Thanks for your question after my last post Con Brio: it's urged me to write another blog, although I promised not to in my last one! (sorry) The question was
'Any new tips from your stay in Oz?'
Well, I haven't got any tips, as such,(although I may do a blog with some tips, on another day!) but I have a lot of thoughts that I would like to share. It's just that I've been thinking a lot since I got back, about the 5x50 challenge and how I've responded to it, and how it has changed my thinking over the weeks.
You see, in Sydney where I was staying I was very aware of fit people all around me. When I went out for a run or walk to complete the challenge for the day I would pass up to 20 other runners When I was lucky enough to take part in an hours session with a personal trainer with my friend, it was with a small group of other mums, on a Monday morning and when I looked around the banks above the beach where we were training there were small pockets of people training everywhere!
It's just what people seemed to do there. It got me thinking. Is it because they live in the sunshine? Is it because they have the money to keep fit? Is it peer pressure? It's probably all three, but I think it's more than this... it is also simply a life-style choice.
A life-style of prioritising personal fitness.
After all, most of what we do is free once you've got the trainers. The runs, the walks.
I have found here in England that if we are seen to start running or doing any physical activity on a daily basis it is deemed as 'manic' or 'rather obsessive'. Surely exercising is only for those who are young and vain, or celebrities, or sports personalities. But for you and me..?
Well, I'm so pleased that I started running and got to 5k with Lauras help, and got to 10K and beyond with the support of this community.
I'm pleased that I committed to the 5x50 challenge this year, and proud that I have doubled it and am now on day 53. Because for me, I want this to be a life-style change that will stay with me as long as I breathe.
I think the support on here is amazing and vital. I would never have got this far without it. In Sydney they do the running and walking and personal training and pilates and tennis and everything.... together. All friends supporting each other and this community is doing exactly that, in a real way. So thanks to everyone who spend the time blogging, supporting, sharing or simply reading, and happy running everyone
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Such an inspiring blog! Here in the US, seems to be along the same thought process as England. We do have some States more health conscience because of climate etc. We live in a farming/ranching region so we are expected to be " healthy stock" living on beef, potatoes, homemade casseroles and good " down- home cooking" We have been told we must have something wrong with us because we run. We are obsessed and missing something else from our lives if we run. We have also been told we will have heart attacks because of our running! Hmmmm...getting fat...sitting on the couch eating...I guess I can't have a heart attack then? I run as a decision regarding my health. I had a mother who, after a heart attack, spent countless hours on a treadmill. I watched her decline and I watched her die. This is my time, in my life to make the changes I need to for my health. Such an interesting blog. I will be interested in reading the responses. Gayle
'This is my time in my life to make the changes I need to for my health' You're so right Gayle. I think it's my time too but that realisation has slowly crept up on me!
I must also add, the negative comments are few and far between. We are often told how great we are doing and that others are proud of what we have achieved. Even though we don't have alot of local support, such as running clubs, etc., like you, we are very thankful for this Community and the support offered here.
I think this community is really helpful because it's available at any time; there's always someone willing to read and take the time to answer questions etc. I'm relieved you get positive comments too; you are great example to everyone!
That was an excellent pice TJ - go to the top of the class. One of my memories of Adelaide was the white line down the centre of the path around the River Torrens. It was there to separate the opposiing streams of runners/cyclists - like the white line down the middle of the road.
The exercise culture is so different, isn't it!? I remember your blogs from Oz very well. You deservedly get praise, you have achieved so much Although I do get praise I do think that most people think that exercising daily is not something for them and that you have to be slightly nutty
Really enjoyed reading that Teresa. Most people I've talked to have been very encouraging (or even impressed!), although one work colleague did say the other day that her osteopath had told her never to do running because of the potential for spine damage, which was a bit off-putting. I did mention the research that showed that inactive people have more (as much? - need to check details really) joint damage as runners, though. But they weren't convinced.
