Guardian article

[Lizzisforliving]

C25K has had quite a few mentions in the Guardian recently, along with all the other 'new year new me' stuff, and this morning Decca Aitkenhead has an article about getting fitter and healthier theguardian.com/lifeandstyl... (Obviously she has not done C25K). I find her life so remote from mine, and a comment below the line: "I’d really like, just once, to read an article about an average Joe (busy life, not paid to write about experiments, no budget for a PT etc.) making moderate but effective lifestyle changes that benefit long term health" made me think that hearing from someone 'ordinary' might be interesting, so I have pitched an article to the Guardian as a counterbalance.

I wrote "I have begun the NHS Couch to 5K programme, and it is really hard-going (on the very first day I didn’t manage to complete the run). My particular angle would be that I am older, much less fit (at the beginning), experiencing some significant life changes, not in a position to ‘splash the cash’ and perhaps most importantly, will fail at certain points but (I hope) will keep going. My proposal would be to write an article (or ideally a short series) from the point of view of a non-metropolitan, ‘ordinary’ person with a relatively limited budget and goals. (C25K is a nine week programme, so perhaps ten articles, with a Bridget Jones-style précis of vital statistics - week one Age 54, Weight 68kg Hours of exercise 2 Average Steps 3000 … Or perhaps not!)"

Would you read such an article, or am I being arrogant to think that my experience could be universal? Perhaps there is someone on here better qualified than me who'd like to take it on instead, in the unlikely event that it's commissioned?

Let me know what you think. Good running!

Love Lizz

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

I would love to read such a piece! It is way more heartening to read about the fitness journey of a "normal" person. I do hope this becomes a reality - and you should write it! If it does happen, I will happily read your pieces before you submit them, if you wanted. I am an editor by trade. 😀(Of books though, not newspapers - but same skills apply). xx

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Wow! Thanks, Sadie-runs. I'll let you know if there's any response.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Lizzisforliving]

Please do. I think something like this could be very inspiring for people to read. And you could make it funny, too. 😀xx

[Rachel_Runs]

I'd love to read a series like that. It would make a very good blog too!

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Rachel_Runs]

I'm not sure I've got the discipline for a blog - no word count, no one expecting anything - I think I need to be pushed. I expect there are already plenty of blogs out there, in fact. Probably enough that the Guardian won't feel the need. Fingers crossed, though, and I hope the appropriate people at the Guardian are reading this. (Except my bit about it not being needed. Gaargh!)

[Lizzisforliving Graduate]

Good idea - funny and not too earnest. If it ever comes about I'll try to channel all the wonderful people on here who make me laugh.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Certainly not arrogant! Please go for it, great idea! 😄

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thanks Elfe5 x

[siobhp Graduate]

I would read it for sure! Before reading this I coincidentally just read that article in the Guardian and found it didn't really feel relevant to the health goals I am trying to implement for myself. I think it's a great idea and I hope it works out for you! I'm sure it would inspire a lot of non-runners too.

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to siobhp]

Thank you. I agree, we don't all have personal trainers and worry about whether there's a vegan restaurant in whatever long-haul destination we're visiting this month. That's why I thought the other side might be interesting.

[Lillybeth30mins Graduate]

Go for it! I’d love to read something more relevant x

[Biddy62 Graduate]

I'd love to read that. Show them your support on here. Good luck 😉