National Fitness Day. This is the apathy and attitudes that we need to somehow break down.

We need to consider ways to engage with people and National Fitness Day, on paper at least, is a great idea. However, maybe the word fitness doesn’t quite fit. Is it possible that this is a word that the inactive recoil from and maybe we need to, dare I say it, consider A Different Approach ?

UKactive are to be applauded for attempting to make a difference. I believe in National Fitness Day and I genuinely hope that we can reflect on what worked well and what went wrong this year. In 2017, we can all work together, to make National Fitness Day better and bigger and help more people, move more, more often.

September 7, 2016 10 comments