Thanks Greenlegs. Yes, I've had the same comments about possible damage: These negative comments are unbelievable really when you consider all the benefits to running. Although most people have encouraging things to say, exercising still seems to be in the minority here, I'm just not sure why.
I hear over and over how my knees will suffer as a runner. Guess what? My knees hurt before I ever started running! Studies show that runners do not gain knee damage from the act of running. Try to convince the negative nellies though...
So true. Every response to my saying that I have taken up jogging has been 'it won't do your joints any good'. Well, I have bits of cartilage floating around in my knees as a result of playing squash twice a week for, ooh, nearly 5 decades and yet I have no knee pain from running at all. Walking occasionally, but nothing from running. It has been remarkably trouble-free. Almost certainly because it has been carefully controlled by the programme, with the effort and strain on the body being increased gradually.
I was telling my hairdresser yesterday about my running and her first reaction was "oh, its bad for your knees you know, especially as you get older"!! Typical response from so many and bloody cheek - suggesting I'm old!!
Great to read what you have both written ... I remain in awe of you graduates (watch this space, I fully plan to join that status in a couple of weeks )
I'm an older Brit and am thrilled with this forum and how I've been made to feel welcome and cheered for attempting to get myself fit and healthier for retirement very soon. However, this sadly is not indicative of the mood of this nation.
Some years ago I lived and worked (teaching) in New Zealand for about 6 years. I remember being amazed that as I walked out at the weekend, every single school playground was full (netball courts and fields being used by umpteen kids with parental support and cheering on) and every park area had marked out rugby, soccer and cricket areas so that all the year round local teams of all ages were active in sport. My point being that the climate down in Wellington was just about the same as here in the SE, UK. I visited Oz too and noticed what was going on there. It's a 'whole' culture thing, seems to me. Children and adults alike share the joys of participating in sporting events, training and share the joy of being fit. If fitness has a strong correlation with health and well-being, then that too needs to be considered as a factor. With no free medical care, the peoples of both countries seem to be far more proactive in their health care ... as, when things go wrong, it costs. Certainly, folk tend to have insurance, but don't discount how this fuels an encouragement to stay healthy from early in life.
As retirement approaches and it seems likely that I'll spend it here (I too am now caring for my elderly mother's decline with heaps of health problems), I thought I had better 'shake a leg'. I know my weight and lack of fitness is entirely down to me and too comfy/complacent an English lifestyle. (Wake-up call!) People here who consider themselves sports enthusiasts, too often state this from the perspective of an armchair. Not me! So, so grateful I found C25K and the folk within it! I had needed the 'shove' of this challenge and I am only now realising just how amazing an experience this is becoming! I'm hooked.
I will succeed. I will get, then stay as fit as I can. My lifestyle change will be inspired by my Antipodean pals, and people on this forum. I will ignore any comments from others as I plod through the local streets, I will have the last laugh... at them ... as they smoke their lungs to destruction, get drunk on the streets at weekends and watch their sports heroes on TV over the masses of their stomachs as they munch on another fast-food meal.
My best wishes to all on (or who have completed) the C25K challenge and for the mega enthusiastic support of the regular forum bloggers. I love and thank you all ... keep up the good work, stay fit and healthy. Maybe, little by little, we can get our nation's peoples to see (our) sense! Cheers, and good health. Linda x
Thank you Linda, what a fascinating reply, especially as you have seen it from so many perspectives/cultures. It is particuarly interesting that the climate in Wellington isn't dissimilar to that of the SE which is where I live as I suspected that good weather doesn't necessarily mean more physical activity. I was talking to a friend in Oz about the healthcare system compared to the UK and I think you have a valid point about having no free medical care = being proactive with taking responsibility for your own health and fitness.
Good luck with the next couple of weeks on your C25K challenge
It's a very valid point. We are all influenced by our surroundings and the people we mix with.
Personally I have always been into sports but my daughters went to a school which typically did little in the way of encouraging physical activity and so they had no base on which to build (and I think that's a growing problem). Despite that they took up running in their twenties and are very fit and active. And coincidentally they each married _extremely_ sporty partners (one's a personal trainer, and the other two are semi-pro surfers and skiers) so there's always plenty going on.
Here in France, where they live, outside physical activity is encouraged and made easy. Wide cycle and walking lanes are physically distinct from the road (unlike the joke cycle paths in Kent, some of which only last for 20 yeards or so) and run from Bayonne to Bordeaux. During the day I see serious runners, joggers, walkers, dog walkers, surfers, swimmers, cyclists, Nordic walkers - and in the summer so much lycra that you need sunglasses!
And, like your description of Oz, everyone here seems to be fit and healthy. So if everyone around you is fit and healthy then the peer pressure and general expectation is such that no-one wants to be the one blob on the beach! Whereas if there are snide remarks when you talk about getting fit or running or whatever, it's easy to take on that negativity and just not do it.
Which is why groups like this are so helpful - the shared experience is encouraging and enables people to get out and do it. It's definitely easier if the infrastructure and surroundings (and climate) help, but you still need the willpower and encouragement to get off the couch!
All of this is so true!! Thanks for all your comments Landesman. I don't really know a lot about elsewhere in Europe, so it's very interesting to read what it's like in France with regard to regular physical activity.
Your last paragraph sums up my thoughts beautifully.
I think you're right Greenlegs. I also think that groups of Mums could get together and walk or run whilst the kids are at school. I might even see if I can start something up at my daughter's new school.
I saw a programme about how sport is popular in Sweden, even amongst teenage girls. Sweden not being a sunny, warm place, the sports courts were all floodlit and they played and trained in all weathers.
Wikipedia says ;-
Sport is considered a national pastime in Sweden, and about half of the population actively takes part in sports activities. The most important all-embracing organisations for sports in Sweden are the Swedish Sports Confederation, and the Swedish Olympic Committee. In total over 2 million people (about 20% of the total population) are members of a sports club.
That's really interesting bout Sweden Christian1... I didn't see the programme. When I was a teenage girl I did everything I could to get out of PE at school, I'm not sure why but taking part in a sport wasn't seen as a cool thing to do (whereas eating chips and smoking during lunchtime was). Strange.
This blog should be used by the NHS website as a testimonial to the C25K programme: so many valid and interesting points.
As far as Italy is concerned, when I lived in the North I found everyone was very active: cycling, running, tennis, skiing, mountaineering, swimming, the ubiquitous football... Now that I live in the centre of Italy, it's mainly men you see out and about (as in France, to quote Landesman, "so much lycra that you need sunglasses"), though a fair few women go to the gym and enjoy acquaspinning at the pool. I'm in a minority of one in my wee town when it comes to running and cycling. If the women go out for a walk it's usually a stroll to pick asparagus, snails or "misticanza" (wild salad greens). Though I notice things are better down in Rome.
And yes, even the doctors here try to dissuade us against running... the usual joints comment.
Thank you for your very kind comments Con-brio, and thank you for the original question! Living in a wee little town in the centre of Italy; now that's what I call bliss Glad that you're holding the banner for active women!
When I was in France last year for the first time in a number of years, I really noticed the difference between here and there in terms of people's fitness and weight. Ok, I was staying at a campsite so it might have been a bit self-selecting, but in general you do not see overweight people as a matter of course as you do here. Lots of people were on bikes or playing tennis, or swimming. I do genuinely think it is a cause of great sorrow individually and collectively for society that this country has managed to get into such a poor state of health through bad diet and lack of exercise (with a large measure of help from unscrupulous food manufacturers upping sugar content by stealth massively too, I should add). I am fortunate in that I've never been overweight, but one of the reasons I'm doing C25K is that I know I don't have the fitness I should have, and I did get into bad habits after my second child was born with eating loads of chocolate and things while breastfeeding, but forgetting to stop once that finished as a reward to myself once the kids were finally asleep! I've stopped that now. I'm about half a stone heavier than I was pre children, and I'd like to either lose the weight or the inches back to closer to what I was before. My mother was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few years ago and it was quite a shock because while she is probably slightly plump, she's not obviously overweight and has always been quite healthy. I thought - I don't want that to be me in 30 years.
Yes, I've been constantly trying to lose that half a stone since having the children! And my last child was 10 years ago It sounds like you're on the road to a new fit you Thank you for your comments.
A wonderful blog, Theresa, and you and everyone who's commented have made some very good points. I feel in the minority for trying to get fitter. I am surrounded either by very fit people, who are a little condescending in their attitude to my efforts, or blobs who mock my attitude and warn that it's not good for me. But sod the lot of them - when it comes down to it, I'm doing this for me, not them. I'd like to think that I have encouraged and inspired my daughters to think about their fitness - the idea that their mum can run is quite a surprise, I think - and if they can change their attitudes, that's great.
But the support on here is amazing, and we are a great community. Go us!
I'm with you Annie. We need to put ourselves first and get fit. only then can we help/ inspire others. Hopefully!
For me the key phrase from TJs blog is
'the support on here is amazing and vital'
It is so true, vital. Knowing there is a group of like minded people willing to share advice and freely give encouragement and support has been VITAL to me and I'm sure to many others.
I like to think in a small way we are bucking the trend in trying to improve our way of life.
I went out the other evening and a friend of mine was praising me for looking so good. But then proceeded to tell me I was too thin! I am not too thin. I started this programme 5 months ago at nearly 13 stone. I am now a little over 11. I feel great and I'm not ashamed to say I look a lot healthier! So whether my friend was concerned or a little jealous, I'm not sure. But one thing is a fact, same friend is starting her new fitness regime next week!
I have also been running with 2 other friends. One of whom was a lapsed runner. The other professed she wouldnt carry on if she didn't have others to run with. AND my sister is running, my husband is running, walking, swimming more.
I'm so grateful to you all, the British are a funny lot. We are so ashamed of being seen to improve ourselves, do well and be proud of it I say!
As Con Brio said above, here in Northern Italy, we do have quite a sporty culture. I live in a small town and every Tuesday evening there is an orgainised 10K speed walk around the walls of the old city. I don't actually participate as I am a "morning" person. However 900 others do!
And we have special cycling routes in the park -- where I run, so I need to be careful and keep right or I could get run over! I suppose we have to keep fit to allow for the great food and nice clothes!
Just to add a slightly different perspective, but up here in the Highlands I DO see a lot of people out and about being active - hiking, cycling, running, skiing, kayaking, etc. Maybe it's because I frequent the places where folks go for sports/exercise, rather than city centres...?
I worked at a campsite for the past four summers and as Tati says, maybe that is a self-selecting group, but I saw children and adults out on bikes, kayaks, canoes, swimming and walking, every day. The weather did not stop them going out. It maybe was also helped by the fact they could not get TV reception at the site!
Another factor if there are a lot of retired people, especially early-retirees, who move to this area to be able to enjoy outdoors activities. Some of these like to keep active doing activities such as 'Green Gym' where they do voluntary conservation work, as well as walking.
In the past when I've been along to running events to support my son, I've felt so unfit in comparison; I've joked I needed to go past a few pubs to see the smokers outside to not feel so bad about myself.
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When I was lucky enough to take part in an hours session with a personal trainer with my friend, it was with a small group of other mums, on a Monday morning and when I looked around the banks above the beach where we were training there were small pockets of people training everywhere! 
I run as a decision regarding my health. I had a mother who, after a heart attack, spent countless hours on a treadmill. I watched her decline and I watched her die. This is my time, in my life to make the changes I need to for my health. Such an interesting blog. I will be interested in reading the responses. Gayle
Now I have no excuse
